Jane Recommends: Cookery books for Children's Mental Health week 1st-7th February

WHO'S COOKING SUPPER TONIGHT?

When Covid is behind us and we reflect on thoughts of that cruel time what will we remember. I'd like to think that one strong and positive memory both as a Nation and within our own Family was learning to cook together.

A time when three year old Rosie learned to rip lettuce for a tossed salad and ten year old Tom announced I'm making supper tonight. For a 'Junior Scientist ' cooking's an adventure. Why eggs make cakes rise and how clever that steam can cook broccoli.

We shouldn't underestimate the mental health benefits of cooking either. Experiencing success, gaining confidence and praise are always good feelings.

Nor should we forget the taste of fingering the bowl. All in all the benefits are huge.

Below I've listed various Cookery Book ideas. Some simple, some a little more advanced and some just naughty!!!!!! I think these titles deserve a place on your Cookery Book shelf.

SILVER SPOON FOR CHILDREN by Harriet Russell and Amanda Grant

Age 8+ Simple Italian cooking with lively, easy to use layout.

WHAT'S COOKING by Joshua David Stein

Age 3-6 A whimsical, read aloud introduction to food. Answering question such as do frozen peas grow on frozen trees?

COOL KIDS COOK by Jenny Chandler

Age 7-12 Pre-teen cookery book cementing foundations of healthy eating. Quite trendy.

A ROOM ON A BROOM COOKERY BOOK/ GRUFFALO CRUMBLE AND OTHER RECIPES by Julia Donaldson

Age 3+ Two fun recipes/story books from one of our favourite Authors.

MY FIRST VEGETARIAN COOKBOOK by James Mitchem and Corrie Love

Age 7+ An attractively designed book with plenty of information.

THE WORLD IN MY KITCHEN by Sally Brown and Kate Morris

Age 5+ World travel through cooking from the CBeebies team.

CHOP, SIZZLE, WOW: SILVER SPOON COMIC COOKBOOK by Silver Spoon Kitchen and Tara Stevens

Age 7+ 50 Italian recipes. A comic, graphic cookery book.

A final thought. I have two aprons in my kitchen. One is mine the other worn only by my daughter when she visits and we bake together. Times when enjoyable memories are made.

Jane