Kids Only—Snacks

Christy Conte is a member of the Parents Advisory Committee at the
YMCA’s Parent and Child Enrichment Centre, and a journalist.

This eye-catching, spiral-bound introduction to basic cooking is
colorful, easy to use, and visually pleasing in a generic sort of way.

The recipes range widely in terms of nutrition and appeal. Dishes such
as Microwaved Baked Bananas, Hot Baked Apples, and Banana Berry Yogurt
Shake are easily prepared and nutritious. More challenging but equally
healthy recipes include P.B. Surprise Muffins and Cheese ’n’ Seed
Pinwheels. Delicate souls are advised to skip the Wiener Snacks section:
Wiener Topped Baked Potatoes and the stomach-turning Sneaky Snacks
(Wieners, fruit jelly, and ketchup), though possessed of a certain
anti-establishment charm, remain unlikely candidates for a Canada Food
Guide endorsement. A few “recipes” are superfluous; most kids in
this age group already know how to spread Cheez Whiz on celery without
the assistance of numbered directions. In all the recipes, though,
directions are clear and hazards are noted; an illustrated glossary also
contributes to the book’s usefulness.

Kids Only—Snacks is a glossy and comprehensive, if somewhat uneven,
contribution to the kids’ cookbook market. Recommended with
reservations.