The fascinating world of cooking offers a great way to bond over food, learn about new cultures, and develop essential life skills. From toddlers excited about their first kitchen adventure to high schoolers learning basic safety, the wide variety of teaching resources available today makes it easier than ever to introduce anyone to the joys of cooking and the importance of good nutrition. This collection of cookbooks, lesson plans, and hands-on activities spans a broad audience, from preschool children to adults, making cooking an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
Chef Combo’s Fantastic Adventures: In Tasting & Nutrition
National Dairy Council, August 1996
This creative kit is perfect for engaging 4 and 5-year-olds in the joys of cooking. Featuring the Chef Combo puppet, it comes with a detailed 192-page teacher guide filled with fun activities and recipes, all centered around different themes like the farm, seasons, shapes, and even dinosaurs! Kids will be encouraged to explore new foods while learning important cooking skills.
Audience: Child care providers, early elementary students, parents, health clinics, preschool teachers
Format: 192-page manual, puppet, audiocassette, rubber stamp
Chicken Little
William Morrow & Company, 1985
By Steven Kellogg
This classic tale of Chicken Little and friends falling victim to the cunning Foxy Loxy comes with a twist—Foxy Loxy dresses as a police officer to trick them! The story is a lighthearted yet insightful way to teach kids about caution and trust.
Audience: Child care providers, early elementary students, parents, preschool teachers
Format: 30-page book
Choosing and Preparing Foods: Basic Nutrition and Food Preparation for Special Students
J. Weston Walch, 1995
By Jean Bunnell
Specifically created for students with special needs, this resource introduces the essentials of nutrition in an easy-to-understand way. With line drawings accompanying the text, the book includes 16 lessons covering vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins, as well as simple recipes for each food group. Games, worksheets, and menu planning activities round out the learning experience.
Audience: High school, upper elementary students
Format: 115-page book
Common Sense Kitchen
Pineapple Appeal, 1995
This 15-minute video focuses on teaching young students the fundamentals of kitchen safety. Through step-by-step demonstrations, students learn important safety techniques that they can apply when preparing meals.
Audience: Middle school, elementary students, health clinics
Format: 15-minute video with a teaching resource package
The Cooking Experience
Experience Publishing Company, 1994
By Marion P. Thomas
Designed to stimulate the senses of residents, this book features over 135 easy-to-make recipes, each of which can be prepared using portable equipment like a toaster oven or electric fry pan. From appetizers to desserts, the recipes are budget-friendly and simple, making them ideal for after-school programs and adult day care.
Audience: After-school programs, adult day care
Format: 137-page book
The Cooking Experience with Muffins and Quick Breads
Experience Publishing Company, 1997
By Marion P. Thomas
This cookbook brings the joy of baking into non-kitchen spaces, offering easy-to-make muffins and quick breads using portable cooking tools. Perfect for group or solo activities, each recipe is cost-effective and guaranteed to be a hit.
Audience: After-school programs, adult day care
Format: 61-page book
Cooking The Australian Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1990
By Elizabeth Germaine
Explore the history and culture of Australia through food! This book includes easy-to-follow recipes for dishes like egg and bacon pie, sunshine salad, and glazed kiwi tart.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 46-page book
Cooking The Austrian Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1990
By Helga Hughes
Learn about Austria’s rich culinary traditions with recipes for dishes like potato noodles, paprika chicken, and chocolate cake. Along the way, discover a bit about Austria’s history and culture.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 45-page book
Cooking The Caribbean Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1988
By Cheryl Davidson Kaufman
Dive into the flavors of the Caribbean with this culinary guide! Featuring traditional recipes and historical context, it brings Caribbean cooking to life with easy-to-prepare dishes.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Chinese Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1982
By Ling Yu
Discover the fundamentals of Chinese cooking with this comprehensive guide that covers both essential ingredients and utensils. With easy recipes, it’s a great starting point for learning about Chinese cuisine.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 48-page book
Cooking The English Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1982
By Barbara W. Hill
Take a journey through traditional English cuisine, complete with simple recipes for breakfasts, lunches, teatime, and dinner. This guide also explores the history of English cooking.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The French Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1982
By Marie Lynne Waldee
An introduction to French cooking, this guide includes everyday recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as tips on French table settings and menus.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The German Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1988
By Helga Parnell
Learn how to make traditional German dishes like potato dumplings, noodle salad, and Black Forest torte. This book also offers insights into Germany’s culinary heritage.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Hungarian Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1986
By Magdolna Hargittai
This guide introduces you to the flavors of Hungary with recipes for hearty dishes like goulash, stuffed peppers, and paprika chicken. It also includes an overview of Hungary’s geography and history.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Israeli Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1986
By Josephine Bacon
Discover traditional Israeli dishes like cheese blintzes, turkey schnitzel, and felafel in pita. This guide also highlights Israel’s geography, customs, and people.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 51-page book
Cooking The Italian Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1982
By Alphonse Bisignano
This book explores the rich culinary traditions of Italy, with recipes for minestrone soup, spaghetti with meat sauce, and chicken cacciatore. It also introduces readers to Italy’s regions and food culture.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Japanese Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1983
By Reiko Weston
This guide provides recipes for Japanese soups, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, along with instructions on how to set a Japanese table and eat with chopsticks.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Korean Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1988
By Okwha Chung
Learn about Korean food culture with this guide, which includes recipes for dishes like bean sprout salad and Korean dumplings. The book also provides background on Korea’s history and geography.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Lebanese Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1986
By Suad Amari
This book introduces readers to the flavors of Lebanon, with recipes for traditional dishes like kabobs, hummus, and tahini dip. It also covers Lebanon’s geography and customs.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Mexican Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1982
By Rosa Coronado
An introduction to Mexican cooking, this guide covers special ingredients and utensils while providing easy recipes for popular dishes.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Polish Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1984
By Danuta Zamojska-Hutchins
This guide offers traditional Polish recipes for meals and desserts, and includes information about the country’s geography, customs, and people.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 50-page book
Cooking The Spanish Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1982
By Rebecca Christian
Travel to Spain through its culinary history and recipes for classic dishes like paella, arroz con pollo, and flan. This book also explores Spanish geography and culture.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 47-page book
Cooking The Thai Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1986
By Supenn Harrison
A comprehensive guide to Thai cooking, this book includes recipes for dishes like lemon chicken soup, satay, and Thai egg rolls, along with cultural background on Thailand.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Format: 45-page book
Cooking The Vietnamese Way
Lerner Publications Company, 1985
By Chi Nguyen
Explore Vietnamese cuisine with this guide to making spring rolls, sweet and sour soup, and Vietnamese fried rice. The book also provides information on Vietnam’s land, history, and holidays.
Audience: Upper elementary students, general adults
Daily Food Choices for Healthy Living
United Learning, Inc, ©1997
This informative video, based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, has been updated to reflect the latest USDA research on North American dietary habits and nutrient content. With insights from nutrition experts, health specialists, and family and consumer science educators, this program empowers viewers to make healthier food choices. The video visually illustrates the basic food groups and guides students on how to apply dietary guidelines in real life. Participants will learn how much to eat from each food group to meet their nutritional needs, while also discovering strategies to reduce sugar and salt intake. Special activities tailored for pregnant teens and young women are included, along with internet resources and activities.
Audience: Upper Elementary, High School, Health Clinics, General Adults, Parents
Format: 20-minute video, teacher’s guide, discussion questions and answers, blackline masters
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
National Health Video, ©1996
This video serves as an excellent introduction to essential nutrition principles, adhering to the official national nutrition guidelines. Topics covered include the role of nutrition across different life stages, vegetarian diets, the French paradox, the importance of exercise, and a focus on grains, vegetables, and fruits. It also comes with a comprehensive teaching resource package featuring reproducible learning objectives, activity ideas, quizzes, and detailed answer sheets.
Audience: Upper Elementary, High School, Health Clinics, Parents, General Adults
Format: 17-minute video, available in Spanish or English, teaching resource package
Dimensions in Food Textures, Preparation & Feeding Techniques for Special Needs Children
Anderson Benner Associates, ©1995
This training program consists of four 30-minute videos accompanied by a 14-page guidebook, designed for personnel involved in Child Nutrition Programs. Part 1 focuses on relevant laws, IEPs, disabilities, and special dietary needs. Part 2 provides practical instruction on food production techniques tailored to children with special needs.
Audience: Food Service Personnel, Child Care Providers/Sponsors
Format: Four 30-minute videos, guidebook
The Doorbell Rang
Greenwillow Books, ©1986, Pat Hutchins
Join Ma and her delicious cookies as each ring of the doorbell brings more friends to share in the fun! This delightful story serves as a playful introduction to the concept of division, making math enjoyable for young readers.
Audience: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
Format: 24-page book
E.A.G.A.H.B.E.D.D.: Eat A Good And Healthy Breakfast Every Day…Day
National Dairy Council, ©1994
Join the lively characters from Nickelodeon’s beloved Weinerville in this engaging video designed for 1st to 5th graders, emphasizing the importance of breakfast for effective learning. When the villain steals all the food from Weinerville, students witness firsthand the consequences of skipping breakfast. After enjoying this entertaining experience, they will forever remember that every day is E.A.G.A.H.B.E.D.D. – Eat a Good and Healthy Breakfast Every Day!
Audience: Elementary, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Health Clinics
Format: 13-minute video, 12-page teacher guide
Eating the Alphabet
Tien Wah Press, ©1989, Lois Ehlert
This delightful alphabet book features vibrant watercolor illustrations of fruits and vegetables, enticing young readers to learn not only their ABCs but also the names and colors of the produce depicted. Perfect for daycare, Head Start centers, preschools, elementary schools, and anyone who appreciates beautiful artwork.
Audience: Lower Elementary, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Health Clinics, Preschool Teachers
Format: 32-page book
Everybody Cooks Rice
Carolrhoda Books, Inc, ©1991, Norah Dooley
In this multicultural tale, Anthony’s sister goes on a quest to find him when he is late for dinner. As she visits different homes, she discovers how families prepare rice in diverse and delicious ways. This enchanting story highlights the unique flavors of rice from various cultures and concludes with a collection of recipes from Barbados, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, India, China, Haiti, and Italy.
Audience: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
Format: 32-page book
Everything You Need to Know About Eating Disorders
The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., ©1992, Rachel Kubersky
This informative book serves as a guide for children in grades 4-8, exploring the causes and consequences of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The author discusses societal pressures to conform to unrealistic body images, the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind, and how to seek help when needed. A valuable resource for school libraries, nurses, and teachers.
Audience: Middle School Students
Format: 64-page book
Exploring Foods With Young Children: A Recipe for Nutrition Education
©1992 Florida NET Program
This comprehensive 85-page manual is designed to help preschool and early elementary teachers incorporate nutrition education into their existing curricula. It includes letters to parents and guardians, translated into Spanish and Creole dialects, to encourage family involvement in children’s nutrition education.
Audience: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Head Start, Preschool Teachers
Format: 85-page teacher’s manual
Exploring the Food Pyramid with Professor Popcorn and Hooked on Health: “Professor Popcorn”
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, 1996
This engaging program offers an exciting approach to teaching nutrition and basic health principles. Professor Popcorn shares his “words of wisdom” about the Food Guide Pyramid and dietary guidelines through fun activities that captivate youth, making learning enjoyable for grades 1-9.
Audience: Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, Child Care Providers/Sponsors
Format: Teaching resource package