Look and Cook: A Cookbook for Children

by Tina Davis

Somewhere between banging the table with a spoon and refusing to eat Brussels sprouts, children are captivated by the magic that takes place in the kitchen. Transforming a lump of dough into a chocolate chip cookie, watching a pancake puff up on the griddle, rolling meatballs between their hands are all enchanting to children. Look and Cook features 50 simple recipes for kids of all ages that capture the fun of cooking. The kid-tested recipes are clearly explained and colorfully illustrated with vintage cookbook artwork. Author and designer Tina Davis has been collecting cookbooks for more than two decades. Some of the recipes she includes here, such as Popcorn Balls, are reproduced from her favorite books. Others such as Fruit Salad and Meringue Cookies come from her family's collection and have been passed down for generations. From Salmon Loaf to Blueberry Muffins, all of the dishes are classic favorites easy enough for a child to make with a little supervision from an adult. To acquaint kids with the kitchen, Davis describes different utensils and their uses, then explains some rudimentary techniques, like how to measure ingredients and clean up afterward. Junior cooks can personalize the book by adding their own recipes to the blank Notes section.

Genres: Cooking, Cookbooks, Childrens

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Becky H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cook book with all the basics. It has recipes from how to boil pasta to making fudge.

[Mike Aragona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this cookbook was originally purchased for my daughter Melyssa, the classic recipes presented are so easy to make (and so tasty!) that we often find ourselves referring back to them. The presentation behind working in the kitchen (preparation, utensils, etc) along with the layout of the dishes has definitely helped encourage us to take this book off the shelves regularly and to cook and bake together as a family :)

[Rhyetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great for kids who want to learn to cook. It's got simple recipes like vegetable soup, cinnamon toast, chocolate chip cookies, etc. The pictures are old-fashioned yet trendy! It was really fun to read. We've experimented with several of the recipes and have liked all of them.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just liked this one for the artwork. My kids, however, think it's a storybook and want to read it together with me over and over. Daniel keeps asking if we can make a dessert from here. So...score one for appealing to the intended audience.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious graphics. Even the recipes are vintage. Thank you Tina Davis for sharing your love of old timey crafty goodness with kids! (And their parents....)

[Noran Miss Pumkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter's first cook book for Christmas-have a cutie apron for her-very vintage feel to it as well.