Guest Review of 'Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven' by Todd Coopee

This first definitive retrospective of the Easy Bake® Oven celebrates its journey from children's toy to pop culture icon and inductee to The National Toy Hall of Fame. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing behind the toy’s 50 year history. This book is a must read for vintage toy collectors, nostalgia buffs, foodies, and anyone who has ever peered through the oven's watch it bake window, eagerly anticipating the moment they will be able to serve and enjoy their very own culinary concoction.

Read a guest review:

I have a confession to make: I never had an Easy Bake Oven.

I'm not sure why. I remember seeing it in the Wish Books every year at Christmas, but perhaps I was too dazzled by the dolls and Barbies to pay attention. Or maybe my parents, enlightened parents of the early '70's, steered me away from something that they so as so gender-specific. 

It might have been a good idea to give me some early lessons, as when I did get married and had to cook for my husband, some training on a smaller scale might have been helpful.

I did, however, buy one of the ovens for my daughters. I was excited to see what would happen when we made our first goodies together, and a little non-plussed to realize that it was a light-bulb. . .and it took a long, long time for something that didn't feed many. Okay, full disclosure, it didn't even satisfy one.

But my partial ignorance about the EBO did not take away from pleasure in this beautiful book. Because more than the toy, it is history, and that I love. Watching the evolution of this innocuous children's plaything was truly mesmerizing, and I learned so much that I hadn't realized, not only about toys but also about the changes in promotion and marketing over these last 50 years. The research and presentation were spot-on.

Whether or not you were a light-bulb baker, you'll enjoy this walk down memory lane. Don't miss it. This would be a perfect gift for any grown-up child of the 1960's or '70's!

Purchase it on Amazon

About the Author:

Todd Coopee is a writer, award-winning business owner, toy historian, and pop-culture enthusiast. His affinity for nostalgia, vintage toys, and baking fed his passion for the Easy-Bake Oven, which led to his 2013 retrospective, Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake® Oven.

Todd lives in Ottawa, Ontario and has been known to bake tiny treats for his friends and family.

Follow Light Bulb Baking on:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube

Learn more about Todd: http://about.me/todd.coopee

Follow the Book Tour

Book Tour Blast! 'Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake Oven' by Todd Coopee

This first definitive retrospective of the Easy Bake® Oven celebrates its journey from children's toy to pop culture icon and inductee to The National Toy Hall of Fame. The book explores the innovation, history, economics, commerce, advertising, and marketing behind the toy’s 50 year history. This book is a must read for vintage toy collectors, nostalgia buffs, foodies, and anyone who has ever peered through the oven's watch it bake window, eagerly anticipating the moment they will be able to serve and enjoy their very own culinary concoction.

Purchase it on Amazon

About the Author:

Todd Coopee is a writer, award-winning business owner, toy historian, and pop-culture enthusiast. His affinity for nostalgia, vintage toys, and baking fed his passion for the Easy-Bake Oven, which led to his 2013 retrospective, Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake® Oven.

Todd lives in Ottawa, Ontario and has been known to bake tiny treats for his friends and family.

Follow Light Bulb Baking on:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube

Learn more about Todd: http://about.me/todd.coopee

Follow the Book Tour

Review of 'Dessert Designer' by Dana Meachen Rau

Description

Turn your boring desserts into fantastic works of food art. Learn to make cupcakes into bunnies or candies into shining stars. The best part of this book is learning it’s OK to play with your food!

For ages 9-13.

* Step-by-step instructions to create each project
* Cool projects! No baking required!
* Photos enhance the projects and appeal to readers of all ages
* In line with the popular food styling trend
* Great family activity

Advance Praise

"Dessert Designer is filled with sweet, creative ideas that are doable, even for the novice designer—and kids, too.”
-Rebecca French, author Sweet Home cookbook and sweet-home.com

**My Thoughts**

Creative cooking and baking is all the rage right now. Just turn on any food-related network and even some other mainstream channels. You can even find cooking shows playing alongside sports events in restaurants.

I love the gorgeous photography used to illustrate the book. I don't know that my own creations would ever look quite as good, but the pictures make you want to try your very best!

The Decorator's Toolbox is a great page. The photograph looks much like a real kitchen drawer or box would and helps you to identify what all of the tools are. I would recommend getting your child her own set of decorating tools to keep in a special drawer, or even a plastic box of her very own in which to keep supplies. This would give her greater ownership over the projects.

Making these projects together can add to great family bonding time and memories to cherish for years to come. Your child will want to have some independent time, too. Go through the book together to determine which ones she can do alone and which ones would require your help. Designate some to make ahead of time for parties and others she can make with her friends at parties. 

You could easily apply the skills that you learn from this book to making some of your own favorite creations. 

I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review. 

Buy links: Amazon \ Capstone Young Readers

  

About the Author:

Dana Meachen Rau writes about many topics, including food! When she's not writing, she's being creative in other ways - especially in the kitchen. Sometimes she follows recipes, but other times she experiments with new flavors. And she doesn't need a special occasion to whip up a special dessert for her friends and family in Burlington, Connecticut.

Visit her website: http://www.danameachenrau.com/ 

8 Free Parenting Books: Cooking, Advice, Special Needs & More

Broaden your parenting horizons by reading what some experts have to say. Most of these books are based on real-life experiences with the authors' own families. As of the time of this posting, all of these books are also free. Please note that prices can change at any time, so always verify the "Buy" price prior to your purchase.

cooking....

51 Quick & Easy Family Dinners Under $10
All of the recipes in this book have been tested on the author's own family. Each recipe costs less than $10, takes 30 minutes or less to cook, and can feed a family of 5. Try Texas Style Chicken Enchiladas, Swiss Style Meatballs, Grilled or Panini Style Apple and Chicken Sandwiches, and more.

Get your Kindle copy here.

parent to parent....

Livin' La Vida Papa


Louis Mack thought he was done raising kids. His daughter was 16 when all of a sudden, surprise! There's a new baby in the house! This stay-at-home dad has a new perspective on life with a baby. Share in his ups and downs with his new family.

Get your Kindle copy here.

Oh Look, There's Two of Them!

This is one look at the double joys and double trouble of having twins. Author Alan Roy Hocking has fraternal twin girls, but is sure that any parent of twins will relate to his adventures!

Get your Kindle copy here.

babies and toddlers....

Growing Bodies: All About Babies and Toddlers

The focus of this book is about the growth and development of babies and toddlers. Author Wilma Rodgerson also delves into some parenting advice for those first-time parents - what is normal behavior and what should raise a red flag.

Get your Kindle copy here.

special needs....

Dreams Change

This book is a raw look at a mother's journey as she finds out that her unborn baby has Down Syndrome and then living in the NICU. She candidly talks about how your dreams for your child change, when life throws you a curveball.

Get your Kindle copy here.

discipline....

Raising Kids With Love & Limits

The most effective discipline is consistent and firm. Learn how to stand your ground while showing your kids you still love them. Stop analyzing every little detail and communicate effectively.

Get your Kindle copy here.

family fun....

Grow Your Own Tree-Hugger: 101 activities to teach your child how to live green

101 science, food and craft activities teach children ages 4-10 how to be self-sustainable while having fun. Eliminate pesticides by naturally releasing ladybugs into the garden. Create fun t-shirts and and bags from recycled materials, or make your own solar oven that really works!

Get your Kindle copy here.

Doing Fun Stuff With Little Kids

Over 150 activities for any adult caregiver to do with young children can be done in any kind of weather and for little to no cost.

Get your Kindle copy here.

Free Books With St. Patrick's Day Activities

St. Patrick's Day is next weekend. As parents and teachers prepare to celebrate with children, they may feel at a loss for something new to try. Today Amazon has two free books that parents and teachers can use to inspire activities for the holiday.

While these books are free as of the time of this posting, they cannot be guaranteed to stay at that price. Check the price next to "Buy" instead of "Prime" when ascertaining their cost.

Don't have a Kindle? No worries! Check out these free Kindle apps for your smartphone, computer or tablet by clicking here. Purchase your own Kindle, Kindle Touch or Kindle Fire to enjoy e-books on the go.

Easy St. Patrick's Day Crafts to Make With Young Children
\ Easy St. Patrick's Day Crafts to Make With Young Children by Michelle Buvala is a part of the Simple Crafting With Children series. This book includes 10 simple crafts that children from preschool through elementary school will enjoy. Most of the materials are readily available around the house or can be cheaply purchased at discount or dollar stores. Fill your home with shamrocks and pots o' gold as you spend some quality time together making crafts.

Get your Kindle copy here.

St. Patrick's Day Recipes Sampler
The St. Patrick's Day Recipes Sampler by by Shannon Farrell and Erin Kennedy is a part of the Holiday Entertaining series. Irish authors provide 12 authentic Irish recipes, as well as a bit of the history and tradition of the holiday. While children cannot make their own Irish cream, they can help make some of the other recipes, such as Irish Soda Bread.

Get your Kindle copy here.

I have taken advantage of these two titles being free and downloaded them for my Kindle apps. I will look at them more thoroughly later. Please let me know what you think of them!