Professor Cook's Smashing Snacks

* Reviews *

This series combines kid-friendly recipes with scientific explanations and jazzy graphics to create an appealing package. These aren't for complete beginnersyoung chefs need to already know how to "whiz" ingredients in a food processor or use a handheld blender . . .which means its also for kids in a well-equipped kitchen. Each book has 12 recipes broken down into "Stuff You Need," the four or five steps it takes, and "The Science Bit," which explains interesting topics like why eggs scramble, why popcorn pops, and why yogurt is a "living culture." The multicultural cast of kids, both boys and girls, makes it all look like fun. They must be British kids, however, because some of the ingredients dont use American names, such as "coriander" for cilantro. Dynamite Dinners are based mostly on fish and chicken dishes, including international recipes such as chicken satay and Japan-Easy Tuna Rolls. Fruity Desserts focuses on gelatin, or jelly, desserts with fruit as well as grilled pineapple and cheesecake. Mind-Blowing Baking includes a couple of main dishes such as pizza but mostly covers tempting and creative desserts such as Stained-Glass Cookies. Smashing Snacks teaches kids to make ice cream in a bag and beans on toastalong with the science behind beans and gas. This makes for a fun added purchase for communities with lots of recreational cooking going on., Booklist November 1, 2013