Cookbook For An Angel

[plumtreeblossom]

The annual Angel Tree went up in the office lobby. This year I picked an 11 year old girl who would like a cookbook for Christmas. Yaaay! She will get one! And maybe also a little bundle with her very own wooden spoons, tongs, spatula, etc.

Now, to pick one. Her angel tag didn't request any one in particular. I think 11 is too old for the kiddies-in-the-kitchen kind of children's cookbook. I was using adult cookbooks by that age. But I want it to be filled with foodie photos and clear directions. I made a B-line for Alton Brown thinking I could usher in her first celebrity chef crush, but what 11-year-old wants to eat duck or blackens seared tuna steaks? She's too young for Bourdain (plus, he's MINE). Would Rachel Ray be setting her on a yummo brick road to hell? How about Paula Deen? Do any of you have a favorite that's photo rich and doesn't depend on expensive ingredients?

Comments

[zzbottom.livejournal.com]

Do you feel compelled to go with a celebrity cookbook? I happen to be a big fan of the classical basics like the Betty Crocker, Fanny Farmer, Joy of Cooking, etc. I also am a huge fan of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I decided to run over to the MIT Coop and see what I could find, and I ended up going with The Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making. (not a celebrity chef book). It occurred to me while browsing that if this girl is in the Angel program, she's not likely to have easy access to fancy ingredients any time soon. This book uses simple ingredients to make familiar foods, but healthier and better tasting than if you bought them prepared. It's full of beautiful photography, and I hope she likes it.

Now I'm going to Tags to get a few cooking utensils to go with it. :-)

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Did you see this review?

http://www.amazon.com/review/RGAIQSOEX03TA/ref=cm_cr_dp_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=030788726X&nodeID=283155&store=books#wasThisHelpful