Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsSafety Instructions blend like part of the recipe..
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2020
Loved receiving this SOO MUCH!! I’ve been waiting to do a review after making a handful of recipes with my son… And let me tell you, this is a great book to have! My 16-year-old son was adopted after he was removed from circumstances of being conceived, in utero, and born drug addicted for the first year of life- Needless to say, the effects have been more than difficult for him to overcome… Especially in the basic academic level. When most teach their children to cook and gradually help that skill to progress- we haven't got close to there. He loves to cook.. but, I’ll be honest- it’s dangerous! Instead of wanting help (like a “baby!”) he just steers away... ughh... This KILLS me.
Well, What I appreciate about this book so much- are the basic steps made clear/precise/to the point and with a vocabulary that is easy to understand. On top of all this- there are photographs to show the varied step as well.. lending an assurance, what you are doing is accurate- it also guides the cook along so, you can reference throughout the recipes. Sure, the book is titled “big fun kids cookbook” and the word “kid” should probably make him feel a little less then- But, it doesn’t?! Instead, he just thinks the word is to reference recipes without ‘yucky things’ most kids don’t like to eat.. and because, he found multiple recipes inside this cookbook he liked, it just made sense to him! (Hey, I will take it all day long...)
What I can appreciate from a mom standpoint, is the fact this is written with safety in mind- steps in the recipe blend the safety as if part of the instructions- to be sure handles are turned away from flames (and shows this with a photo!) or, it instructs you in a way like ie. “in step 3. *after turning handle safely away from hanging off the edge or near open flame, let the meat simmer on low for 3-5min or, until no longer pink.” **see, the safety is reminded and included as part of the cooking steps and it does this throughout the entire recipe!!! It will tell how to remove a hot item or, drain it etc.. the same way! All with the same feeling, like it’s just part of a step in the recipe..!! It’s the craziest thing- and builds confidence so much because, I am not having to hover/remind (which is what my son hates and trust me, I get it and understand..) Only with this book, he can cook with safe independence and I can sit by with peace of mind!! PRICELESS-
The recipes are directed towards those learning to cook and then, even helping take those skills up to the next level- the selection of items to create are also (I’m sure can guess..) geared toward a younger group. Although, I do agree they're kid friendly- they are not overly extreme (no “ants on a log” recipe in here!) Plus, I figure it’s not what were eating Per sé but, far more important that the child/teen learn the valuable safety skills while doing it..
I will definitely be watching for more cookbooks like this by the same creators in the future.. they’ve been done quite well and would be a quality resource for anyone learning or, needing to cook at a simpler level- all without feeling demeaning. A total win in our house.
I would love to see a book of the same style for the young adult- I know, I’m not the only mom worried about their child reaching adulthood and lacking safe cooking skills! A cookbook without “kid” in the title... YET, has the safety steps blended into the steps of the recipes. Trust me- there’s a need and those trying to gain independent living.. would benefit greatly
I hope this info helps.. feel free to let me know!
