Pros: Simple recipes presented in a simple manner. Information about many countries.
Cons: Nothing major.
The Bottom Line: This international cookbook for children does more than simply present recipes. It teaches customs and introduces children to traditions of many countries.
donnamr's Full Review: Deanna F. Cook - The Kids' Multicultural Cookbook:...
The Kids' Multicultural Cookbook by Deanna F. Cook is written for children ages 5 and older. Confession time - there are no children in my household, but after borrowing this book from the library, I promptly ordered a copy for keeps. Before you start making snide remarks about my mental age, etc. - I maintain that this is merely evidence that I'm young at heart. Okay, it also means simple and straightforward are what I understand best.
At approximately 150 pages, this gem of a book has a lot going for it, providing educational resources in several areas, while taking a fresh, fun approach.
Cooking
Children at the lower end of the age range will need someone reading the directions to them, but they can certainly create these recipes with that help. It's a great way to introduce the concepts of cooking. To that end, the book provides much information.
First, it devotes short chapters to cooking terminology; thus, children learn about tools (whisks, colanders, garlic presses, dry & liquid measuring cups, graters, etc.), measurements (metric, US), preparation methods (chopping, peeling, grating, coring, cubing, etc.), mixing (stirring, whipping, folding, sifting, etc.), and cooking methods (toasting, sautéing, microwaving, baking, simmering, etc.)
Second, it outlines the recipes in a simple, clear two-step manner: • Here's what you'll need • Here's what you do Directions are easy to follow. Some of the recipes are related. For example, a recipe from Ghana for peanut butter is immediately followed by a recipe from the same country for peanut butter soup.
Third, safety is constantly emphasized. For example, if something needs to be cut, the author cautions to ask a grownup to help. She also explains certain dangerous situations, such as exposure to steam.
Culture Beyond the basic cooking aspects, the central focus of the book is on culture. Recipes are presented from 41 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Americas (North, South, Central), and the South Pacific. Food from countries such as Australia, China, Greece, England, and Spain are given no more emphasis than drinks and dishes from places like Nepal, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Liberia, and the Caribbean Islands.
Recipes include main dishes, side dishes, desserts, drinks, and snacks. The emphasis on multicultural food introduces readers to foods they might otherwise not find familiar. Some examples: • Ox-eye eggs from Indonesia (sunny-side-up fried eggs served on rice); • Chapatis from India (flatbread used to scoop food from plates); • Tzatziki from Greece (cucumber & yogurt sauce for dipping pita bread or vegetables); • Anzac biscuits from Australia (a sweet biscuit containing oats, coconut, molasses, and sugar); • Mealie Meal bread from South Africa (bread made from ground corn meal) • Tom Kar Gai from Thailand (coconut chicken soup poured over rice) • Sweet couscous from Tunisia (a semolina wheat product, cooked with butter, sugar, milk, and raisins); • African salad bowl (baked coconut halves - eat the baked coconut, smooth out the shells, and use the shells as bowls).
In addition to the main recipes, many pages contain variations or simple, short recipes for foods that would act as complements. For example, on the pages describing how to make tortilla chips are variations to turn them into Tex-Mex chips and Nacho chips.
The international aspects are highlighted by interesting facts and customs presented along with the recipes. For example, the author explains that, in Morocco food is bought at open-air markets called soulks; a cake baked in 2200 BC is on display at a museum in Switzerland; during Ramadan, Muslims only eat after sunset and before sunrise. Some pages include brief information about actual children living in some of the countries; some include games played in the countries. One of the last chapters in the book urges the reader to "Throw an International Cookout!" It includes an international menu, ideas for invitations, activities, and games
Fun, Educational, and Yummy! I think children would enjoy the opportunity to cook some of these dishes while learning about the countries of origin. The book is well-suited for children of all ages because of its straightforward approach and sense of fun (corny riddles about food are scattered throughout as a bonus.)
I tried several of the recipes and I especially liked the Anzac biscuits, sweet couscous, and Tom Kar Gai. The home-made Italian pasta, though not quite as delicious as my grandmother's, was tasty. I really liked that these dishes were simple and quick to make. I even learned many tidbits about some of the countries represented.
Though The Kids' Multicultural Cookbook is geared toward children, as evidenced by Michael Kline's colorful, entertaining, cartoon-like illustrations, it's also a nice resource for busy adults who would like a taste of something different without a lot of expense or time invested.
One final note - author Deanna F. Cook certainly was appropriately named!
In this hands-on introduction to foods from around the world, children ages seven to fourteen will learn about other cultures through recipes for more...More at Buy.com
In this hands-on introduction to foods from around the world, children ages seven to fourteen will learn about other cultures through recipes for more...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.