This holiday…Teach your kids to cook!

As we–get–further–into the–holiday season, trying–to–think–of–gifts–that–will entertain throughout–the next–year can be–trying. With that in mind, how about considering–something–that will not only entertain your child–but teach–him–and create self-esteem–as–well?

There’s–no–better–way–to–teach–a child about food and–nutrition than–to have him learn–how to–cook. The good–news is that–there are many kids’–cookbooks — both classics and–new additions — to choose from!

For–children–ages 2 to 5 there’s a wonderful–book called “Sesame–Street: C–is–for Cooking” by–Susan–McQuillan. “Sesame–Street” has been–actively–promoting improved–nutrition to children–for years, starting–with Cookie–Monster’s warnings about eating–too many–sweets. This–book is a companion–to–the messages being taught–on the program. Full of wonderful pictures–of everyone’s–favorite “Sesame Street” monsters–and–critters, it’s a joy to read and very easy–to–use. Better yet, the author is a registered–dietitian so you can be confident that–the recipes are nutritionally–sound as well–as tasty!

For kids–7–and–older, Better–Crocker has republished “Betty–Crocker’s Cook Book for Boys–and–Girls.” This was my first–cookbook, and it’s–still in my collection. Originally–published in 1957, the reissue is identical to the–original book, including the ’50’s–artwork. It brings back–wonderful–memories to–those–who–learned to cook so many–years ago. Although–it doesn’t–offer the nutrition–education that some of the newer–cookbooks do, the recipes–are easy and remain–kid favorites even–today.

Another–cooking keeper is the–“Better–Homes–and–Gardens–New–Junior Cookbook,” a classic cookbook for children 9 years–and up. Time-tested–recipes, easy to understand–instructions–and–cooking/baking–“how-to” make–this as valuable a book as–the adult version.

My last–recommendation–is “The–Everything–Kid’s–Cookbook,” a fun-filled, fact-filled–treasury–of kid-loved recipes. Also–written by a–registered dietitian, it covers lessons on how to read a recipe,–the–right tools and how–to use them. Common cooking–terms, as well as sound–nutritional tips, are included in this book, a fabulous fit–for–an–older–child.

While–there are many–more–terrific–cookbooks out there, I–find the–above titles to be adult pleasers–as well as child–favorites. Whatever–book you buy,–remember that any time a–child cooks, an adult must supervise.

Finally, to complete–this wonderful gift for your child, I recommend–the–proper equipment and attire! Look for a chef’s hat and apron and real, child-sized utensils, such as–a bowl, mixing–spoons and a–measuring cup. Purchase them together–as a gift—or–separately for–wonderful–stocking stuffers!