The International Cookbook for Kids is packed with features that make cooking a snap: 6 classic recipes from Italy, France, China, and Mexico; More than 1 full-color photographs and illustrations; Hardcover with concealed spiral binding that lies flat when open; Easy-to-follow recipe format; Kid-tested recipes; Chef’s tips discussing ingredients, nutrition, and technique; Safety section discussing basic kitchen precautions; Cooking terms and definitions; Special taco-party section; Includes dishes of every kind: Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Main Dishes, Vegetables and Sides, and Desserts Grade 5 Up - A tempting buffet of recipes for classic dishes from "the big four" of world cooking: Italy, France, China, and Mexico. Locricchio promotes cooking as teamwork involving family and friends in an enjoyable experience. The dishes chosen involve basic culinary techniques that are not always simple but often used in all types of cooking. A list of safety tips appears at the beginning of the book, but discussion of essential ingredients, cooking terms, and equipment is, unfortunately, placed at the end. Everything, including soup stock, is made from scratch, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and the resulting superior flavor. Each recipe is introduced briefly with its cultural context. Ingredients and directions are clearly written, with all cutting, chopping, and other preparation steps listed before the actual cooking begins. A bright color photograph of each dish is included. A special section devoted to "A Taco Party" begins with directions for making tacos (including frying tortillas), and proceeds through salsas, tostadas, guacamole, picadillo , carnitas , enchiladas, and beans. Several dishes involve handling dried or fresh chiles, but safety instructions for wearing gloves and taking other precautions aren't included until the end of this section. Overall, this is a strong collection of popular dishes attractively presented. More recipes for more international cuisines are included in the "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks" series (Lerner), which includes Helga Parnell's Cooking the South American Way (1991). - Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The International Cookbook For Kids' by professional chef Matthew Locricchio specifically designed to be the perfect introduction to the joys, pleasures, and accomplishments of cooking for kids ages 12 and older. -- Midwest Book Review Picture-perfect for young cooks. -- Daily News, New York A tempting buffet of recipes for classic dishes from the 'big four' of world cooking: Italy, France, China, and Mexico. Locricchio promotes cooking as teamwork involving family and friends...a strong collection of popular dishes attractively presented. -- School Library Journal, Dishes that have kid appeal written all over them. -- San Francisco Chronicle Country-Style Pork...This recipe can be described with just one word: Awesome! -- Boston Globe Teen Cuisine's Author, Chef Matthew Locricchio, knows a thing or two about cooking. What sets this chef apart from other talented professionals in his field is his knack for imparting this culinary wisdom to children. Young chef's will learn the real secret of the great chefs--the joy of sharing. Young and old alike will have fun following classic recipes from four of the world's finest cuisines-and then sitting down to a great meal. Explore international cuisine through mouthwatering recipes specially designed for kids and their families. Raised in a family in the catering and restaurant business, Matthew Locricchio began preparing and enjoying home-cooked meals at an early age. He has spent many years as a professional cook, and he has acted in movies, on stage, and on television and has written plays for young audiences.