by Contributing Blogger Maytal Wichman
They say that one of the best ways to learn about a culture is through its food. Making dishes from various cultures and cuisines with your children is a great way to bond with them, teach them math and organizational skills and also expose them to a variety of cultures that they most likely know very little about. “Baking Around the World” from Handstand Kids by Yvette Garfield is a baking book that’s made especially for children and gives parents and children alike the opportunity to travel the world and learn about new cultures by introducing them to a variety of baked treats. (Read more after the jump)
“Baking Around the World” is, first and foremost, a book that can serve as an introduction to baking. It has a list of utensils with a drawing next to each utensil, as well as a very organized, easy-to-see list of ingredients and tools for each recipe. There is also a small section in each recipe with more suggestions for making the recipes, by adding a couple of ingredients to give it a new twist. The baked treats are divided into four sections: cupcakes, cookies, cakes and a variety of desserts from around the globe. I recently received a copy for review and loved the emphasis on healthy ingredients, such as whole wheat flour for the Middle Eastern Date Bars and beets instead of red food coloring for the Red Velvety Cupcakes. I also loved the adorable and colorful drawings by Kyumi Christensen. These drawings are not just cute, though. They are important as they show kids in the various steps of the baking process, plus there’s always a drawing of the finished product so we know what it’s supposed to look like.
The desserts themselves are an eclectic mix, as you would expect from a book with such a title. Alongside some American favorites, such as chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies and Dutch apple crisp, you’ll find interesting desserts such as Tres Leches (Milk Cake), Nan Khatai (Indian Biscuits) and Korean Sweet Potato Cake. And some of the recipes are just really unique twists, such as the Vanilla Cupcakes in a cone, which I plan on making for my daughter’s birthday party in a few weeks (Shhh…don’t tell her! She’s been begging me to make these with her for a few days now!)
The book comes as a kit which includes four silicone baking cups and a child-friendly whisk. You can also purchase accessories such as aprons, oven mitts and chef’s hats.
I was not compensated for this post. I received a sample.
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Contributing Blogger Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Bites and has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 5, 3 and a newborn) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.
I like the alternative they list if someone has say a nut allergy. My favorite is the Mexican Cookbook Kit. Thank you for sharing