When I’m looking for a simple, last-minute weeknight dinner recipe, I inevitably end up reaching for one of my most trusted resources: a kids’ cookbook.
ATK Kids
I’m an Adult. Here’s Why I Love Cooking from Kids’ Cookbooks
Kids’ cookbooks are perfect for weeknight meals and more.
By Published July 7, 2022
I don’t use only kids’ cookbooks, but there are a few things about them that make cooking a tad easier.
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1. The ingredient lists and equipment lists are more explicit.
I am occasionally a bit too eager and start cooking before I realize I have to get out my food processor or another large piece of equipment. This isn’t horrible, but it’s definitely annoying when I think I’m getting away with having to wash only two pans max. In a kids’ cookbook, both the ingredients AND equipment are listed clearly.
2. The recipe steps are shorter.
There may be a higher number of total steps, but the steps themselves are shorter. That helps me (and kids) keep track of what’s going on.
3. Potentially confusing actions are explained clearly.
If you, like David from Schitt’s Creek, have ever been baffled by a directive such as “fold in the cheese,” you need to try cooking from a kids’ cookbook. It will clearly and concisely explain how to mince, core, fold—basically how to do absolutely everything.
4. The recipes still taste really great.
At least with America’s Test Kitchen Kids cookbooks, there’s no assumption that kids eat only chicken nuggets and mac and cheese (delicious though they are). I make the Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans from The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs about once a month, and the One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp Pasta from Kids Can Cook Anything! (available this fall) satisfies all my weeknight needs: It gets as few dishes dirty as possible, takes less than an hour to make from start to finish, and is both filling and tasty.
Here are some of my favorite ATK Kids cookbooks to cook from.
Book
Kids Can Cook Anything!
The complete how-to cookbook for young chefs features 70+ kid-tested, kid-approved recipes and 20 technique videos.
Book
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
Using kid-tested and kid-approved recipes, America’s Test Kitchen has created THE cookbook every kid chef needs on their shelf. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your friends, or your family, The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs has delicious recipes that will wow!
Book
The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists
America’s Test Kitchen Kids brings delicious science to your kitchen! More than 70 kid-tested, kid-approved recipes and experiments teach young chefs about the fun and fascinating science of food.
Book
My First Cookbook
Fun recipes to cook together . . . with as much mixing, rolling, scrunching, and squishing as possible!Click on the free recipe links below for complete step-by-step instructions on Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans and One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp Pasta.
Recipe
Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans
If you’ve never cooked tofu before, now is the perfect time to give it a try! Cornstarch helps give the tofu a crispy crust.
Recipe
One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp Pasta
This flavorful pasta dinner is “shrimp-ly” delicious. You can find this recipe and many more in our cookbook Kids Can Cook Anything!Hey! Did you know ATK Kids has its very own YouTube channel? Subscribe now and watch great, funny, silly, and delicious cooking videos for the whole family.