The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs, edited by Molly Birnbaum. Sourcebooks, Raincoast. $27.99 all ages

" ... this book is kid-tested and
kid-approved. That means there
are thousands of kids just like
you out there, making these recipes
and sharing them with their friends
and family, loving the process and
results. When making this book,
we had more than 4,000 kids testing
each and every recipe, sending us
feedback (and even coming into our
office to cook in the test kitchen) ... "

If you know the work of America's Test Kitchen, you will know that this baking book is going to be GOOD! And, it is. I'm very happy to be writing about it just after finishing breakfast and while I am not hungry at all. Or, I would be on my way back to the kitchen to bake something. In these days of social distancing and doing our best to stay at home and stop the spread of Covid-19, there are many opportunities to spend time with loved ones trying something new. The book is written for 9 and up; with parental help and guidance, younger children can also play a role. Imagine the joy your family will find in preparing something delicious together!

There are more than 100 recipes presented. Some will be familiar; others might be new to your palette. Each has been tested by many kids who have then offered their endorsements. As you would expect from this editorial staff, very useful information sections are provided from the onset. Symbols used, the recipes themselves, baking success, baking terms, ingredients, weighing and measuring, prep steps, and a comprehensive look at the tools used and needed get bakers started.

There are six chapters which include muffins and quick breads, yeast breads, pizza and savories, cookies and bars, cakes and cupcakes, fruit desserts and pies. End matter charts conversions and equivalents, offers recipe stats, and provides an index.  Every turn of the page presents a new recipe, carefully written in terms of ingredients, equipment needed, a clear method and the level for the young bakers themselves. Information boxes provide further bits of interest to bakers and anyone else who reads this exemplary cookbook. A full-color picture of each finished dish is included.

I love the many reviews from the kids who did the baking and tasting. They even have opinions about some of the products used.
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Keep your kids busy, and reap the rewards!