What to Look for in a Cookbook for Kids by Elliott Cross

While trying to eat healthy is something that we as adults want to do, teaching our children how to cook and eat healthy can be a challenge. Usually the sweet tooth seems to override the nutrition factor. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches take priority over vegetables.

So, one of the biggest issues if finding a way to help teach your children how to cook healthy meals. On the same note is finding quick recipes for children that are easy to make and simple to prepare, but taste great for them. Finding cookbooks for kids that have simple and easy recipes can tough with so many cookbooks out there. So, how do you determine what cookbook is best for your child?

Once you find a good cookbook for children, is it really useful for them? There are so many terms, steps and measurements that they must begin to learn how to understand that it can be confusing for a child to learn how to cook.

There are a few key areas to look for in finding a cookbook for your child that can help make cooking fun for them to learn.

Simple and easy terms.
With terms such as "al dente", "deglaze" or "puree", it's no wonder that kids loose interest in cooking pretty easily. By finding a good cookbook that has simple and easy to understand terms, you can really make learning how to cook a lot more fun for your child.

Easy Ingredients list.
If the ingredient list is simple and has items in it that your child would eat normally, then chances are that they will like to cook it. If it has brussel sprouts or asparagus, then you probably know the answer to this recipe.

Simple steps for preparation and cooking.
The steps for preparing the recipe should be simple and easy to follow for your child. Usually, one step at a time is the best method. It also helps if there is a good diagram or pictures of the steps that are easy for your child to see and compare what they are doing to what is in the cookbook.
Is it what they would eat?
If the recipe item is something that they would not eat, then chances are that they will not like to help prepare and cook it. Remember the easy ingredients list above.

Safety issues addressed.
Your child's cookbook should also include an area about food and kitchen safety issues. How to wash their hands, store food items, and kitchen appliance safety are good learning points that will help reinforce a child's cooking education for the future.

The best way to find a good cookbook for your child is to take them along to the bookstore or let them see the cookbook online with you. Letting your child help pick out the cookbook will make them feel a part of something special with you and will increase the chances of a good cooking experience with your child. Choosing the right cookbook for kids is vital to the cooking experience.
You can find out more about cookbooks and cooking for kids by visiting cookbooksforkids.blogspot.com

About the Author
Having a three year old is a challenge while trying to cook in the kitchen. In an effort to get her more involved and participating in cooking, my trials and searches for good cookbooks for kids and recipes has led me to many places. I write about those books, tips and recipes at Cookbooks for Kids.