I was sent the Handstand Kids Italian Cookbook
to review and can also offer one lucky reader their own copy!The first thing we noticed when we got the package from the PR firm was that it wasn't just a cookbook - it also came with a cool kids size chef's hat and came in a pizza style box!
From the Publisher:
The Handstand Kids Cookbook Company gives children 3-13 the chance to become their own chef, while at the same time learning about the culture and cuisine of another country. Each Handstand Kids cookbook - Mexican, Chinese, or Italian - offers more than 20 kid-friendly and health-conscious recipes from around the world, packaged with unique kitchen utensils specially designed for children, from Curious Chef. The cookbooks also translate each of the ingredients and utensils into the corresponding country's primary language, familiarizing the child with international cultures. This unique line of cookbooks is now being sold in more than 350 Bed Bath & Beyond stores across the U.S., allowing more families to have access to the Handstand Kids, which allow children to not only explore how to cook, but also learn about the importance of healthy eating habits. To find a Bed Bath & Beyond near you, click here.
My Review:
This is a fun, colorful and inviting cookbook. What I love most about it is pages five through eight, which provide children with a bilingual (Italian and English) picture dictionary of utensils and ingredients. I also like that each of the recipes are rated for difficulty level which indicate the level of parental involvement needed for each recipe (based on older children - younger children will need direct parental assistance with almost all of the recipes). The recipes are reasonably well laid out, but I have to say that I find the typefaces and fonts hard to read and it makes the recipes harder to follow - especially when I'm helping my son try to follow along with a recipe.
The recipes are simple and kid friendly, both in their writing style and choices. You won't discover any great secrets in this book, but it is a good way to introduce kids to following recipes and even picking up a few words in Italian!
My 13 year old daughter is quite capable of making any of the recipes in this book with minimal assistance and I'm going to share one of her favorites today:
The Best-O Chicken Pest-O (level 3) Serves 4
Pesto Ingredients
4 cups of loosely packed basil (basilica)
1 1/2 cups of pine nuts (pignoli)
3 or 4 cloves of garlic (aglio)
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese (parmigiano)
3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil (olio)
1 tsp of salt
Tools
Food processor or blender, Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Pour all ingredients into the food processor or blender and mix until there is a thick, green paste.
Chicken Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons of pesto sauce
2 teaspoons of olive oil
Tools
Baking Sheet, Cutting Board, Knife, Measuring spoons, Oven mitts, Pastry Brush
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F
- Slice a pocket into the flat side of the chicken and stuff with 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce into each chicken.
- Place the chicken onto an oiled baking sheet. Use the pastry brush to oil the tops of each chicken.
- Make in the oven for 20 minutes and carefully remove the sheet with oven mitts.
Try pesto on everything! Vegetarians will love pesto on baked eggplant slices. Also try spreading pesto on bread or fresh vegetables.
Win your copy!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy at no cost to me. All opinions are my own.
