In the Inuktitut language Niam means 'yum'. The kids who share the learning and the cooking in Kerry McCluskey's after-school program have tested and tasted each recipe. The recipes would not be included in this very appealing cookbook without their full approval.
What an amazing gift was given to Kerry and her community when her son started kindergarten. The support shown, the excitement created with students, and the delicious meals they were able to make for their families will be an inspiration to others. There is great variety in the recipes shared, and all can be made with ingredients available in Nunavut communities. Each of the recipes has real appeal for all children, and provide life skills of great importance. The premise for the club itself is to have fun while learning something new.
The author includes plenty of upfront information before getting to the recipes. Notes on those recipes, safety, terms used, abbreviations, skills to be learned, community involvement, cooking club rules and tips, and advice on getting started with your own club begin the journey to great cooking. Then, it is game on! She begins with smoothies and a format that includes the skills the children will learn, the ingredients and directions. There are often community involvement pieces added.
"Quajaaq Ellsworth is a very dedicated parent
who frequently comes to cook with us and help
us out. Palaugos are one of his specialities:
sausage/hot dog wrapped in traditional Inuit
palaugaaq, or bannock. The kids go wild for
this recipe."
Accompanying each recipe with full-color, full-page photographs ups the 'yum' factor. The layout for each is well designed and organized, ensuring ease of use and a fun experience. In backmatter, the author offers a seven-step process for starting a cooking club, and a glossary. The casual photos of many of the cooking club kids at work only add to the charm of this very special cookbook.
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