I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am confused.
Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy and
likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of these
cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't
care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
Janet

> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I
> don't care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't
> want to turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence.
> Thanks
> Janet
I would make a list of titles that look interesting, from the Amazon site,
then go & check them out at either the local library or bookstore.

Harriet & critters

"Harriet Neal" > wrote in message
nk.net...
>
>
>> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down
>> or preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I
>> don't care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't
>> want to turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence.
>> Thanks
>> Janet
> I would make a list of titles that look interesting, from the Amazon site,
> then go & check them out at either the local library or bookstore.
>
> Harriet & critters
I'm going to try to do this, but it means a trip to the Mall area at bad
times of the day. I mean, I don't do the Mall. Horrors!!! Besides which
our Mall bookstores appear to be more geared to coffee, Danish and Meet and
Greet. {
Janet

Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am confused.
> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy and
> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of these
> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't
> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks

Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
demonstration, not by reading about it.

A book would be good for teaching the background
of food -- history of the spice trade, the new
foods from the New World, etc. A good book on
cheeses might be a better start. That's an easy
subject to handle, and there will always be another
cheese to try. He might even like to try cheesemaking.

"Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
...
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>
>> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month)
>> a
>> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am
>> confused.
>> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy
>> and
>> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
>> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of
>> these
>> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down
>> or
>> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I
>> don't
>> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
>> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
>
> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
> demonstration, not by reading about it.
True, but I thought this would be a good way for the boy and his mother to
get started. All of the books talk about safety and tools and so forth.
Mom and Dad are both professors, so now is a good time of the year (summer
vacation) for everyone to have a little time to get over the initial hump.
By the time school starts I'm thinking they will have established a sort of
working rhythm to allow helpful hands in the kitchen.

I like your ideas about learning about other foods. I think there is one
cookbook that is foods of the world. I'll look into that. Thanks
Janet

Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
> "Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
> > Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
> > demonstration, not by reading about it.
> >
> True, but I thought this would be a good way for
> the boy and his mother to get started. All of the
> books talk about safety and tools and so forth.

That sounds deadly dull. A book about safety.
The only way it could be less exciting is if it
also covered nutrition.

A good food book should inspire. It should make
the reader want to try that piece of cheese (or
whatever). I admit that some of the best food
books create unrealistic expectations -- the cheese
isn't really as good as described, or maybe the
piece we got wasn't the best of that type, or maybe
it was my fault for imagining a much better cheese
than the author actually meant to describe. But
by the time you get to that point, it doesn't
matter. The book has done its work.

Mark Thorson wrote:
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>
>> "Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
>>> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
>>> demonstration, not by reading about it.
>>>
>> True, but I thought this would be a good way for
>> the boy and his mother to get started. All of the
>> books talk about safety and tools and so forth.
>
> That sounds deadly dull. A book about safety.
> The only way it could be less exciting is if it
> also covered nutrition.
>
Like nutrition is an exciting subject? The child has demonstrated an
interest in cooking so apparently a cookbook would be a good thing in the
hands of this 7 year old.

Jill

jmcquown wrote:
> Mark Thorson wrote:
>> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>> "Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
>>>> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
>>>> demonstration, not by reading about it.
>>>>
>>> True, but I thought this would be a good way for
>>> the boy and his mother to get started. All of the
>>> books talk about safety and tools and so forth.
>> That sounds deadly dull. A book about safety.
>> The only way it could be less exciting is if it
>> also covered nutrition.
>>
> Like nutrition is an exciting subject? The child has demonstrated an
> interest in cooking so apparently a cookbook would be a good thing in the
> hands of this 7 year old.
>
> Jill
>
>

I bought my girls a cookbook - as soon as I figure out where it is I
will post the title...

They LOVE it (they are 3 and 6) They like reading it, looking at the
pictures and cooking from it. We have made French toast sticks, sticky
buns and brownies from it.

Roberta (in VA)

Mark Thorson > wrote in
:

> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>
>> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
>> month) a beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and
>> I am confused. Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level.
>> He's a smart boy and likes making and doing things. He's always
>> been a tool guy but likes hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of
>> you have any knowledge of these cookbooks and which ones do a good
>> job of teaching without dumbing down or preaching. I just want him
>> to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't care if the first
>> thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to turn him off
>> by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
>
> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
> demonstration, not by reading about it.
>
> A book would be good for teaching the background
> of food -- history of the spice trade, the new
> foods from the New World, etc. A good book on
> cheeses might be a better start. That's an easy
> subject to handle, and there will always be another
> cheese to try. He might even like to try cheesemaking.


Agreed!

I actually remember the first time I got to cook. I was probably 4 years
old and Pop gave me the spatula and let me flip a pancake. I flunked! I
kinda/sorta just folded it in half. I remember that like it was
yesterday! I was so mad at myself--Pop making it look so easy and fun. I
about cried but I got it right a few pancakes later. When all the
pancakes were done, Pop asked me for permission to eat MY pancake. I was
so happy!!! Pop's wants to eat my pancake!?!?!? I could COOK! I loved
Pop even more that day!

Andy

P.S. My folded pancake went to our beagle who swallowed it in one bite,
practically.

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
> Mark Thorson > wrote in
> :
>
snip
>> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
>> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
>> demonstration, not by reading about it.
>>
>> A book would be good for teaching the background
>> of food -- history of the spice trade, the new
>> foods from the New World, etc. A good book on
>> cheeses might be a better start. That's an easy
>> subject to handle, and there will always be another
>> cheese to try. He might even like to try cheesemaking.
>
>
> Agreed!
>
> I actually remember the first time I got to cook. I was probably 4 years
> old and Pop gave me the spatula and let me flip a pancake. I flunked! I
> kinda/sorta just folded it in half. I remember that like it was
> yesterday! I was so mad at myself--Pop making it look so easy and fun. I
> about cried but I got it right a few pancakes later. When all the
> pancakes were done, Pop asked me for permission to eat MY pancake. I was
> so happy!!! Pop's wants to eat my pancake!?!?!? I could COOK! I loved
> Pop even more that day!
>
> Andy
>
> P.S. My folded pancake went to our beagle who swallowed it in one bite,
> practically.

Isn't it great to have a memory like that? I was talking to my daughter
about getting the cookbook this morning and she related a similar memory to
me. Actually one that I don't remember. She said I let her make cookies
all by herself and just left her to it and it really made her proud.
Schedules are so busy these days with both adults working and so many
activities for children, I wanted to make sure that the boys had the
opportunity to share that kind of experience. The 7 yo's brother is 4 and
fairly advanced just because he has an older brother -- he seems to have
skipped babyhood. So I'm thinking that ultimately the book will be used by
both of them. Thanks
Janet

"Janet Bostwick" > wrote in
:

>
> "Andy" <q> wrote in message
> ...
>> Mark Thorson > wrote in
>> :
>>
> snip
>>> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
>>> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
>>> demonstration, not by reading about it.
>>>
>>> A book would be good for teaching the background
>>> of food -- history of the spice trade, the new
>>> foods from the New World, etc. A good book on
>>> cheeses might be a better start. That's an easy
>>> subject to handle, and there will always be another
>>> cheese to try. He might even like to try cheesemaking.
>>
>>
>> Agreed!
>>
>> I actually remember the first time I got to cook. I was probably 4
>> years old and Pop gave me the spatula and let me flip a pancake. I
>> flunked! I kinda/sorta just folded it in half. I remember that like
>> it was yesterday! I was so mad at myself--Pop making it look so easy
>> and fun. I about cried but I got it right a few pancakes later. When
>> all the pancakes were done, Pop asked me for permission to eat MY
>> pancake. I was so happy!!! Pop's wants to eat my pancake!?!?!? I
>> could COOK! I loved Pop even more that day!
>>
>> Andy
>>
>> P.S. My folded pancake went to our beagle who swallowed it in one
>> bite, practically.
>
> Isn't it great to have a memory like that? I was talking to my
> daughter about getting the cookbook this morning and she related a
> similar memory to me. Actually one that I don't remember. She said I
> let her make cookies all by herself and just left her to it and it
> really made her proud. Schedules are so busy these days with both
> adults working and so many activities for children, I wanted to make
> sure that the boys had the opportunity to share that kind of
> experience. The 7 yo's brother is 4 and fairly advanced just because
> he has an older brother -- he seems to have skipped babyhood. So I'm
> thinking that ultimately the book will be used by both of them.
> Thanks Janet


Janet,

No, thank you!!!

Your subject line and message and Mark's bicycle by book brought that
memory back like magic! It's only been a 44 year old memory.

Memories never die, they just need posts like yours to reunite you with
them. Is that a fair explanation?

All the best,

Andy

P.S. I don't care, diet or not, tomorrow I'm making pancakes. And mixing
the batter in the exact same bowl Pop used. --A

On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 17:28:45 -0500, Andy <q> wrote:

>P.S. I don't care, diet or not, tomorrow I'm making pancakes. And mixing
>the batter in the exact same bowl Pop used. --A

*smile* I always make my potato salad in the same bowl that Crash's
mother used. It makes him happy.

Carol
--

Some people are like Slinkies... they don't really have a purpose but
they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.

Stolen from "traid" on the IRC

"Andy" <q> wrote in message ...
snip
> Andy
>
> P.S. I don't care, diet or not, tomorrow I'm making pancakes. And mixing
> the batter in the exact same bowl Pop used. --A

A holiday is always a good time to celebrate memories or start a tradition.
Go for it!!
Janet

Andy wrote:

>Mark Thorson > wrote in
:
>
>
>
>>Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
>>>month) a beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and
>>>I am confused. Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level.
>>> He's a smart boy and likes making and doing things. He's always
>>>been a tool guy but likes hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of
>>>you have any knowledge of these cookbooks and which ones do a good
>>>job of teaching without dumbing down or preaching. I just want him
>>>to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't care if the first
>>>thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to turn him off
>>>by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
>>>
>>>
>>Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
>>Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
>>demonstration, not by reading about it.
>>
>>A book would be good for teaching the background
>>of food -- history of the spice trade, the new
>>foods from the New World, etc. A good book on
>>cheeses might be a better start. That's an easy
>>subject to handle, and there will always be another
>>cheese to try. He might even like to try cheesemaking.
>>
>>
>
>
>Agreed!
>
>I actually remember the first time I got to cook. I was probably 4 years
>old and Pop gave me the spatula and let me flip a pancake. I flunked! I
>kinda/sorta just folded it in half. I remember that like it was
>yesterday! I was so mad at myself--Pop making it look so easy and fun. I
>about cried but I got it right a few pancakes later. When all the
>pancakes were done, Pop asked me for permission to eat MY pancake. I was
>so happy!!! Pop's wants to eat my pancake!?!?!? I could COOK! I loved
>Pop even more that day!
>
>Andy
>
>P.S. My folded pancake went to our beagle who swallowed it in one bite,
>practically.
>
>
You know, my earliest cooking memories are very similar. Mum cooking
dropscones on the cast iron girdle, and me kneeling on a chair up
against the stove. Spoonful of batter on the girdle, wait for the
bubbles to rise and start popping, then flip. As I got older I was
allowed to use the butter paper to grease the girdle.

Dropscones made in a frying pan are not the same.

Christine

Mark Thorson wrote:
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
> >
> > I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
> > beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am confused.
> > Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy and
> > likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
> > hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of these
> > cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
> > preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't
> > care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
> > turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
>
> Isn't that like learning to ride a bike from a book?
> Simple stuff like toast or an omelet is taught by
> demonstration, not by reading about it.
>
Even the simplest things can be learned from a book ;-) I had a
McCalls' (I think) children's cookbook - 8 1/2 x 11 - hard cover - when
I was about 8 years old. I made everything in it, eventually. It had
some of those "neat-o" salads like making a candlestick out of a
banana, with a cherry for the flame and other stuff like that; it had
tuna casserole; even, I think, a peanut butter sandwich. I can't
remember other recipes, but I loved it because it was MINE. ;-) I
still have it.

N.

"Nancy2" > wrote in message
oups.com...
snip
> Even the simplest things can be learned from a book ;-) I had a
> McCalls' (I think) children's cookbook - 8 1/2 x 11 - hard cover - when
> I was about 8 years old. I made everything in it, eventually. It had
> some of those "neat-o" salads like making a candlestick out of a
> banana, with a cherry for the flame and other stuff like that; it had
> tuna casserole; even, I think, a peanut butter sandwich. I can't
> remember other recipes, but I loved it because it was MINE. ;-) I
> still have it.
>
> N.
I loved this story, especially the candle with the cherry flame. I can see
why a kid would just love doing something like that. Thanks Nancy.
Janet

Janet Bostwick wrote:
> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am confused.
> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy and
> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of these
> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't
> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
> Janet

I don't have any experience with children's cookbooks, but do have some
experience with teaching kids to cook. Even with a cookbook, there
will need to be an adult in the kitchen with him, so if there are words
and phrases he doesn't know the adult will be there to explain them,
right? So I would err on the side of a book that's too advanced
rather than one that's too easy. -aem

"aem" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month)
>> a
>> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am
>> confused.
>> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy
>> and
>> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
>> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of
>> these
>> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down
>> or
>> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I
>> don't
>> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
>> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
>> Janet
>
> I don't have any experience with children's cookbooks, but do have some
> experience with teaching kids to cook. Even with a cookbook, there
> will need to be an adult in the kitchen with him, so if there are words
> and phrases he doesn't know the adult will be there to explain them,
> right? So I would err on the side of a book that's too advanced
> rather than one that's too easy. -aem
>
I think you're right. It's probably better to work into something that be
bored by it at the start. What age children have you taught to cook? And
what kinds of things did you teach them? Thanks
Janet
Janet

On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 13:27:45 -0600, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
> "aem" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>
> > I don't have any experience with children's cookbooks, but do have some
> > experience with teaching kids to cook. Even with a cookbook, there
> > will need to be an adult in the kitchen with him, so if there are words
> > and phrases he doesn't know the adult will be there to explain them,
> > right? So I would err on the side of a book that's too advanced
> > rather than one that's too easy. -aem
> >
> I think you're right. It's probably better to work into something that be
> bored by it at the start.

Why would he be bored? He's not spoiled, is he? In my experience,
*if* (highly unlikely) kids say they are bored - it means the task is
too hard, not too easy.

> What age children have you taught to cook?

Begin now! I started teaching my grandson how to cook at age 2. At
age 4, he knows how to roll out and assemble (from scratch) pizza. He
does it with the aplomb and skill of a 4 year old, but at least he
knows the steps. So, age 7 is not too young (he should be taught how
to do his own laundry soon too).

> And what kinds of things did you teach them? Thanks

Breakfast is good... anything breakfasty will do - from scrambled eggs
& toast to pancakes. Summer is coming, so he can learn how to make
salads from potato to tossed. My earliest recollection in the kitchen
involves stirring gravy on the stove, so there's always something they
can do that doesn't involve a recipe.

After breakfast, the all time winner in my house was chocolate chip
cookies. I taught my son how to make and bake them; so after I taught
her how to bake, he took over and made them with his little sister.
In fact, she was the main baker in the house for years. Her brother
made main dishes, she made dessert.

I had many breakfasts in bed as a result of teaching them independence
in the kitchen and I didn't need to be the main cookie baker after
they learned how to do that. As adults, both are adventurous and
absolutely wonderful cooks. So, it's never too early to start.
--

Ham and eggs.
A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

Janet Bostwick wrote:
>..... What age children have you taught to cook? And
> what kinds of things did you teach them? Thanks

Don't remember exactly. Started probably around 8 with baking cookies,
cakes, quick breads. It was an occasional spending time together
thing, not a planned set of lessons. He was probably 10 when we
started on how to handle a knife, sharpen it, care for it. That led to
how to prep things for stirfry dishes. Didn't let him use the stove
top till he was tall enough. Come to think of it, we went through a
salad and dressing phase when he about 10, too. At 12, other interests
pushed kitchen work way down his list of interesting things to do. He
got back to it somewhat in his mid-to-late 20's. -aem

aem wrote:

> I don't have any experience with children's cookbooks, but do have some
> experience with teaching kids to cook. Even with a cookbook, there
> will need to be an adult in the kitchen with him, so if there are words
> and phrases he doesn't know the adult will be there to explain them,
> right? So I would err on the side of a book that's too advanced
> rather than one that's too easy.

Kids cookbooks are hard to follow. Not only do their directions written for
children, as opposed to the way they are usually written for adults, any time you
get to hot water, burners and stoves you have to go an get an adult to help :-)

aem wrote on 15 Apr 2006 in rec.food.cooking

>
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
> > I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
> > month) a beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and
> > I am confused. Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade
> > level. He's a smart boy and likes making and doing things. He's
> > always been a tool guy but likes hanging around the kitchen too. Do
> > any of you have any knowledge of these cookbooks and which ones do a
> > good job of teaching without dumbing down or preaching. I just want
> > him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't care if the
> > first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to turn
> > him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
> > Janet
>
> I don't have any experience with children's cookbooks, but do have
> some experience with teaching kids to cook. Even with a cookbook,
> there will need to be an adult in the kitchen with him, so if there
> are words and phrases he doesn't know the adult will be there to
> explain them, right? So I would err on the side of a book that's
> too advanced rather than one that's too easy. -aem
>
>

My thirty odd yr old daughter still asks me cooking questions.

I think the idea to give a child a cookbook is a great one. One he/she
can use for a life time. It is the gift of making and enjoying good food.
Plus a needed life skill.

But I too remember the first thing I cooked...and I ruined a kitchen
chair because I put the hot pot on it while carrying it to the kitchen
table...because the phone rang and I had to put the pot down NOW. I was
12.

So I stress the need that the book be a good recipe book but a safe one
too. Not only to protect the child but to make cooking a positive
experience for Child/Mom/Dad/Maid as well. To that end I would discuss
this with the MOM. Who should have more insight to the child's skill
level.

My Daughter when 6 put a egg in her easy bake oven and put it under her
bed then promptly forgot about it, to cook for 4 days...What a stench...

She is fairly bright...was an honnor student...

The point I'm trying to make is that everyone has brain farts...but
children have more of them. And brain farts in the kitchen can be painful
or messy or both. Which wouldn't be good. So select the book carefully
for safety first and then good recipes.

Perhaps give a double gift...The book plus a scrapbook/binder etc... for
keeping recipes to try with your 'help', recipes that the child finds.

--
-Alan

"Mr Libido Incognito" > wrote in message
...
> aem wrote on 15 Apr 2006 in rec.food.cooking
snip
> Perhaps give a double gift...The book plus a scrapbook/binder etc... for
> keeping recipes to try with your 'help', recipes that the child finds.
>
> --
> -Alan
What a good idea, but also in this age of digital cameras and printers,
photos of the results could be kept there. }
Janet

On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:33:50 -0600, Janet Bostwick wrote:

> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am confused.
> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy and
> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of these
> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't
> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
> Janet
>

Personally, I'd buy him one of Anne Willan's Look and Cook cookbooks.

Did you find...
The Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook, by: Angela Wilkes
http://tinyurl.com/jpxfy

Top 10 Children's Cookbooks
http://tinyurl.com/kormv
--

Ham and eggs.
A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:33:50 -0600, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
>> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
>> month) a
>> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am
>> confused.
>> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy
>> and
>> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
>> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of
>> these
>> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down
>> or
>> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I
>> don't
>> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
>> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
>> Janet
>>
>
> Personally, I'd buy him one of Anne Willan's Look and Cook cookbooks.
>
> Did you find...
> The Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook, by: Angela Wilkes
> http://tinyurl.com/jpxfy
>
> Top 10 Children's Cookbooks
> http://tinyurl.com/kormv
> --
>
> Ham and eggs.
> A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

Thanks. Wow! Neat list. I read the review from School Library Journal
about The Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook and decided against it. They
felt it was heavy on sweets. The book I was thinking about is
DK's Children's Cookbook http://tinyurl.com/f89xs

On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 13:45:44 -0600, Janet Bostwick wrote:

>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:33:50 -0600, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> >
> > Personally, I'd buy him one of Anne Willan's Look and Cook cookbooks.
> >
> > Did you find...
> > The Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook, by: Angela Wilkes
> > http://tinyurl.com/jpxfy
> >
> > Top 10 Children's Cookbooks
> > http://tinyurl.com/kormv
> > --
> >
> > Ham and eggs.
> > A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.
>
> Thanks. Wow! Neat list. I read the review from School Library Journal
> about The Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook and decided against it. They
> felt it was heavy on sweets.

I'd think it was a poor review if everything else looked good to me.
Did you follow that link? You can look at the table of contents
online and decide for yourself. IMO, sweets are usually what children
usually do independently at first (remember what your daughter
said)... so if you like the book, it's just a matter of parents
overseeing what he makes from it.

> The book I was thinking about is
> DK's Children's Cookbook http://tinyurl.com/f89xs
>
The cover looks good. Too bad you can't take a look at the table of
contents online!

--

Ham and eggs.
A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

On 2006-04-15, Janet Bostwick > wrote:
> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
> beginner cookbook.

OMG! Just on a whim, I did a Google search, and sure enough:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?O541417FC

This is the exact same first cookbook I got when I was a kid.
Straight forward, not too simple, non-patronizing. IOW, perfect for
a 7 yr old. I think I'll get one for my grandaughters.

nb

"notbob" > wrote in message
. ..
> On 2006-04-15, Janet Bostwick > wrote:
>> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month)
>> a
>> beginner cookbook.
>
> OMG! Just on a whim, I did a Google search, and sure enough:
>
> http://makeashorterlink.com/?O541417FC
>
> This is the exact same first cookbook I got when I was a kid.
> Straight forward, not too simple, non-patronizing. IOW, perfect for
> a 7 yr old. I think I'll get one for my grandaughters.
>
> nb

I'm considering that one as well. Is it the same cover on the book that you
had as a child? BC is always good for the basics.
Janet

On 2006-04-15, Janet Bostwick > wrote:

>> Straight forward, not too simple, non-patronizing. IOW, perfect for
>> a 7 yr old. I think I'll get one for my grandaughters.
>>
>> nb
>
> I'm considering that one as well. Is it the same cover on the book that you
> had as a child? BC is always good for the basics.

Exactly the same. It was a flood of memories, seeing that picture.
In fact, mine was spiral bound, despite what the Amazon promo says. I
was a bit beyond some of the recipes, having prepared my first dish at
the age of four. Besides, mom had a standard BC cookbook and I was
already snooping around in hers. No doubt that's why she bought me
the kid's version. I think a lot of the attraction for kids is just
having a special cookbook all their own.

nb

Janet Bostwick wrote:

>"notbob" > wrote in message
...
>
>
>>On 2006-04-15, Janet Bostwick > wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month)
>>>a
>>>beginner cookbook.
>>>
>>>
>>OMG! Just on a whim, I did a Google search, and sure enough:
>>
>>http://makeashorterlink.com/?O541417FC
>>
>>This is the exact same first cookbook I got when I was a kid.
>>Straight forward, not too simple, non-patronizing. IOW, perfect for
>>a 7 yr old. I think I'll get one for my grandaughters.
>>
>>nb
>>
>>
>
>I'm considering that one as well. Is it the same cover on the book that you
>had as a child? BC is always good for the basics.
>Janet
>
>
>
>
Good grief! I don't believe it! Aunt Sadie gave me a copy when I was
about eight, and I was thrilled to bits. I don't know that I made all
that many of the recipes, but I read it and read it and hankered after
some of the exotic sounding American recipes like Sloppy Joes (I'm sure
there was a recipe for Sloppy Joes).

Christine

Old Mother Ashby > wrote in
:

> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
>>"notbob" > wrote in message
m...
>>
>>
>>>On 2006-04-15, Janet Bostwick > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
>>>>month) a
>>>>beginner cookbook.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>OMG! Just on a whim, I did a Google search, and sure enough:
>>>
>>>http://makeashorterlink.com/?O541417FC
>>>
>>>This is the exact same first cookbook I got when I was a kid.
>>>Straight forward, not too simple, non-patronizing. IOW, perfect for
>>>a 7 yr old. I think I'll get one for my grandaughters.
>>>
>>>nb
>>>
>>>
>>
>>I'm considering that one as well. Is it the same cover on the book
>>that you had as a child? BC is always good for the basics.
>>Janet
>>
>>
>>
>>
> Good grief! I don't believe it! Aunt Sadie gave me a copy when I was
> about eight, and I was thrilled to bits. I don't know that I made all
> that many of the recipes, but I read it and read it and hankered after
> some of the exotic sounding American recipes like Sloppy Joes (I'm
> sure there was a recipe for Sloppy Joes).
>
> Christine


LOL! I should buy that book! Sloppy Joes, pages 107, 114.

Andy

Rachael Ray's got a children's cookbook out called: Cooking Rocks:
30-Minute Meals for Kids. It comes highly recommended.

Cheers,
Chuck Kopsho
Oceanside, California

Janet Bostwick wrote on 15 Apr 2006 in rec.food.cooking

> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
> month) a beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I
> am confused. Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level.
> He's a smart boy and likes making and doing things. He's always been
> a tool guy but likes hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you
> have any knowledge of these cookbooks and which ones do a good job of
> teaching without dumbing down or preaching. I just want him to get
> introduced to some simple stuff. I don't care if the first thing he
> makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to turn him off by sending
> a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks Janet
>
>

Most of these books are the same....no using the stove, no knives, and no
activities that would hurt the child or mess up your house. With that in
mind go for it.

--
-Alan

On Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:23:16 GMT, Mr Libido Incognito wrote:

> Most of these books are the same....no using the stove, no knives, and no
> activities that would hurt the child or mess up your house. With that in
> mind go for it.

Boooooring!
--

Ham and eggs.
A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

On 2006-04-15, Mr Libido Incognito > wrote:

> Most of these books are the same....no using the stove, no knives, and no
> activities that would hurt the child or mess up your house. With that in
> mind go for it.

Not the BC/kid cookbook. Like one reviewer says:

"....There's some chopping and oven use, but none of the talking-down
that other children's cookbooks employ ("get an adult to turn the oven
on" being the most irritating example of this, and all absent from
this book). Recipes tend toward the simple--chili, soup, biscuits,
cakes, cookies, salads, breakfasts--with a concentration on making the
food appealing to kids."

nb

Janet Bostwick wrote:

> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this month) a
> beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and I am confused.
> Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level. He's a smart boy and
> likes making and doing things. He's always been a tool guy but likes
> hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you have any knowledge of these
> cookbooks and which ones do a good job of teaching without dumbing down or
> preaching. I just want him to get introduced to some simple stuff. I don't
> care if the first thing he makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to
> turn him off by sending a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks

I suppose the question is what you expect of a children's cookbook. My wife
bought the Better Home and Gardens Junior Cookbook for our son when he was about
6 or 7. The instructions are written differently than they are for adult, but
not necessarily IMO better or more clearly. In fact, after many years of regular
cookbooks I actually found them confusing.
As far as I can figure, what makes cooks like that children's cookbooks is lots
of pictures and easy recipes.

FWIW, my brothers and I all helped my bother with cooking and baking from a very
early age. I never saw a children's cookbook until my wife got that one for our
son. You'd probably be better off with a good basic cookbook like Betty
Crocker, Better Homes and Gardens or, my favourite all round and most useful and
relied upon, the Joy of Cooking.

Janet Bostwick wrote:
> I'm thinking of getting my 7 yo grandson (birthday the end of this
> month) a beginner cookbook. I've read the reviews on Amazon.com and
> I am confused. Some say reading level 4-8, others give a grade level.
> He's a smart boy and likes making and doing things. He's always been
> a tool guy but likes hanging around the kitchen too. Do any of you
> have any knowledge of these cookbooks and which ones do a good job of
> teaching without dumbing down or preaching. I just want him to get
> introduced to some simple stuff. I don't care if the first thing he
> makes is cinnamon toast, I just don't want to turn him off by sending
> a book that insults his intelligence. Thanks
> Janet

Definely don't "dumb down". He's got the intelligence so take it from
there. I think my first "cooking" experience was when I was 9 and used a
stove by myself to cook rice. But a toaster isn't a burner; I'm pretty sure
I made cinnamon toast (thanks for the memory) by myself before then! After
all, it's just buttered toast and cinnamon sugar.

By that time I knew not all adults know how to cook. Mom went off on a trip
with her girlfriends when we lived in New Jersey. Now lets see... when I
lived in New Jersey I was 5-6 years old and it was 1965. Dad cooked
spaghetti for us. Uh huh. Dad didn't drain the spaghetti noodles; at least
not completely. He just put them on the plate and put tomato sauce on them.
The result was very watery spaghetti. And he was in his 40's by that time.
So being an "adult" doesn't have much to do with cooking, does it?

Don't dumb it down; the boy is either the next cooking genious or someone
who just wants to cook a good meal when it turns out his parents can't or
won't. Either way, don't treat him like a child. And definitely make sure
someone is there to supervise the use of the stove/oven.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
snip>
> Definely don't "dumb down". He's got the intelligence so take it from
> there. I think my first "cooking" experience was when I was 9 and used a
> stove by myself to cook rice. But a toaster isn't a burner; I'm pretty
> sure
> I made cinnamon toast (thanks for the memory) by myself before then!
> After
> all, it's just buttered toast and cinnamon sugar.

> Jill
Being a long-distance Grandma is the pits. For all I know he does make his
own cinnamon toast -- probably. I know he plants his own garden and he got
a set of real tools last Christmas so his Dad could have his back. He and
his brother are currently making a club house out in the thicket. He
confessed to my husband this morning that the door wasn't 'turning out real
good.' But he doesn't really want help because he wants to work on it some
more. He had some children's building/tool books by the time he was 3 or 4
and that is what has been channeling his building since. The books had lots
of pictures. I figured that a cookbook would have similar benefits.

I don't remember what I cooked first. I know I was always in the kitchen
when Mother prepared meals, setting table and fetching this and that. I
remember stirring and frying and stuff like that. I think she probably just
handed duties off to me. I do remember my first cake -- everyone must have
gotten sick of that because I made it so often.
Janet

Janet Bostwick wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
> snip>
>> Definely don't "dumb down". He's got the intelligence so take it
>> from there. I think my first "cooking" experience was when I was 9
>> and used a stove by myself to cook rice. But a toaster isn't a
>> burner
I'm not saying what to buy for him since I have no children, but to me a
picture *is* worth 1000 words. Try to find him a book that shows what the
finished product should look like? I wish I had suggestions. The only
really good cookbooks I have that have photos like that are of Asian food
(some of which definitely requires explaining) and Italian food which has
step by step pictures. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's
hard to imagine a 7 year old whipping up a batch of spinach gnocchi, if you
know what I mean. LOL

> I don't remember what I cooked first. I know I was always in the
> kitchen when Mother prepared meals, setting table and fetching this
> and that. I remember stirring and frying and stuff like that. I
> think she probably just handed duties off to me. I do remember my
> first cake -- everyone must have gotten sick of that because I made
> it so often.
> Janet

LOL I wasn't allowed in the kitchen when Mom was cooking when I was young
but she wasn't a friend of cooking, either. She did it only as a necessity
and I still (fondly) call her the Freezer Queen to this day. She has
wondered aloud many times where I did I get my "cooking gene"?

When they came out with frozen "family meals" in the 1970's she was all over
that. Sliced beef in in gravy! And oh, look, paper-thin sliced turkey roll
in gravy! Much gravy! Serve this with instant mashed potatoes and canned
green beans! Dinner is on! Oh UGH. No wonder we kids spent most of the
1970's in a marijuana haze... anything to give us the munchies so we'd eat
that crap. (laughing)

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> Janet Bostwick wrote:
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> snip>
>>> Definely don't "dumb down". He's got the intelligence so take it
>>> from there. I think my first "cooking" experience was when I was 9
>>> and used a stove by myself to cook rice. But a toaster isn't a
>>> burner
> I'm not saying what to buy for him since I have no children, but to me a
> picture *is* worth 1000 words. Try to find him a book that shows what the
> finished product should look like? I wish I had suggestions. The only
> really good cookbooks I have that have photos like that are of Asian food
> (some of which definitely requires explaining) and Italian food which has
> step by step pictures. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but
> it's
> hard to imagine a 7 year old whipping up a batch of spinach gnocchi, if
> you
> know what I mean. LOL
snip
> Jill
I think most of the books come with a lot of pictures, so no problem there.
Now the gnocchi, maybe in the Playdoh machine??? ;o}