Best Books for Teaching Kosher Cooking to Kids

When children help out in the kitchen, they learn just as much about culture as they do about cuisine. This is especially important for Jewish children. While there are great cooks on the Food Network and great books in libraries and bookstores, finding books specifically designed to teach cooking to young Jewish children are rare treasures. Here are some of the best books for teaching kosher cooking and Jewish traditions to young children.

Kosher by Design Kids in the Kitchen (2005)

Mesorah Publications prints this delightful book. Authors Fishbein and Uher have written text simple enough for young kids to follow. This hardback cookbook offers parents and children an opportunity to share in a spiritual cooking experience. The recipes are kid-friendly while introducing youngsters to helpful tips and the techniques for kosher cooking. Each recipe includes an equipment and ingredient list as well as a photo of each dish. For Ages 9 to 12.

The Cherry on Top: A Kosher Junior Cookbook (2009)

"The Cherry On Top: A Kosher Junior Cookbook", written by Chaya Feigny Grossman, is a sweet find. Published by Feldheim, this book is a kid-friendly collection that is a great guide to teaching kosker cooking skills to young kids. The book has everything from brownies to pizza. The book is nicely illustrated and includes clear instructions and guides to practical kitchen safety. For Ages 9 to 12.

Matzah Meals: A Passover Cookbook for Kids (2004)

Kar-Ben Publishers have a winner with this book by Barbara Steinberg and Bill Hauser. Matzah Meals is a collection of 70 recipes that follow the Passover dietary laws. It offers recipes that have three levels of complexity as well as labeling. The book is complimented by a brief retelling of the Passover story and an explanation of traditional Seder foods. The cookbook has year round recipes and has an international section that has recipes for matzah pizza and even matzah egg foo young. Ages 9 to 12.

A First Jewish Holiday Cookbook (1980)

Still a wonderful find is Chaya Burstein's A First Jewish Holiday Cookbook. The book is useful as well as educational. This Bonhim Activity book includes sections which explain Jewish holidays and includes recipes linked to those holidays. It's recipes are easy and offer a great time to share with children and grandchildren. Ages 9 to 12.

From Latkes to matzah, Jewish cooking is full of tradition and flavor. Teaching young Jewish children about heritage and the international flavors of some kosher foods is a great way of helping them understand the importance of good food and family as they grow older. Happy kosher cooking!