Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook by Victoria Kann

Looking at the weather this morning and saw that the whole country is in some sort of dreadful weather pattern.  Except of course Florida....which is apparently sunny and warm.  Since most people can't just pick up and go to Florida the best that can be done is stay in and get cozy.  I think baking is one of the coziest things to do on a cold winters day.

The Pinkalicious Cupcake Cookbook by Victoria Kann is the perfect new cookbook for kids to have fun with while hunkered down in your house.  There are 20 different cupcake recipes to make and enjoy.  While I am thinking this is geared towards girls (what with the pink theme and all), there are few decorating tips that might be a little bit gender neutral. Besides it doesn't matter if you are a boy or girl when it comes to eating these sweet treats.  What's great about the recipes are the step by step instructions that show you how to decorate different cupcakes.  Gluten free recipes are also included. There are also decorating tips for a multitude of holidays which makes it a perfect gift too.  This is a fun new cookbook for the baker in your life.

Reference Sunday: Let's Go to the Farmer's Market from Chronicle Books

Wow I hadn't realized it has been so long since I last posted.   It has been a busy few weeks....I went away on a wonderful vacation down the Jersey Shore then puppy sat for a week.   Of course I had to get back to work which after a great vacation is always hard to do.   The next few weeks are also going to be busy but I am hoping to get back into some sort of blogging routine....there are so many great new books to talk about.


Normally I don't like to write about toys or kits but I couldn't pass up today's title.   I have mentioned before that I have a side business selling homemade Veggie burgers with my sister in law.   It has been a seasonal business because we usually only sell them at her local farmer's market.   This year we haven't participated yet because I got a full time job and the place we had been making the burgers has limited  availability.   That being said I am still very much a supporter of farmer's market in general.   I love buying fresh locally grown vegetables in the summer.  It always makes me feel healthier.  One of my favorite things to see while selling at the farmer's market were all the families that wandered the area.   I loved how the children would be eating "pickles on a stick"...or carrying baskets of fruit.

Let's Go the to the Farmer's Market by Chronicle Books is a cute little kit and while there isn't an actual book there is a booklet that talks about what a Farmer's Market is all about.  It also has activity cards and a shopping list.  The best part is the tote bag just the right size for little hands to help carry their produce.  It a great way to introduce healthy living to the youngest among us.


Oh and because I must recommend some sort of book Chronicle Books also publishes a great cookbook and activity book called:

At the Farmer's Market with Kids by Leslie Jonah & Ethel Brennan with Photographs by Sheri Giblin is also a wonderful way to talk about the value of the eating healthy and shopping at Farmer's Markets with children.   It teaches children (and grownups) how to pick the freshest fruits and vegetables.  The book also has recipes and other activities geared to specific age groups.   A great companion piece to today's highlighted title.  

So I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer and that today's selections inspire some to try their local Farmer's Market....Happy Summer!

Flashback Tuesday: Mary Poppins in the Kitchen by P.L. Travers

According to Anita Silvey's Book a Day Almanac it has been 85 years since Mary Poppins first came on the scene.   

When I was a little girl I got for Christmas one year my one and only Mary Poppins book.  

Mary Poppins in the Kitchen A Cookery Book with a Story by P.L Travers, illustrations by Mary Shepard and Culinary Consultant Maurice Moore-Betty is  one of my favorite childhood books .   I only knew Mary Poppins from the movie so when I got the book I was intrigued to read that there were more children and that Mary Poppins was actually a part of the household for more than a couple of days.   I loved reading the story and reading the recipes.   I can still see myself making the roast chicken with the help of my Mother.  I still have my copy with food stains all over it and my Mother's handwriting where she had inscribed it with my name and year of the gift.   It is something I will always treasure.   

It is actually a great little cookbook....the recipes aren't hard and the story is sweet.   I perfect little gift to share.   

Reference Sunday: Fun With Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee

Today is my nephew Joseph's 12th birthday or as I like to call him JoJo.   Last year I wrote about a book that teaches kid's Chinese.  He is still taking Chinese in school and seems to still like it.   Not only does he still like learning this very difficult language he loves the food.  He has also always loved Chinese food.  I think he could eat it every day.  A few years ago his class had to put together a cookbook and the recipe he contributed was an easy Lo Mein dish he loved.   His love of Chinese food inspired me to recommend this really great book to help teach kids the art of cooking a real Chinese menu.

 

Fun with Chinese Cooking by Frances Lee is geared toward kids ages 8 and up who love to cook.   The recipes are easy to read with step by step instructions and full color photographs.  This book is a great way for kids to learn how to make some foods that they thought they could only get out to eat.   I like how there is an explanation of the dishes with side bars that have extra tips that are fun to read.   So if you know a child who loves Chinese food as much as my nephew does than this would be a great book for them.....

More Cookbooks!

Yesterday I wrote about a great new cookbook for kids.   I would also like to recommend some other new cookbooks just in case that one isn't enough and more recipes are needed.  




No Bake Gingerbread House For Kids by Lisa Anderson & Zac Williams.  Every year my nephews aunt gives them a Gingerbread making kit.   This book is nice because there is no kit needed and the ingredients are easy to get.   A perfect cookbook for this time of year.







The Do it Myself Kids' Cookbook: Nothing Hot, Nothing Sharp by Laurie Goldrich Wolf is for the youngest cooks in the house.   These recipes can be made by a child with no direct help from an adult.   I know lots of kids who will love this because they always want to do things themselves.







Boys Can Cook Too! Incredible Cookies by Kelly Lambrakis.  Normally I wouldn't suggest a book that is gender specific but I couldn't help myself with this one.   This is part of a series of books geared toward boys and cooking.   I was drawn to this one because the author has three boys just like my brother.   My brother's boys always liked to help in the kitchen.   I have a great photo of my nephew JoJo with his Grandma last year baking our bread for Christmas morning.   Even though it is technically for boys I am sure if there is a girl in the family they will like it too.




Teen Cuisine by Matthew Locriccio is one of the best books for young adults I have seen.   I know most teens could probably use a grownup cookbook but this is great to get them started.   I liked the set up and recipes plus the photographs are truly helpful.









Bean Appetit: Hip & Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food by Shannon Payette Selp and Kelly Parthen.  I just loved the title of this book.   I also loved that it shows how eating healthy can be fun--as you know my other life involves veggie burgers (thesavorygarden.blogspot.com) and healthy eating.




These are just a few newer cookbooks for kids out in the marketplace.   These make great gifts for this time of year--Buon Appetito!

Reference Sunday: The Kids-Did-it! A (fun) cookie-baking cookbook for kids, illustrated by kids! by Glenn & Michelle Abrams

So it is that time of year again, Thanksgiving is over and it is time to turn our attention to Christmas and Hanukkah.   This is a time of buying presents, decorating and of course baking.

The Kids-Did-it!  A (fun) cookie-baking cookbook for kids, illustrated by kids! by Glenn & Michelle Abrams is a really great book to use this time of year.   Kids love to help in the kitchen and what they love most is to help make cookies and cakes.   What I love about this cookbook (besides the wonderful recipes--which are very child friendly) is that the illustrations are done by kids and are really quite impressive.   Children will be inspired to not only learn to bake but to maybe pick up a paintbrush or pencil and create their own illustrations.   This makes a great family gift or maybe an early gift to your child so they can help prepare for the holidays.   Either way it is a fun cookbook for kids and adults to enjoy together.   Oh if you go to the website Kidsdidt.com and enter the code (after you hit the buy now link) YFR5S8Q9 you can get a discount at checkout...buon appetite!

Reference Sunday: Blue Moon Soup: A Family Cookbook by Gary Goss illust by Jane Dyer

I looked up tonight and saw a beautiful sight.  An extraordinary full moon, apparently it is a blue moon...which we won't have again until 2012....so no blue moons next year.   

Blue Moon Soup: A Family Cookbook by Gary Goss and illustrated by the wonderful Jane Dyer is an older book but one I just love.   It is a great cookbook for kids and deals with soups and stew etc.  It is a family friendly cookbook written with children's tastes in mind.  Even if I never cooked one of the recipes I would still add to my cookbook collection as I love Jane Dyer's illustrations....so warm and inviting.   This book might be hard to get but it is really worth it.    

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly by Carolyn Parkhurst illus by Dan Yaccarino

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday, she is also my partner in our veggie burger business.   She loves to cook which is why we started a food business.   I thought today's book suggestion would be in her honor as we both love to watch cooking shows. Happy Birthday T!


Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly by Carolyn Parkhurst and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino is a really funny book that has a little boy who likes to pretend he is doing a cooking show.   He must "pretend" with his little sister because he was told by his mother he has to play with her.   It is told in a conversational way which makes it a wonderful read aloud.   Carolyn Parkhurst has kids minds down pat and Dan Yaccarino's illustrations made me laugh.   This is a great book about siblings that is just a fun read.   I can't wait to see what other adventures Henry and Elliebelly get into.  

Reference Sunday: Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy

When I saw today's book I was immediately drawn to it.   I loved the title.   When I flipped through it I was even more impressed.

Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy and published by Workman Publishers is a great book for anyone to use when confronted with the task of entertaining children on a summer's day.

While it is geared towards spending time with Grandma I think anyone can benefit from using this book. The projects are fun and not too difficult---and coming from me that is an accomplishment.   Mostly it has outdoor activities but there is also rainy day suggestions and indoor fun as well.   Like I said it might be geared for Grandmas (or Grandpa's) but anyone can enjoy it.    Here is to making fun summer memories with family and friends!

Flashback Tuesday: Pretend Soup by Mollie Katzen & Ann L. Henderson

Today is the first rainy day in awhile.   It is quite refreshing after the heat wave we have just been through. Today is the perfect day to stay inside and do some indoor activities.  One of the best thing to do with kids is cook.   They love to help and they can eat the finished project.  Back in January I highlighted another Mollie Katzen title Honest Pretzels but just mentioned today's book in passing.  I figured it was a good time to remember this book fully.

Pretend Soup by Mollie Katzen & Ann L. Henderson was one of the first cookbooks to come along that was geared toward the preschool set.   There may have been others but this one really stood out because it's authors were well known and the book was really packaged well.   It was written before all the Food Network stars started branching out to kids books.   It had celebrity attached to it before celebrity became popular. If your child likes to help in the kitchen then this is a must have book to be enjoyed by all.

Reference Sunday: Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything. One Step at a Time by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann

My nephews are so excited about the end of the school year.  They can't wait until they can get up when they want and pretty much just play.   Now while my nephews are happy my sister and sister-in-law are both dreading it.   They know that there is a good chance that by the middle of summer vacation they will start to hear whining from their kids about having nothing to do.  

Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything. One Step at a Time by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann from Candlewick Publishers is just the book to have at the ready.   It is geared toward the older child ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can use it too...especially if they have older siblings.  This really great book is filled with activities like cooking, crafts, magic tricks and so much more.   I really think it can keep kids occupied for hours.   I also think it is great for a gaggle of children as there is something for everyone.  My one nephew likes to cook and another nephew likes to explore while a third nephew is really into pranks....so like I said something for every child.   A great fun book that should keep your children occupied....at least for a couple of days.  

Reference Sunday: Honest Pretzels by Mollie Katzen

I know it isn't cold everywhere but right now it is very cold where I am sitting. I thought what better activity to do with kids on a cold day than cooking. It will keep all the kids occupied and warm.

Honest Pretzels: and 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks ages 8 & Up by Mollie Katzen has just come out in paperback. It has great recipes for both kids and adults. It has recipes for foods like Best Hot Chocolate & Creamy Corn Soup which would be great on a cold day like today. Although if you live in a warm climate than you can make Icy Strawberry Slush or Frozen Fruit Pops. Either way it is great book to get kids interested in cooking or for the child who already wants to learn. My nephew Joseph is big on helping in the kitchen....this is perfect for kids like him!

Mollie Katzen also has other cooking books for kids like Pretend Soup & Salad People....which are meant ages preschool & up!