Encouraging children to develop a love for cooking and healthy eating from a young age lays the foundation for a lifetime of nutritious habits and culinary creativity. With an abundance of cookbooks tailored specifically for kids, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. As a registered dietitian, I’ve curated a list of the seven best cookbooks for kids in 2021, each offering wholesome recipes, engaging activities, and valuable nutrition insights to inspire young chefs and their families.
- “The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs” by America’s Test Kitchen Kids:
- Packed with kid-friendly recipes, step-by-step instructions, and cooking tips from the experts, this cookbook empowers young chefs to explore a wide range of dishes while learning essential culinary skills.
- “Super Simple Baking for Kids” by Charity Mathews:
- Perfect for aspiring bakers, this cookbook features easy-to-follow recipes for sweet treats and baked goods that kids can whip up with minimal supervision, fostering confidence and creativity in the kitchen.
- “Kid Chef Every Day: The Easy Cookbook for Foodie Kids” by Colleen Kennedy:
- With a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients and simple techniques, this cookbook offers a variety of nutritious recipes that appeal to young palates and encourage adventurous eating habits.
- “Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)” by Deanna F. Cook:
- More than just a cookbook, this interactive guide combines hands-on cooking lessons with colorful illustrations, fun facts, and creative activities that make learning about food and nutrition a delightful experience for kids.
- “The Forest Feast for Kids: Colorful Vegetarian Recipes That Are Simple to Make” by Erin Gleeson:
- Featuring vibrant illustrations and plant-based recipes, this cookbook introduces children to the joys of vegetarian cooking with easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of opportunities for culinary exploration.
- “Eat Your Greens, Reds, Yellows, and Purples: Children’s Cookbook” by DK Children:
- With a focus on colorful fruits and vegetables, this cookbook encourages kids to eat a rainbow of nutritious foods through fun and flavorful recipes that celebrate the vibrant hues of nature’s bounty.
- “Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake!” by Deanna F. Cook:
- From cookies and cupcakes to bread and pies, this baking-focused cookbook provides young chefs with a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of baking through hands-on recipes and helpful baking tips.
Empowering children to become confident and capable cooks is a rewarding journey that begins with the right resources. These seven cookbooks for kids offer a wealth of culinary inspiration, nutrition education, and hands-on cooking experiences that foster a lifelong love for healthy eating and culinary creativity. Whether whipping up a batch of cookies, experimenting with new flavors, or exploring the joys of vegetarian cooking, these cookbooks are sure to delight young chefs and their families alike, making mealtime a memorable and nutritious adventure.
