Children's Literature
This is a fine cookbook to teach some of the interesting dishes that are eaten around the world to celebrate specific holidays during the calendar months from December to March. An explanation is given of cooking terms, cooking utensils that are needed and ways to be a careful cook. Definitions of special ingredients and healthy cooking hints are also presented. Suggestions for possible international menus are given that would allow the reader to incorporate several recipes into a special dinner. Then one gets into the business of creating many lovely dishes, from appetizers to soups to main dishes and side dishes to last but not least, desserts. The recipes are easy to understand and ingredients shouldn't be too hard to obtain. The budding chef will learn much about the eating habits of the various countries as he/she prepares these recipes. Perhaps the reader will identify some of his or her own heritage from preparing these dishes. The book is part of the "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbook" series by Lerner Books. 2002, Lerner, $25.26 and $7.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood AGES: 8 9 10 11 12 13
KLIATT
Nineteen different recipes are featured in this easy-to-use book aimed at beginning cooks. Many recipes have color illustrations that provide inspiration for someone who wants to know "what it should look like." A basic section, included in all books in the series, provides information about cooking terms, techniques, special ingredients, metric conversions and other helpful hints for the novice. An extensive introduction provides background information about holidays that are celebrated throughout the world from December through March. Two sample menus provide a truly international holiday meal. Recipes are included for all aspects of a meal, from appetizer to dessert. Beginning cooks will enjoy preparing Thai Egg Rolls, North African Chicken Soup, Noodles with Poppy Seeds, Ginger Fried Fish, and Strawberry Tartlets. (Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks) Category: Cookbooks, Useful Arts & Crafts. KLIATT Codes: JSA—Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2002, Lerner, First Avenue Editions, 72p. illus. index., Ages 13 to adult. Reviewer: Shirley Reis; IMC Dir., Lake Shore M.S., Mequon, WI
School Library Journal
Gr 5 Up Those who are searching for novel ways to celebrate various international holidays will rejoice at this appetizing collection of ethnic recipes from 15 countries. A brief introduction emphasizes the connection between geography and culture and particular types of foods. The menu for an international holiday meal could help organize a unique home or school feast. The 17 recipes range from a simple blender peanut punch to such specialties as pirozhki and julebrod, which demand considerable time and culinary competence. While not for rank beginners, this volume includes a comprehensive dictionary of terms, clear directions, and accessible ingredients, so it is practical for intermediate-level young cooks. Merilyn S. Burrington, Vergennes Union High School, Vt.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-These revisions feature low-fat and vegetarian recipes along with a new format and colorful close-up photos. Holiday includes fascinating information on celebrations and a wide range of dishes from more than a dozen countries. West African, which incorporates some of the material found in Cooking the African Way (Lerner, 1988), begins with a discussion of the land and people of Africa, an illustrated map of the region, and mention of several holidays. In both titles, "Before You Begin" sections cover safety, utensils, special ingredients, healthy-cooking tips, and metric conversions while chapters focus on such topics as soups and main dishes. Sample dinner menus along with shopping lists are provided. Most ingredients are readily available with just one or two that may need to be purchased at a specialty store. Recipe titles are both in English and the language of the culture in most cases. Glossy covers, pictures throughout, and well-designed layouts add to the overall appeal of these volumes. Although these are not essential purchases for libraries owning the original editions, they are handsome, useful updates, along with Fran Osseo-Asare's A Good Soup Attracts Chairs: A First African Cookbook for American Kids (Pelican, 1993; o.p.), and Diane Vezza's Passport on a Plate (S & S, 1997; o.p.).-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
