THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR TEEN CHEFS: 70+ TEEN-TESTED AND TEEN-APPROVED RECIPES TO COOK, EAT AND SHARE, by America’s Test Kitchen Kids, America’s Test Kitchen Kids, March 1, 2022, Hardcover, $21.99 (ages 13-17)
Get your young adult off the couch and into the kitchen with America’s Test Kitchen Kids’ The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs.
Whether a teen is looking to make Tik Tok-worthy sticky buns or a simple egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches before school, The Complete Cookbook for Teenage Chefs has something for everyone.
With recipes ranging from Biang Biang Mian (Hand-Pulled Noodles) to Steak Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa, Arepas to Congee, French Fries and Cheeseburger Sliders to Apple-Cider Donuts, this book features helpful sidebars to ensure that teens can learn more about why a recipe works, and how to take their recipes to the next level. —Synopsis provided by America’s Test Kitchen Kids
We like to cook at my house and own four different America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks. Not only that, but my husband and I enjoy watching both America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country with our 8-year-old. So, saying yes was a no-brainer when I was asked to take a look at this latest cookbook.
There are a few things that immediately stand out when flipping through The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs. 1) It’s chock full of photographs that not only show the finished recipes but how-to images, as well. 2) Each recipe is clearly labeled beginner, intermediate or advanced. 3) It’s designed to teach as well as provide recipes.
The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs’ introduction features quick advice for success — i.e., making sure you have the right equipment and prepare your ingredients. That’s followed by information on kitchen safety, essential how-tos (measuring, using a scale, chopping, etc.), and key recipe terms.
Six chapters cover main meals as well as snacks, sides and sweets. Handy conversions and equivalents charts are also included.
Beginner meals range from German Pancakes and Pajeons (Korean Scallion Pancakes) to Spicy Burrito Bowls and Browned Butter Snickerdoodles. These simple recipes require some use of the stove/oven and the steps are straightforward.
Intermediate selections include Pork Meatball Sandwiches, Crispy Tofu Bowls, Vegetable Stir-Fried Rice and S’mores Bars. These recipes require tend to have a few more steps and require a bit more attention to detail.
Advanced recipes definitely something to work toward. With food like Shakshuka, Fried Buttermilk Chicken, Oatmeal Dinner Rolls and Salted Butterscotch Cupcakes, finesse and advanced planning are needed.
Each recipe states the yield and length of time needed to complete, along with a tip or two before you start. How much of each ingredient and how to prepare them are clearly listed. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of weights and volumes in the measurements. For example: 1 ½ cups (8 ½ ounces) bread flour, plus extra for counter. Step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, and any needed equipment is highlighted in yellow.
The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs is a comprehensive cookbook that features yummy food and is just as fun for adults as it is for teens. It’s a great gift option for those looking for more independence in the kitchen.
Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
