BRING ME SOME APPLES AND I’LL MAKE YOU A PIE
By: Robbin Gourley (HMH Books for Young Readers) 
Ages 4–8

Long before the natural-food movement gained popularity, Edna Lewis championed purity of ingredients, regional cuisine and farm-to-table eating. She was a chef when female chefs—let alone African American female chefs—were few and far between. With lyrical text and watercolor illustrations, Robbin Gourley traces the roots of Edna's appreciation for the bounties of nature through the seasons. Folk rhymes and songs about food are sprinkled throughout the text, and five kid-friendly recipes with an author's note about Edna's life are included.

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THE FOREST FEAST FOR KIDS

The first children’s cookbook from New York Times bestselling author and popular food blogger Erin Gleeson, The Forest Feast for Kids serves up kid-friendly vegetarian recipes that are quick, easy and fun to make. This cookbook showcases the rustic simplicity of the fare through vibrant colorful photography of Gleeson’s beautiful home in the woods and of children cooking the dishes themselves.

Each meal is simple and full of fresh and lively flavors that will appeal to kids. The natural beauty of Gleeson’s surroundings and the abundance of local produce serve as the inspiration for recipes such as: Pesto Pepper Pizza, Rainbow Chard Quiche, and Watermelon Smoothies.

In addition to its recipes—which span meals, party food, snacks, and beverages—this book includes ideas for crafty table decoration, party ideas, an illustrated guide on kitchen safety, and a glossary of culinary terms. The recipes are complemented by a mix of stunning photographs and art, including Gleeson’s own fanciful watercolor illustrations and hand lettering.

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IN THE FRENCH KITCHEN WITH KIDS: EASY, EVERYDAY DISHES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO MAKE AND ENJOY

French food is notoriously not the simplest of cuisines to cook but, according to author Mardi Michels, “French food doesn't have to be complicated.” 

This book makes French food approachable for young cooks and introduces the French classics—both sweet and savory—like omelettes, croque monsieurs, steak frites, profiteroles, madeleines and crème brûlée. The introduction section includes a foreword by Dorie Greenspan as well as a thorough French pantry explanation and essential equipment list. There are even chapters for special occasions and basic pastries. As an added bonus, this book also introduces kids to some French language basics: délicieuse.

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SUPER FOODS FOR SUPER KIDS COOKBOOK: 50 DELICIOUS (AND SECRETLY HEALTHY) RECIPES KIDS WILL LOVE TO MAKE

Authored by a registered dietitian, this cookbook will not only get kids excited to cook but also to cook healthy food. Cleverly designed using an approachable superhero theme, this book stresses “super” foods that are powerful and make kids feel strong, outlining ingredients like avocados, grapes and walnuts, and simplistically explaining their benefits and some tasty ways to incorporate them into cooking. 

The book also includes a pantry section and nutritional information. Knowing that safety is always a concern when kids are in the kitchen, recipes were thoughtfully designed to “let you know when it’s time to call in your adult assistant for a little extra help.” With recipes like breakfast pizza, burrito salad bowl, apple nachos and creamy cauliflower pasta, kids will be excited to make and eat healthy foods.

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THE SUPER EASY TEEN COOKBOOK: 75 SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP RECIPES

This new release geared toward teens is perfect, no matter the skill level, whether they already have some cooking knowledge or their kitchen skills are limited to microwave-cooking. With “no crazy prep work, no boring flavors, and no help from adults required,” teens will be empowered to prepare their own meals, whether it be shrimp tacos, spaghetti carbonara, or a matcha-pineapple smoothie. 

The introduction section includes safety tips, a common term glossary, and conversions. Recipes are also thoughtfully organized by various allergens, as well as by the following categories: “fast” (20 minutes or less), “five ingredients or less,” “no heat,” and “really fast" (under 10 minutes).  

This is the perfect “graduation” gift for that teen finally heading off to college after a year of online homeschooling!

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Podcast Pick
MYSTERY RECIPE

Believe it or not, a podcast exists solely dedicated to cooking and kids. Produced by America’s Test Kitchen Kids, creativity oozes from each episode of this show. Pick any week and start with Episode 1 for that week to follow along with the story and build up to the grand finale: a mystery recipe cook-along. 
Highlights include guessing what the secret ingredient is, interviews with experts about specific food production or preparation, tips for cooking and baking and shout-outs to listeners. Each episode is typically around 20 minutes or less, ideal for listening to in the car or while cleaning the kitchen!

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