Get Cooking

Sam Stern (author)

Walker Books, UK: 2007

ISBN: 9781406305609

Genres: cooking, non-fiction

Sam Stern, talented teenage cook, published his first book at 14. Get Cooking is his third effort, in which he dedicates a chapter to each ‘favourite ingredient' as listed by eight of his mates.

Sam's enthusiasm for cooking and all things food related shines through each page. His ‘try this, you won't believe how easy it is to make and how wonderful it tastes' approach should convince even the most insecure and inexperienced user of kitchen implements to ‘have a go'.

The instructions are simple and clear - no complicated chef's language here to intimidate the novice - and each chapter has a chatty introduction in which Sam talks about the ingredient in question. Recipes are mostly quick and simple to make, useful for those in need of a tasty meal in a hurry. While predictable favourites are listed, variations are also suggested, and there are recipes to take both cook and taste-tester just a little outside their comfort zone - which is what learning is all about. Photographs of food and friends break up the text, making the book very user-friendly - although step-by-step recipe-in-the-making illustrations might have provided further support for those lacking cooking confidence. The potential readership is broad - from child with a budding interest to experienced home cooks looking for quick and easy dishes for their hungry families and friends.

Other titles: Cooking Up A Storm; Real Food, Real Fast; Eat Vegetarian