America's Test Kitchen Kids

There are lots of useful basic tips in here (knife skills, etc.) with plenty of helpful accompanying pictures. Between the recipes themselves, pictures, and callout boxes about techniques and ingredients, the layout is quite crowded. Many of the recipes themselves simply seem like halved versions of "regular" recipes. But, for the kid who is ready to be somewhat independent in the kitchen, this is a fine place to start.
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Borrowed again February 2024. Kiddo liked the symbol key (number of hats signify beginner, intermediate, or advanced recipe) and we made a quesadilla in a pan. I considered the homemade veggie burger recipe but she lost interest.… (mere)

This is from America’s Test Kitchen, so pay attention to the “…for Young Chefs” aspect of the title and realize it’s more than just a “kid’s cookbook.” First, there are ATK’s trademark tutorials on tools, techniques and the science of cooking. And then there are the recipes, which are largely from scratch ingredients and respect kid-chefs’ tastes and talents -- breakfast proteins and sweets; snacks (hummus, salsa and guacamole come to mind); sandwiches like a BLT wrap and a caprese panini (a hip version of grilled cheese); main dishes; sides (note my only quibble: I doubt many of these would appeal to kids!); and desserts.

Each recipe is presented via a two-page spread that includes a color photo of the finished dish; the number of servings and preparation time; a training routine about assembling ingredients and equipment; and then preparation instructions. Each recipe also notes the level of skill required to prepare, plus whether a knife, microwave, stovetop or oven is required (good info for parents). Nutritional information for every dish is collected into a table at the back of the book.

I have a lot of books from ATK and this one feels unique. My mother-in-law would have loved it for her junior-high home economics classroom. I’d have loved it as a kid -- and heck, I’m excited to cook from it now!

(Review based on a copy of the book provided by the publisher.)… (mere)