My third-grader came out of school on library day last week armed with a kid’s cookbook — Company’s Coming: Kids Cook! He excitedly flipped through its 199 pages as we walked to the car, pointing out all the yummy-looking photos and very-simple recipes — he zeroed in on the Sweet Ending Pizza, Peach Melba Float and Chocolate Milk Shake, although he did find some salads he thought might be good for me. And after peeking at everything from Hawaiian Grilled Cheese to Kid Kabobs, we made a beeline for the supermarket, where Joey decided the Peach Melba Float would be our afternoon project. One can of sliced peaches, some Ginger Ale and a tub of raspberry sherbet later, and we were blending up cool treats in our kitchen. My boys didn’t end up liking it all that much, but that’s OK. We have the book on loan for a few more days, and that chocolatey pizza is really calling their names.

In the market for some new meal ideas that even kids can make? This might be your book — and although I can’t say the stuff you’ll make will be the healthiest, it will surely be tasty. Here’s an idea — make it a special-occasion cookbook, and you’ll be all set for a once-and-a-while indulgence. Hint: Chewy Peanut Butter Bars, page 113.

Photo: _Nezemnaya_, Flickr