Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some reasons people use cookbooks?
- What types of recipes do you think are found in cookbooks?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- well-known /WEL-NOHN/
- design /dih-ZAHYN/
- simplify /SIM-pluh-fahy/
- distinctive /dih-STINGK-tiv/
- approachable /uh-PROH-chuh-buhl/
[adjective] – widely known or recognized
Many people admire the well-known artist for her beautiful paintings.
[verb] – to create or plan something
The student will design a new logo for the school event.
[verb] – to make something easier to understand or do
The teacher will simplify the instructions to help everyone follow them.
[adjective] – having a quality or characteristic that makes something different from others
The bird has a distinctive song that makes it easy to identify.
[adjective] – refers to something that is easy to understand or use, making it accessible to a wider audience
The new math textbook is very approachable, featuring clear explanations and helpful examples for students of all levels.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Sonja and Alex Overhiser, well-known food bloggers and podcasters, have recently released a new cookbook titled A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together. This cookbook is designed specifically for couples who want to simplify their cooking experiences. By focusing on dividing kitchen tasks, the Overhisers aim to reduce stress and enhance cooperation in the kitchen. Each recipe assigns specific roles to the cooks—one represented by a square and the other by a triangle. This innovative approach makes culinary endeavors more enjoyable. The cookbook features a wide range of international dishes, including pizza inspired by the couple’s Italian honeymoon, and it provides practical options for those following gluten-free or vegan diets. The primary goal is to help home cooks enjoy preparing meals together while expanding their culinary repertoire.
The method of dividing labor in this cookbook addresses a common challenge in many kitchens: the fear of making mistakes or feeling overwhelmed. The Overhisers designed their recipes to be simple and clear, ensuring accessibility for cooks of all skill levels. For example, the recipe for Meatballs with Fire-Roasted Marinara showcases this by having one cook prepare the sauce while the other handles the meatballs. This collaborative method encourages flexibility, allowing cooks to modify their roles as needed. Leveraging their expertise in recipe development, the Overhisers have curated a collection with diverse flavors, ensuring that each dish is both distinctive and approachable.
The method of dividing labor in this cookbook addresses a common challenge in many kitchens: the fear of making mistakes or feeling overwhelmed. The Overhisers designed their recipes to be simple and clear, ensuring accessibility for cooks of all skill levels. For example, the recipe for Meatballs with Fire-Roasted Marinara showcases this by having one cook prepare the sauce while the other handles the meatballs. This collaborative method encourages flexibility, allowing cooks to modify their roles as needed. Leveraging their expertise in recipe development, the Overhisers have curated a collection with diverse flavors, ensuring that each dish is both distinctive and approachable.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the title of the cookbook released by Sonja and Alex Overhiser?
- Who are the authors of the cookbook mentioned in the article?
- What is the main purpose of the cookbook?
- How do the Overhisers aim to reduce stress in the kitchen?
- What shapes are used to represent the cooks in the recipes?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever cooked with someone special, like a friend or family member? If so, what did you cook together? If not, who would you like to cook with?
- Do you enjoy trying new recipes in the kitchen? If so, what is your favorite recipe? If not, what kind of meals do you prefer to make?
- Do you agree that simple recipes are better for new cooks?
- What are the benefits of dividing tasks while cooking with someone?
- In what ways can cooking together help reduce stress? Do you think cooking is a good way to relax? Why or why not?