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Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat [A Cookbook]
Written by two teens who know what teens do and don’t know about cooking, TEENS COOK is an instructional cookbook that teaches young adults how to make great meals—and be confident and independent in the kitchen. Authors Megan and Jill Carle are teenage sisters with nothing much in common when it comes to food—except that they both know how to cook really well. One buys ingredients she likes and figures out what to make when she gets home; the other follows every recipe to the letter. One is a vegetarian who’s drawn to ethnic food; the other prefers all-American comfort food. Together, they’re a dynamic duo who have created and mastered more than 75 recipes for breakfasts, snacks, sides, family meals, dinners for one, and desserts. In TEENS COOK, the Carle sisters also share their kitchen know-how on averting and fixing disasters, dealing with cookbook math (fractions and metrics—ugh!), deciphering culinary vocabulary (all those terms we kind of know, but not really), explaining chemistry (why and how stuff goes right and wrong in the kitchen), and avoiding accidents (can you say “grease fire”? oops!). For teens (and tweens) who are tired of eating what their parents decide to fix, TEENS COOK offers foolproof advice for whipping up some tasty home-cooked meals of their own.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
28 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 27, 2017
Good pictures. I usually go for cookbooks aimed towards younger readers because of the basic ingredients and ease in constructing the recipe, this was actually a step up from most of those because the authors have been helping in the kitchen most of their lives. A great example of how getting kids to help prepare meals can help broaden their tastes.
March 29, 2010
I couldn't decide how to rate this book. It has pictures for every recipe, which is a total bonus for me. It also had a few tips and notes and the teens themselves are too funny. So it was enjoyable in that aspect.
As for the recipes, they weren't what I was expecting. This could be for teens, but it would be for teens who like to cook already or have shown a deep interest. I thought it would be some teen/simple-friendly food that would be a cinch to make for them to throw together dinner...some boxed or canned items, some additional ingredients, a little mixing, and voila. Instead, this has lots of recipes from all over the food spectrum (from sloppy joes to encrusted fish) and all basically from scratch. It has you mincing garlic, not using garlic powder or jarred garlic. And those sloppy joes are from scratch...it's not how to make sloppy joes with help from a can.
I just think about when I was a teen and that I wouldn't have eaten a lot of this food because it would have been very strange to me, and all the ingredients and process would have intimidated me. That is why I didn't give it 5 stars, because I think the title is a bit misleading for the recipe content.
As for the recipes, they weren't what I was expecting. This could be for teens, but it would be for teens who like to cook already or have shown a deep interest. I thought it would be some teen/simple-friendly food that would be a cinch to make for them to throw together dinner...some boxed or canned items, some additional ingredients, a little mixing, and voila. Instead, this has lots of recipes from all over the food spectrum (from sloppy joes to encrusted fish) and all basically from scratch. It has you mincing garlic, not using garlic powder or jarred garlic. And those sloppy joes are from scratch...it's not how to make sloppy joes with help from a can.
I just think about when I was a teen and that I wouldn't have eaten a lot of this food because it would have been very strange to me, and all the ingredients and process would have intimidated me. That is why I didn't give it 5 stars, because I think the title is a bit misleading for the recipe content.
June 18, 2011
I picked this one up several years ago for my kids. Other than being the happy recipient of peanut butter cookies and a bit of a skim through, I didn't really remember much about the recipes, but I thought I'd take a closer look, since we're in a bit of a budget crunch right now and I thought it might help to have the kids participate in trying to cut the grocery bill.
What I found were some very simple, but quite yummy, recipes. Not only will they not break the bank, but most of my kids will eat them, which is fairly amazing, considering how picky they can be. The "kids" range in age from 12 to nearly 21 (three weeks from tomorrow!) and the oldest two have Asperger's syndrome, so sometimes textural issues come into play. Add in the fact that 3 of them are vegetarian, and it can be interesting trying to find dishes that will please all of them at once. This book manages to do that quite a bit of the time.
The directions are simple enough that my 12yo can follow them, yet not so simple that my 17yo feels talked down to. Oh, and if you get a chance to check it out, make the potato skins. You'll really be glad you did.
What I found were some very simple, but quite yummy, recipes. Not only will they not break the bank, but most of my kids will eat them, which is fairly amazing, considering how picky they can be. The "kids" range in age from 12 to nearly 21 (three weeks from tomorrow!) and the oldest two have Asperger's syndrome, so sometimes textural issues come into play. Add in the fact that 3 of them are vegetarian, and it can be interesting trying to find dishes that will please all of them at once. This book manages to do that quite a bit of the time.
The directions are simple enough that my 12yo can follow them, yet not so simple that my 17yo feels talked down to. Oh, and if you get a chance to check it out, make the potato skins. You'll really be glad you did.
December 14, 2011
Title:
Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat
Author:
Megan and Jill Carle, with Judi Carle
Illustrator:
Jessica Boone, food photography and prop styling
Susan Draudt, food styling
Year:
2004
ISBN:
978-1-58008-584-7
Publisher:
Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press
Reader’s Annotation:
Easy way to use a cookbook to create food for a vegetarian and omnivore eaters, by two teen sisters who filled this book with delicious recipes
Plot Summary:
Jill and Megan Carle are sisters who have been cooking along with their mother, Judy, from a very young age.. The book contains 85 recipes divided into six categories: breakfast, snacks, soup/salad, dinner for one, family meals, and desserts. Each recipe contains a blurb from one of the sisters providing background tips. The recipes are easy to read and have a color photograph showing the finished product. A feature I liked was that the Authors used “Kitchen Vocab” throughout the book giving it reader explanations of words commonly used in recipes and defining cooking tools. Pictures of the sisters cooking, laughing, and enjoying themselves are included.
Critical Evaluation:
I think by far this book is well written and the title appealing for Young Adults. The recipes are easy to read and simple with nine or fewer ingredients. The photographs are in color and catching the eye of the reader making the foods appear appetizing and inviting; including some pictures of the Authors having fun cooking. Young Adults will feel independent and confident in making fast, easy, delicious meals. I think this cookbook makes it a good book for anyone that it’s a beginner which most young adults are. Its recipes are perfect for growing teens. Devil Eggs Anyone?
Author Information:
Megan and Jill Carle are sisters who used their mother, Judy, as consultant to make food. Both sisters Megan and Jill Carle were invited by Ten Speed Press to create a cookbook. They published their first book, Teens Cook, in May 2004. They both attended the University of Arizona. Megan Carle is a vegetarian who has authored several cookbooks aimed at teens. She attended Arizona State University as a graduate student in linguistics.
Jill Carle enjoys ethnic cuisines and American comfort food. She attended Arizona State University as a graduate student studying American Politics. They have also published one of their book with their mom Teens Cook Dessert. Here is a website with an interview of the Author Jill Carle about her experience for healthy eating secrets.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-...
Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat
Author:
Megan and Jill Carle, with Judi Carle
Illustrator:
Jessica Boone, food photography and prop styling
Susan Draudt, food styling
Year:
2004
ISBN:
978-1-58008-584-7
Publisher:
Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press
Reader’s Annotation:
Easy way to use a cookbook to create food for a vegetarian and omnivore eaters, by two teen sisters who filled this book with delicious recipes
Plot Summary:
Jill and Megan Carle are sisters who have been cooking along with their mother, Judy, from a very young age.. The book contains 85 recipes divided into six categories: breakfast, snacks, soup/salad, dinner for one, family meals, and desserts. Each recipe contains a blurb from one of the sisters providing background tips. The recipes are easy to read and have a color photograph showing the finished product. A feature I liked was that the Authors used “Kitchen Vocab” throughout the book giving it reader explanations of words commonly used in recipes and defining cooking tools. Pictures of the sisters cooking, laughing, and enjoying themselves are included.
Critical Evaluation:
I think by far this book is well written and the title appealing for Young Adults. The recipes are easy to read and simple with nine or fewer ingredients. The photographs are in color and catching the eye of the reader making the foods appear appetizing and inviting; including some pictures of the Authors having fun cooking. Young Adults will feel independent and confident in making fast, easy, delicious meals. I think this cookbook makes it a good book for anyone that it’s a beginner which most young adults are. Its recipes are perfect for growing teens. Devil Eggs Anyone?
Author Information:
Megan and Jill Carle are sisters who used their mother, Judy, as consultant to make food. Both sisters Megan and Jill Carle were invited by Ten Speed Press to create a cookbook. They published their first book, Teens Cook, in May 2004. They both attended the University of Arizona. Megan Carle is a vegetarian who has authored several cookbooks aimed at teens. She attended Arizona State University as a graduate student in linguistics.
Jill Carle enjoys ethnic cuisines and American comfort food. She attended Arizona State University as a graduate student studying American Politics. They have also published one of their book with their mom Teens Cook Dessert. Here is a website with an interview of the Author Jill Carle about her experience for healthy eating secrets.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-...
June 24, 2010
I got this book as a Christmas present from my friend Amy a few years ago and I’ve only recently re-discovered it. Boy, am I glad that I did.
This is by far the easiest cookbook that I have ever used in my life. I mean, I like to cook and bake, especially for larger crowds, but this book makes it so easy to make a one person meal too. It goes over breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, soups, salads, family meals, and individual meals. Honestly, it does it all plus it has both your comfort favourite foods like mac and cheese along with foods that I would never even consider like vegetable maki rolls.
What I really like about this book is how user friendly it is and how easy they make it so that you can take a recipe and substitute a lot of ingredients. My favourite is the seven-layer bars (which I think I’ve gotten up to over 10 layers) which I also make into just s’mores bars and other things. Seriously, this recipe is gold. I used it to bribe two guy friends of mine to help me move out of my last apartment; meaning that the only payment they got was this baked deliciousness. And one of them got a case of beer. But still, that is the power of these bars. Though they can also put you into a diabetic shock, so be careful what you put in them.
As far as cookbooks go, this is a 10/10 for me. Aside from the cream cheese brownies, I’ve never had a failed recipe from this book (though I was able to turn those brownies into a different desert which was even better). So if it’s your first time at college, or you’re newly on your own, or if you just want some really easy recipes to make for your family, this is a great book to pick up. In fact, I want to get my hands on the other ones that these girls have done. Except for maybe the vegetarian one…
This is by far the easiest cookbook that I have ever used in my life. I mean, I like to cook and bake, especially for larger crowds, but this book makes it so easy to make a one person meal too. It goes over breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, soups, salads, family meals, and individual meals. Honestly, it does it all plus it has both your comfort favourite foods like mac and cheese along with foods that I would never even consider like vegetable maki rolls.
What I really like about this book is how user friendly it is and how easy they make it so that you can take a recipe and substitute a lot of ingredients. My favourite is the seven-layer bars (which I think I’ve gotten up to over 10 layers) which I also make into just s’mores bars and other things. Seriously, this recipe is gold. I used it to bribe two guy friends of mine to help me move out of my last apartment; meaning that the only payment they got was this baked deliciousness. And one of them got a case of beer. But still, that is the power of these bars. Though they can also put you into a diabetic shock, so be careful what you put in them.
As far as cookbooks go, this is a 10/10 for me. Aside from the cream cheese brownies, I’ve never had a failed recipe from this book (though I was able to turn those brownies into a different desert which was even better). So if it’s your first time at college, or you’re newly on your own, or if you just want some really easy recipes to make for your family, this is a great book to pick up. In fact, I want to get my hands on the other ones that these girls have done. Except for maybe the vegetarian one…
October 20, 2013
In this cookbook, Megan and Jill Carle give the reader recipes for teens who want an easy, yet enjoyable recipe that fits a teenagers hunger. With Megan being a vegetarian and Jill enjoying American's homemade comfort food, this book is full of different types of food that will make everyone love you just because you can cook. They give you so many different categories to choose from when wanting to cook starting with Breakfast, Snacks, Soup/Salads, Dinner for One, Family meals, and last but most certainly not least, dessert. I really liked how in the beginning of the cookbook how they offered what they usually use, but those who want to different materials are free to do as they please. Megan and Jill use different ingredients in all of their recipes giving them more flavour. I rated this book 5 stars, because the choices for recipes vary for one good type to another. I can't wait to try and make the cream cheese brownies! The recipe is nice and simple for such a delicious family favourite.
May 13, 2008
Ironically, this is one of the best cookbooks EVER....I thought, at first, maybe I can let my kids look through it and find something everyone will eat (that's healthy and do-able). Well, I loved so much, myself. It's not just chicken fingers and pizza recipes. There's so so much in here. And to think two teenagers put it together. I've already made 3 or 4 things and everyone loved them! This cook book is filled with interesting recipes that do not require a lot of ingredients or a lot of time. And everything is a whole food ingredient, not pre-packaged, canned or chemically enhanced. This book utilizes dried red kidney beans, flour, salmon, couscous and even tells kids how to make homemade croutons. How fun is that?
January 7, 2013
I bought Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat for my daughter for Christmas, 2012. She LOVES it! During Christmas break, she spent more time in the kitchen than she did in front of the TV or computer. The recipes in this cookbook range from easy-peasy (like deviled eggs) to more complicated numbers (like cheesecake and lasagna). The authors are two teens: one who's a vegetarian and one who's not, so the variety of foods offered in the text will suit the needs of any teenager, regardless of their preferences.
I'm planning to blog about it (scheduled for Feb. 22, 2013) in my "2 Enchanting 2B True" segment that I post every Friday. It's well worth your money. See the full review at chellywood.com if you're curious.
I'm planning to blog about it (scheduled for Feb. 22, 2013) in my "2 Enchanting 2B True" segment that I post every Friday. It's well worth your money. See the full review at chellywood.com if you're curious.
June 24, 2016
On behalf of my 3 kids I give this book 5 stars. They love the range of recipes from salads, to main meals like fried rice and Mexican lasagna, to desserts - even a chapter on Meals for One. I don't know if it's the recipes written by teens for teens, the photos and layout, selection of recipes, or maybe it's just the whole package - they feel empowered to cook what's in this book and I'll all about that!
September 27, 2015
This book cost me a pretty hefty late fee from the library.
Perfect for the teen who loves to cook but has no time (like me) or has to eat on their own a lot -- there's a whole section for meals for one!
There are recipes for vegetarians, since one of the authors is one, and recipes for family meals.
So far, every recipe I've tried has been quick and delicious. :)
Perfect for the teen who loves to cook but has no time (like me) or has to eat on their own a lot -- there's a whole section for meals for one!
There are recipes for vegetarians, since one of the authors is one, and recipes for family meals.
So far, every recipe I've tried has been quick and delicious. :)
December 29, 2008
Since I have only read this, not cooked from it, I am only giving it 3 stars so far. Lots of the food looks yummy...but high calorie...ok for skinny, growing active teens...only in small doses for aging sedentary parents, alas! I may have to try the easy cinnamon buns. My own kids thought they should be cooking more after briefly perusing this...I take that as a positive.
January 11, 2014
These teens are better cooks than I am at 40. However, the instructions are extra clear, with lots of side notes about what techniques are, which would make it a good first cookbook. Also, one of the two is vegetarian, so there are veg-friendly versions of almost all the recipes. Also, the dinner for one chapter is useful.
June 19, 2015
Hard to like a book you were required to "read" when you....can't actually read it. Haha. I had a hard time applying it to my eating life style cause about all the recipes had flower in it and most my fam is gluten free...
January 19, 2018
This is a good cookbook for anyone, but the foods are basically all appealing to teens. Most recipes are not “dumbed down” and there are some good explanations of cooking terms. Also notable is options are provided on how to adapt recipes to be vegetarian or to include meat.
December 23, 2007
This book has great pictures and easy recipes. I enjoy the extra "science tips" that megan and jill give in the book, they were super helpful. This is a book you will want to own and use often.
March 5, 2008
Lots of good yummy, easy recipes we use as a family. Gets the teens in the kitchen making dinner.
May 5, 2008
This has some really great recipes and they are really simple!
July 18, 2008
I love this cookbook! I know it is cheesy but the meals are so easy and it is entertaining to read. I totally recommend it.
January 20, 2011
Easy recipes for the teen cook written by two teen sisters - what it lacks in personality it makes up for with accessible recipes for the beginning cooks.
October 30, 2012
skimmed through. Really basic recipes.
January 2, 2014
I have made no recipes but I like how it was laid out.
December 13, 2018
Teen or not this is a great cook book for some basics. Best Banana bread recipe.
January 1, 2019
Great cookbook. It is nice that I am able to cook on my own and make something delicious.
January 13, 2019
Love this cookbook! It's not filled with food teens would never cook, or try., there are desserts, breakfast, and full on dinners. I loved the crepes, they tasted great.
May 19, 2020
Love this one! Very approachable, simple 'real' food recipes. Good variety; everything from nachos to sushi/sloppy joes to salmon en papillote. Lots of little tips about process, comments about family life (mom calls staring into the fridge, "air conditioning the kitchen") and fun "Kitchen Disaster" stories.
Recipes tried: 5 (plus many more recipes more similar to what we cook regularly)
Recipes tried: 5 (plus many more recipes more similar to what we cook regularly)
March 4, 2020
Good cookbook I recommend it
July 17, 2024
No one could understand the impact this had on my youth
October 25, 2022
Make the apple crumble in the desert section. It is the best crumble I have ever had.
August 2, 2016
I think this is an awesome book, for snacks and deserts. Some of the meals however are kinda formal and seem hard to make. I have never tried though so maybe they aren't. Anyways if you are looking for really easy sweets and snacks then you should definitely read this cookbook.
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