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I was provided a copy of the book for review purposes but bought my own copy as well. All opinions are my own.
Since Shane decided last year that he wants to be a chef when he grows up, I’ve spent a lot of time looking for good cookbooks for kids. It takes a lot of skill to create recipes that kids are interested in that aren’t too advanced- and then even more skill to explain those recipes to kids in a way that is helpful but not talking down to them.
There’s a brand new book coming out this month that absolutely nails it: Kid Chef Bakes for the Holidays by Kristy Richardson. Kristy and I have been friends for awhile and she always has great ideas for making food for the kids- and with the kids, too. I knew this cookbook was going to knock it out of the park and it did not disappoint!
There are 50 great recipes in this book that cover so many different holidays, not just Halloween and Christmas. You can find recipes for holidays like April Fools’ Day, Memorial Day, and Diwali; recipes for celebrations like Graduation and Birthdays; and even seasonal features like Changing Leaves Snickerdoodles and Mermaid Brownie Pops.
Not only does this cookbook have a lot of delicious recipes for all skill levels, but it is very educational too! The book covers a variety of topics in a way that kids can easily understand, like baking basics, tools and equipment that come in handy {and how to use them}, oven safety tips, and even the science behind baking!
Shark Attack Cheesecakes Recipe
Today I wanted to share one of the most unique recipes just in time for Shark Week- Shark Attack Cheesecakes! You can click on the images below to download the pages from the book directly or you can print the recipe at the bottom of this post.
What Tools Do You Need to Make Shark Attack Cheesecakes?
To make Shark Attack Cheesecakes, you’ll need:
{These links are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission on your purchase at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!}
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- 4 mason jars {4 oz or 6 oz will do}
A Note From Kristy:
I am so excited about getting kids into the kitchen with this cookbook because I’ve seen firsthand that light behind their eyes when they are excited to share something they’ve made. The recipes in this book give kids so many reasons to celebrate, chances to learn about celebrations that maybe they don’t celebrate, and plenty of suggestions to get creative and make recipes their own. I hope your family loves these recipes as much as mine does.
Hungry for More?
Want more delicious holiday recipes that the kids can make? Be sure to preorder your copy of Kid Chef Bakes for the Holidays right now!
GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will win their own copy of Kid Chef Bakes for the Holidays! Enter to win using the form below. Good luck!
Shark Attack Cheesecakes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
These adorable Shark Attack Cheesecakes are perfect for watching Shark Week- or for any special summer celebration!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs {about 4 sheets}
- 2 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup candy melts in blue, teal, gray, or white
- 2 TBSP powdered sugar
- 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 TBSP granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 TBSP red jam {strawberry, raspberry, etc.}
Instructions
- Freeze the bowl and beaters. Place your large mixing bowl and whisk attachment or beaters in the freezer. This will be for making your whipped cream.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Place the graham crackers in a zip-top bag. With your hands, gently crush the crackers into crumbs. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Drop spoonfuls of the graham cracker mixture evenly between the glass jars and press down.
- Make the Shark Fins: On a piece of paper, draw four shark fins with a black marker. The bottom of the fun should be about 1 inch across and should fit into the glass jar. Put the paper on a baking sheet as your pattern and place parchment paper on top. Melt the candy melts according to the package instructions and spoon into a zip-top bag. Snip a corner of the bag and use the liquid melts to draw and fill in the shark fins on the parchment paper. Place the fins in the freezer to harden.
- Make the Whipped Cream: Remove the mixing bowl from the freezer and add the powdered sugar and whipping cream. Mix with a mixer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture starts to form peaks- like a mountain made of fluffy whipped cream. Watch carefully- if you whip your cream too long, it will turn into butter. Set 1/2 cup of whipped cream aside and color it blue with food coloring.
- Mix the Cheesecake: In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cream cheese and beat for 2 to 3 minutes. Next add the white whipped cream {not the smaller blue one!}, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, then beat together for an additional minute to make a spreadable cheesecake.
- Layer the Shark Cheesecake in the Jars: Use half of the cheesecake mixture and add a spoonful to each jar. Add a small spoonful of red jam, then the rest of the white cheesecake, then top with blue whipped cream in each jar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, then pop the candy shark fins on top before you eat.
Notes
Find more great holiday recipes that kids can make in Kid Chef Bakes for the Holidays, available now on Amazon! https://amzn.to/38VWPCo
