I received a Cooking with Curious Chef Cookbook & Baking Set to facilitate this review; however, all opinions are my own.

The day my daughter called me from college to ask how to boil an egg was a huge blow.  It was at that moment that I realized that I’d let her down as a parent.  I had tried so hard to be the “perfect” mother, baking and cooking for her and her friends, that I had completely forgotten to teach her how to do basic things like boil an egg.

Ever since that time I remind myself that I am here to teach the next generation how to do the lost art of homemade cooking and baking.  Many times I have invited my co-worker’s children to come and bake with me. There is something quite exciting when you see a child’s eyes light up when they’ve made something from scratch.  When they can say “I made it myself” it is such a proud moment, and it creates a lifelong memory for them and me as well.

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

Because I am such an avid baker, I was asked if I would like to review a product for cooking with children and of course I jumped at the chance.  I was thrilled to have this awesome opportunity because even though I bake with kids often, it can be hard to explain the “why” behind it. But that’s exactly where this new kids’ cookbook shines. It gives the “why” behind the recipe, and I even learned some new things along the way!

I’m talking about “Cooking with Curious Chef” Cookbook, it is not only a fabulous cookbook, but it is so much more.  It’s a well-organized cookbook filled with step-by-step recipes with very clear instructions and photos. Plus, it has games to help your child learn things like the major food groups, but my favorite part of this cookbook for kids is the “connections” section which includes interesting facts about culture, science, art, and history as they relate to the recipe or ingredients.  There’s also a section called “a healthier you” which includes tips on how to make healthier choices.

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

I’m serious when I say that this book includes so many cool things that every time I pick it up, I read something new and interesting that I missed before.

Cooking with Curious Chef & Paisley (Age 2-1/2)

Since I’m known for my cupcake skills, I thought it would be appropriate to try out the Curious Chef Cupcake and Decorating Kit with my 3-year-old granddaughter, Paisley.  We used the 16-piece Cupcake and Decorating Kit which includes a 6 cup Teflon coated cupcake pan, six silicone cupcake liners, frosting decorator, six decorating tips, a spoon, and frosting spreader.

Paisley was so excited that this adorable baking kit was all hers! Now she has cupcake making equipment just like grandma and mom do, and they will last her for years!  These are real pans and decorating tools and not toys. They are the perfect size for her to use and she loves the bright colors.  In fact, from the very start, she made it clear these tools were hers!

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

We followed the instructions for Vanilla cupcakes from start to finish.  Before we started, we placed everything out on the counter listed under the “get ready” section.  Then we went to “get set” and followed the numbered instructions.

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

Honestly, it was fool proof.  Even though my granddaughter is under the recommended age, it was clear that she could keep track of the step we were on because she has learned her numbers.  As she gets older, Paisley will be able to read the instructions herself, and it won’t be long before she can bake the recipes in this book on her own.

At the top of many of the pages of the Cooking with Curious Chef Cookbook, it says “Practice Makes Perfect!” and yes, it’s a reminder to me that it’s about having fun and if it doesn’t turn out, try it again!  Although in our case they did come out perfect!

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

The family agreed that they tasted as good as some of the cupcakes that I am known for baking.  I don’t know if you would ever be able to tell the difference if they were side-by-side.

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

Paisley and I had an afternoon of fun and memory making.  She had to learn patience and to keep her fingers out of the frosting bowl; but more importantly, she learned how to lick the beaters!

Cooking with Curious Chef: Real Kitchen Tools and Cookbook for Kids that Grandma Loves Too!

I still can’t say enough about the features in this kids’ cookbook. It provides the tools we need to teach Paisley how to cook in a way that’s interesting for her now and will also be in the future. I can’t wait for Paisley’s birthday in April because she will be getting new kits to experiment with and maybe next time I think we will try Italian meatballs! Yum!

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