Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook [Paperback]

Sam Stern (Author), Susan Stern (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

What's cooking? An enthusiastic young chef shares his teen-tested tips and recipes for everything from breakfast to dinner, desserts to brain-boosting snacks.

A kid's gotta eat — and what better way to make sure that the food on your plate hits the spot than to make it yourself? Fourteen-year-old Sam Stern, with a bit of help from his mom, Susan, is more than happy to share dozens of his favorite recipes for all occasions. There are pancakes for breakfast and easy lunches like soup or salad to pack up for school. Quick meals like spaghetti or omelettes are best for busy school nights; for weekends there are serious dinners like homemade lasagna or whole roasted chicken. And don't forget fancy, mouth-watering desserts; addictive but healthy snacks; and even special menus and suggestions to help keep your brain awake during dreaded exam time. Especially geared toward teen readers is the lively running commentary from Sam, plus colorful photos of food preparation and the ultimate chef's reward: feasting with friends.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. In a year when two young chefs, ages 8 and 10, were nominated for the James Beard Award, it's clear that kids are increasingly comfortable in the kitchen. English teen Sam Stern, with his mother's help, offers this slender, photo-packed cookbook, unusual not only because of its author but also because it focuses on guys, with chapters such as "Impress the Girls." That said, the recipes, presented in a casual but clear voice, will draw both genders. An opening section presents some insight into cooking's appeal for teens: "It's brilliant to know that you can be independent," Sam says of the ability to cook what he wants, when he wants it. Suggestions for breakfast, dinner, and snacks are included, as are dishes for parties and for boosting brainpower during exams. Although the recipes aren't technically difficult, kids without any kitchen experience will need lots of help. Still, the bright, energetic text and color photos of Sam and his photogenic friends and family will easily pull in aspiring foodies. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

SAM STERN is a fourteen-year-old student who excels in drama and creative writing. Like many of his friends — and his mother and mentor, Susan Stern — he loves to cook and eat. Sam enjoys sports, fishing, climbing with his older brother, and going out to hear all kinds of music, including indie rock and jazz. He is rarely seen without an iPod.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1 edition (June 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076362988X
• ISBN-13: 978-0763629885
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic teen cookbook, June 19, 2006

By 

T. A. Cairns "TAC" (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook (Paperback)

Cooking up a storm is a great cook book for kids of all ages. I have 3 kids ages 7, 11 and 16 and each one of them has enjoyed using this book to make some Fab food. Before this book they would get bored if they tried to use a cook book but with the pictures, explanations and real funny captions they were glued to it. Not only that but it has everything you could want to cook in it so its even useful for us adults. Anything that will get my kids in the kitchen making real food deserves some credit. I would definitely reccomend it!!

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-prepare collection of recipes that kids can make in their family kitchen, July 13, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook (Paperback)

Cooking Up A Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook by Sam Stern (and inspired by great British chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, and Nigella Lawson) is an expansive and "teen-friendly" guide through a fun, nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-prepare collection of recipes that kids can make in their family kitchen. Ably presenting a culinary wealth of recipes for active meals and the step-by-step methods for their preparation (including an ingredients list for each featured dish), Cooking Up A Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook offers its young readers recipes ranging from My Friend Joe's Thai Green Curry; Meringue Shells with Raspberries and Cream; and Tomato, Avocado and Mozzarella Salad; to Our Fave Cheesecake; Chocolate Crispy Crunchies; and French Onion Soup with Cheese Croutons. A welcome addition to any family cookbook shelf, Cooking Up A Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook is very highly recommended for all teens eager to discover their hidden culinary talents or who must begin to assume meal preparation duties for themselves and/or their families.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teen Cookbook (and adults too), January 20, 2007

By 

K. Child (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook (Paperback)

Great cook book. My son enjoys it very much. He is 16 years old. He is a typical jock. Plays football, baseball, basketball, and races moto-x. But, in his spare time he loves to cook. It is a great hit with his friends, especially the girls! He got the cookbook for his birthday in January and has used it several times. We would highly recommend "Cooking Up A Storm!"