“Cooking With Max” (Little Five Star, $14.95)
It’s hard not to admire the sort of pluck involved in a 8-year-old boy publishing a cookbook. A vegetarian cookbook at that. And Max Nania, author of “Cooking with Max: 45 Fun and Kind of Messy Recipes Kids Can Make,” demonstrates plenty of pluck.
Max’s book (assembled with help from Mom, Sienna Nania) feels like it’s one part family scrapbook, one part kid-friendly cookbook. It’s a formula children will relate to and enjoy – and that’s reason enough for parents to embrace it.
The recipes are simple and most can be completed with just a bit of adult help (the Tarzan Wraps, for example, are whole- wheat tortillas slathered with peanut butter and covered with sunflower seeds and banana slices). An especially nice touch: Each recipe includes suggested reading, a children’s book tied to the theme of the recipe.
Sure, given the intended audience, there is a necessary emphasis on ease. But children can be just as happy playing with food made from scratch as from a box. Max is a cute kid with a good idea. It’s just a matter of time before he’s on a morning show near you. | J.M. Hirsch, The Associated Press
RECIPES
Cinco de Mayo Oranges (not just for May 5th)
From “Cooking with Max” by Max Nania.
Ingredients
1 orange
Cinnamon
Powdered sugar
Directions
Even the littlest of cooks can peel the oranges. Then have the grown-up helper cut them into circles. Sprinkle with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Tarzan Wraps
From “Cooking with Max” by Max Nania.
Ingredients
1 whole wheat tortilla
Peanut butter (enough to cover your tortilla)
1 teaspoon sunflower seeds
1 banana
Directions
Spread the peanut butter on the tortilla and sprinkle a few sunflower seeds on it. Next, cut up the banana and place on the tortilla. Now carefully roll it up. Enjoy!
Max’s Favorite Dessert
From “Cooking with Max” by Max Nania.
Ingredients
1 pint strawberries (wash them but leave the green things on)
8 ounces brown sugar
4 ounces sour cream
1 large plate
Directions
Get a fancy plate and place a ring of strawberries around the edge. Next, dump the brown sugar in the middle to make a mountain. Then make a crater in the middle of the sugar and dump in the sour cream. Serve right away. Tell people to first dip the strawberries in the cream and then sugar and then eat!
