Cookbook for 13-year old

Santa needs a cookbook for a 13-year old boy. Several years ago I got him a Betty Crocker cookbook for kids that was a big success. I'm looking for something a little more advanced, but nothing too complicated to add to his collection. I've browsed over my own collection and didn't see anything particularly appropriate. Maybe I'll give him a subscription to Cooks Illustrated if I can't find a book, but that seems much too serious.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

Bill/SFNM

How about "Rick and Lanie's Excellent Kitchen Adventures" ?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158479 ... e&n=283155

Best,
Michael

My boss's son is 14 or so and really interested in cooking and loves to watch The Food Network. You might consider DVD's that show various cooking techniques. There are a few videos over there. There is also a sight that has some of Julia Child's videos that are great to watch.

OTOH, a week with you would teach just about anyone more about food than 2 years at the CIA. Let me know if when I can audit a class.

I think any of the Jamie Oliver cookbooks would be appropriate. I have two (this one and this one--they were Christmas gifts), and everything I've ever made from them has worked out beautifully. The recipes are only as specific as they need to be, and they're written in kind of a chatty, hip language. But they're still semi-serious in that he tends to explain why he's doing certain things and gives good substitutions or variations when appropriate. The pictures are great too.

It's not a cookbook, but this might be combined with a cookbook for an extra gift: James Lilek's The Gallery of Regrettable Food. It's very funny, and exerpts I've used for comic relief in college classes I've taught have gone over well. I think most LTH regulars know his website, but if not, one can waste many hours here, including those spent absorbed and amazed by the regrettable recipes (found in the Institute of Official Cheer): www.lileks.com

If this kid's a blood relative of yours, Bill, I'm betting he'd be dissapointed by anything less thorough than this....

Seriously, though, I got Steingarten's The Man Who Ate Everything for a teenager who thought it was terrific...plus, it unlocked his inner foodist.

Bruce wrote:a week with you would teach just about anyone more about food than 2 years at the CIA. Let me know if when I can audit a class.

Bruce,

Funny you should mention that. A granddaughter from Mexico is staying with us for her January college break with the expressed purpose of learning how to cook. This is what she requested for her last birthday present and I am deeply honored.

You know you are welcome in my kitchen any time. Well, at least for few meals. Students have to do the dishes. ):

Bill/SFNM

My nephew really likes the Emeril Lagasse kid's cooking book that I sent him last year. I cannot vouch for the recipes as I didn't have a lot of time to review the book.

The Fanny Farmer Junior Cookbook was the first cookbook I bought for myself when I was teaching myself to cook in college. I still use the French onion soup recipe. I bought an updated version for my nephew when he was about 13. He's now working his way through college as a baker.

I have an Alton Brown cookbook I got as a gift. I have to confess I haven't tried any recipes yet but it might be a fun book for a teenager b/c Alton describes the science behind the recipes and it's relatively corny/funny.