The Multicultural Cookbook for Students (Cookbooks for Students) [Paperback]

Carole Lisa Albyn (Author), Lois Sinaiko Webb (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Cookbooks for Students

Take an appetizing tour of the world with The Multicultural Cookbook for Students. Arranged by region and then by country, each group of recipes is preceded by a brief description of the geography, history, and culinary traditions of the country. Recipes list the number of people served per dish, the ingredients--with appropriate substitutions for more exotic items--the equipment needed, and easy-to-follow directions for the preparation of dishes. A glossary is also included. Recommended for grades 4-12.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-This is the reference tool librarians have longed for-a single volume that presents dishes from 122 nations. Albyn and Webb have organized their book into seven sections devoted to countries that share similar cooking styles and traditions. Each begins with a bit of general data about the country or region with emphasis on the foods grown and prepared there, cooking utensils, and a tiny bit about the culture of the people. Recipes are introduced with specific information about their country of origin, especially its food production and general dietary practices. The number of servings, a clear and complete list of ingredients, equipment needed, and step-by-step directions are included. Serving suggestions are provided, but there is no nutritional breakdown. Kitchen procedures are briefly discussed with the essentials for safety and health covered. One drawback is that even though the book is addressed specifically to young people, it has no pictures other than outline maps showing the location of the country discussed. Nonetheless, it is a useful, practical, one-stop source guide to the world's favorite foods.
Carole B. Kirkpatrick, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Stressing safety and adult assistance, the authors give young cooks a taste of the culture and foods of 122 countries through 337 authentic recipes in a book that is arranged geographically by continent or region--Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Latin America, and North America. Each of the seven sections opens with a general, but brief, description of the area and its culinary traditions; within the sections, the countries and their typical foods are introduced (outline maps show where each country is located), and in general, at least two recipes for each country are listed. The authors state that this is not designed as a beginner's guide; however, the recipes, which run the gamut from soups to sweets, are noteworthy for their clarity of presentation--each entry gives the yield, ingredients, equipment, specific instructions, and serving suggestions--and boldface terms are defined in an excellent, lengthy glossary that ranges from the basic to the exotic. A helpful resource for students linking foods to geography or other assignments, this will also tempt aspiring cooks and could lead to further exploration of ethnic cookery. The comprehensive index is a plus. Sally Estes

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Oryx Press (January 19, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897747356
• ISBN-13: 978-0897747356
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,249,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, Concise Multicultural Reference, January 2, 2001

By 

Mera Falcon (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Multicultural Cookbook for Students (Cookbooks for Students) (Paperback)

Carole Lisa Albyn, a branch librarian and former children's librarian, dedicates this book to the child, who, in a very small voice, so small that she had to lean over to hear, asked for a recipe from "Yemen, South Yemen." She says, "This is my way of apology for sending you off without anything because all I had to offer was a coffee recipe from South Yemen."

At our library, this has become one of the most useful references for students who need concise information on a particular country. Each section is organized by geographical, agricultural and even some religious information. "Somalis are Sunni Muslim. This is important to note because no form of alcohol is allowed. Instead, Somalis drink tea or milk." There's a section on common sense, safety and cleanliness, reminding children that the book is designed to teach them about the countries, not as an introduction to cooking methods in general. In almost every case, there are at least two recipes for each country listed. Some countries have more, some have fewer. There's a glossary of terms to explain unfamiliar words. The book ends with a comprehensive index, listing recipe names major ingredients, and other terms.

As a librarian, it is wonderful to be able to refer students to such a thorough resource. It is the dedication and drive of people like Carole Lisa Albyn that make wonderful references such as the Multicultural Cookbook for Students.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for young cooks., December 6, 2003

By 

dinska "phoenixwinged" (Chicagoland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Multicultural Cookbook for Students (Cookbooks for Students) (Paperback)

I have to applaud this book. It blends its United Nations like ambassadorship with a practical knowledge of cooking. There are so few great cookbooks for young people and this, 1993 edition of this book, is one of them.

As far as the authenticity of the recipes, as a Bulgarian-American, I can offer my opinion on the selections for Bulgaria. There are three accurate and appropriate yogurt based recipes: tarator, lassi and homemade yogurt itself. Certainly signature dishes from the country. (Not to mention seeing yogurt made for the first time is pretty neat when you're a kid and are used to seeing it only in little cups from the supermarket!)

The practical knowledge presented for cooking surprised me. Usually cookbooks for children are 'dumbed down' but this one gives them real instruction while speaking to them in appropriate language. Much better in fact than handouts for Home Ec. class they'll get in middle school or junior high.

Now a warning. There is a 2001 version of this book under the same title and template but with completely different recipes. Personally, I find this 1993 version friendlier and more appropriate. You might feel different, but suffice it to say, there are two completely different books out there under the same title and press.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Girl Scout Troops and the classroom!, April 21, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Multicultural Cookbook for Students (Cookbooks for Students) (Paperback)

My girl scouts and I have used this cookbook many times for World Thinking Day recipes. The variety of recipes and countries represented is great - you will find recipes for countries not in your average international cookbook. The recipes range from fast and easy to more time consuming and complicated. However, that makes this cookbook suitable for all age groups. I have also used this cookbook in the classroom with 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders.