My kids love helping in the kitchen and I think it is important to start involving them in the preparation of what we eat at a young age. This helps them become more open to what they try when tasting new foods. I think it can also create a sense of pride in what they can accomplish when they get to create food that they can then help bring to the family table and share.
Over the years, I have bonded many times in the kitchen with my own three children as we cook together. I hope this continues for years to come. I have also been given the opportunity recently to teach 6-8th grade students in an after-school cooking class. The students seem to enjoy exploring different cooking skills, equipment, and methods.
I have found that The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs by America’s Test Kitchen to be a great reference to have in the home or along in the classroom with young bakers. The recipes are very well written with an easy-to-follow format. This book provides great baking projects for after school or on the weekends.
As a teacher, I like this book for how it explains techniques, steps, and tips to young bakers. Therefore, this book helps give me ideas on ways to tailor my approach on possibly new baking subjects with students.
There are several color images included in The Complete Baking Books for Young Chefs to help visual learners and to get kids excited about what they can create. The food science knowledge and cooking tips inside this book cover help extend learning beyond the recipe being created. I think this is a great cookbook for anyone with a child in the home or for gifting a copy to that special young chef.
