The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook

This thoroughly enjoyable cookbook from the editors of Food Network Magazine presents over 150 recipes “that any kid can make.” There are some recipes that young home cooks (ages 8–12) can prepare with minimal adult supervision, such as one of the six variations of Ants on a Log, as well as others that will require help from an adult, such as the giant s’mores cake, which requires the use of a kitchen torch. In addition to several kids’ favorites like mac and cheese, and creative riffs such as French toast muffins, there are several “design your own recipe” sections that encourage readers to create their own variations of basic staples, such as granola bars. The recipes are simple to follow with easy-to-find ingredients and plenty of valuable tips (“Split English muffins in half with a fork... so you’ll end up with good nooks and crannies”). Alongside the recipes are dozens of facts (“There are 10,000 varieties of grapes in the world,” they write next to a recipe for candied grapes), food trivia quizzes, and coloring pages that are bound to spark enthusiasm. This is an exceptional introduction to cooking that children and even novice adult home cooks will enjoy. (Apr.)