GREEN EGGS AND HAM COOKBOOK (NONFICTION)

NONFICTION
GREEN EGGS AND HAM COOKBOOK by Georgeanne Brennan and Dr. Seuss (Random House)
Sometimes you get a taste for Yot in the Pot, and nothing else will do. For those days, forty-four Dr. Seuss were culled for food references, culminating in a collection that meets the criteria for a good cookbook: recipes you will return to again and again. At first, one might think this is another marketing throw-away, but au contraire, these recipes are the enthusiastic invention of real live cookbook author Georgeanne Brennan, who took the time to discover insights such as that apple glaze is the perfect consistency for holding cilantro on a very impressive ham to go with guacamole green eggs. Since she’s a real cookbook author, the recipes at times ambitiously assume a real cook, but there are enough simple recipes (like the River of Nobsk Corn-off-the-Cobsk and the marvelous and beautiful Pink Yink Ink Drink) and they are easy enough to modify that everyone can confidently don their aprons. Some thought was actually given to the healthfulness of the recipes, and though there are lots of treats there is also the inclusion of healthy ingredients and recommendations for leaner meats and oils. The signature craziness of Seuss is bound to bring out the culinary adventurers in kids, bolstering their willingness to try more unusual ingredients. A perfect pick for preparation of Seuss’s birthday celebration on March 2nd, but I don’t think I can wait that long; the Cat’s Mac and Cheese will be on our dinner plates tonight. (7 and up)

Alsoof interest:
What else is cooking on the bookshelf?

THE MOON MIGHT BE MILK by Lisa Shulman, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand (Dutton) A little girl wonders what the moon is made of. Milk, says the cat. An egg, says the hen. Sugar, says the butterfly. So many animals, so many opinions, which one is right? Grandma knows; when she puts them all together, she makes a moon cookie that readers can replicate, thanks to a simple recipe in the back of this sweet book. Now, what’s the sun made of? (4 and up)

THE SPATULATTA COOKBOOK by Isabella and Olivia Gerasole (Scholastic) “Liv and Belle” Gerasole are two very, very nice girls who happen to be the youngest winners ever of a James Beard Foundation Award, and who do an amazing job in encouraging kids to be confident and capable cooks through their creative must-visit video website. They bring their expertise to this cookbook, arranged very clearly with tabs for each of the four seasons, vegetarian recipes, and snacks. The recipes sizzle with a diverse international flair as well as American classics, and include succinct lists of ingredients, equipment, numbered steps toward completion, and tons of photos showing technique as well as finished products. The Gerasoles clearly take kids’ cooking very seriously; these are not experiments, these are dishes that will have your family asking for seconds. (8 and up)

And don't forget, there is a whole section of literature-based cookbooks and ideas for "Reading and Eating" (including a "raise a reader" program you can run from your apartment) in HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD TO LOVE READING. And since I love you and don't want you to have to wait to eat something, I am going to share my latest favorite recipe for this easy easy easy and divine chocolate cake that my friend Patrick Dunafin the Gym Teacher shared with me (thanks, man!!!), I've made it six times since January.

PATRICK'S CAKE
4 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. water
dark chocolate fudge cake mix (Betty Crocker)
small thing of chocolate instant pudding
12 oz. bag of chips (semi-sweet, but the white chocolate swirls work great, too)
A cup of sour cream (this is optional, I found out by mistake)
Mix! Pour into well-greased pan or bundt cake mold. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Drizzle with melted white chocolate, like Patrick does, or cover with two cans of whipped cream, like I do.

More insane baking inspiration may be found at Family Fun; I swear, you will be the Belle of the Bake Sale. Also, check out these crazy laser-cut cupcake wrappers for special occasions! And if you're on a diet, maybe you should just make a diaper cake for a friend instead.

Also, in other delicious news: the Cybils have been announced, prestigious literary awards given by the community of bloggers with a passion for children's and young adult books. Thanks to the thoughtful committee, and check out this year's choices across the genres!

Bon appetit!

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