This book appeals to me on several levels: I teach elementary school students (computers), I like to collect cookbooks, and I love Mac & Cheese. It's hard to classify this book so I will just use one word: Fun! The initial section of the book called the Easy Recipe Finder is one of the clearest and most extensive that I have ever seen, but the kids will understand it too as it is done with graphics. Also of interest on pages 6 and 7 is a comparison of the eleven ways to cook Mac & Cheese in which level of difficulty, time, taste, texture, calories and tasting notes are listed. There are two additional `Comparison' sections that discuss a wide variety of cheeses and how to use them, and a section labeled, `What Goes On Top'.
The recipes? Creative, versatile and wonderfully illustrated. I mentioned the recipe for Mac & Cheese pizza on a usergroup and a nice lady from Virginia emailed me asking for the recipe since she couldn't afford the book, but thought that her two grandchildren would like it. I sent it to her and she replied that she was sure that it was going to be a hit!
My favorites? Too early to decide, but the Stuffed Baked Potatoes (did I say that I love potatoes too?) and the Baked Rigatoni are definitely 'keepers'. I haven't tried the pizza yet, but I think I'll wait to serve that to guests.
This is however, a children's book! It is replete with illustrations that will appeal to the kids. It also includes a picture of every recipe. This is a wonderful opportunity to involve children in making decisions and menu planning. Cooking is a tremendously powerful teaching/learning experience for young children and this book is a treasure trove of culinary delights. I showed it to our school librarian and she is going to purchase it for the cooking section. She is also buying a copy for her mother and for herself, as her kids like Mac & Cheese too!
If this review hasn't convinced you, you can get more information at maccheese.com. You can order shirts and hats etc. The authors and the publisher seem assured that this book is a hit...I wholeheartedly agree!