Cooking with Children: 15 Lessons for Children, Age 7 and Up, Who Really Want to Learn to Cook
Marion Cunningham is probably best known for her work on the Fannie  Farmer books, but inCooking with Childrenshe shares her culinary  prowess with the next generation of cooks, teaching both children and parents  the basic skills everyone should have in the kitchen. Intended for children age  seven and older, Cunningham's book is designed partly to instruct and partly to  provide an opportunity for parents and children to share in preparing and eating  meals--an element of family life that is quickly vanishing in this age of busy  schedules and microwave meals consumed on the run. Cunningham basesCooking  with Childrenon her experiences teaching youngsters both privately and in  community center programs. What she learned about a child's capabilities, likes,  and dislikes has been distilled into 15 basic lessons, all centered around a  particular recipe.The first chapter, for example, entitled "Vegetable Soup," teaches how to peel and chop vegetables, how to sauté, how to be organized in the kitchen, and the difference between boiling and simmering. Chapter 6, "Pancakes and Popovers," teaches how to mix a batter, test the heat of  a skillet, grease baking cups, and more. The instructions for each recipe are clear, detailed, and easy to follow. Though Cunningham assumes parents will supervise in the kitchen, she's also made sure the recipes are easy enough for older children to follow on their own.Cooking with Childrenis a terrific introduction to the culinary arts for kids--and makes a pretty nice refresher course for adults as well.