The International Cookbook for Kids

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: Never mind the kids, I wanted to cook the recipes in here myself. Written with verve, enthusiasm and real knowledge, this book makes you feel ravenous just reading through it. It's the children's cookbook I've been searching several continents for. It doesn't dumb down or over-simplify the recipes; they are authentic but still easy to read and follow. The author includes sensible safety advice but doesn't patronise his young readers. It's well-illustrated too - none of those blurry out-of-focus photographs that blight so many adult cookery books so you don't know what the finished dish is meant to look like. And the stay-flat spine makes it easy to read when you've got a wooden spoon in one hand and a pan handle in the other. Please, Marshall Cavendish, bring out an English version soon. In the meantime the US copy I've had shipped over will be getting properly sauce-stained in our family kitchen. And if Matthew Locchricio is ever passing he's welcome to drop in.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended introductory cookbook for young chefs
Review: The International Cookbook For Kids by professional chef and caterer Matthew Locricchio specifically designed to be the perfect introduction to the joys, pleasures, and accomplishments of cooking for kids ages 12 and older. Showcasing 60 classic, "kid friendly" recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico, each individual dish comes with easy-to-follow directions and involves fresh and nutritious ingredients. Enhanced with the color photography of Jack McConnell, the dishes range from Tortilla Soup; Cold Sesame Noodles; Tomato Salad; and Pasta Sauce from Bologna; to Polenta Pie with sausage and Cheese; Red Enchiladas; Stir-Fried Orange Chicken; Roast Pork with Dried Plums; and Beef Stew with Tomatoes and Olives. The wonderful chapter on desserts offers Cream Puffs with Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce along with other savory dishes to top off any meal. Completing this perfect and enthusiastically recommended introductory cookbook for young chefs are chapters on "Essential Ingredients in the Kitchen"; "Cooking Terms"; "Cooking Equipment and Utensils"; and an Index.