Holiday gift ideas for foodies

For the Aspiring Foodie

The younger they start the better they'll do, and food education counts too!

For really young children who do not use a knife or stove check out the PBS Kids Do It Myself Cookbook. 

To insure that even pre- and early readers can follow each recipe, every ingredient, tool, and step in this unique cookbook is fully illustrated. "Nothing hot" (no oven, stove, or appliances required, "nothing sharp" (no tools sharper than a butter knife) recipes mean that children can whip up wonderful meals completely on their own. From Chopped Salad and Cheddar, Ham and Raisins on Whole Wheat Hearts to Strawberry Tall Cake and Party Punch, every salad, sandwich, snack, dessert, and beverage includes easy-to-find ingredients and a note to parents. The book is packaged with a colorful set of sturdy, plastic measuring spoons and cups--everything a young cook needs to get started.

For the slightly older child, Sesame Street Let’s Cook! is a great option. Each recipe features a photo, highlights steps for kids and includes nutrition tips. Sidebars teach young children skills such as counting, matching, learning the alphabet, and more. The recipes, all developed by registered dietitian and family nutritionist Susan McQuillan, also offer easy variations to satisfy the pickiest eaters. Recipes include Cookie Monster’s Sausage and Zucchini Strata, Abby Cadabby’s Magical Lentil Soup, Oscar’s Shrimp Fried Rice Mess, and Zoe’s Sweet and Special Birthday Cake.