The New, 2006 Classic Easy-Bake Oven

In 1963, the Kenner toy company developed the now famous Easy-Bake Oven. This turquoise/purple kid's toy was sold as a safe and fun way for kids to learn about cooking.  While the toy was later taken over by the Hasbro brand, it never lost its market cachet.  Indeed, the Easy-Bake Oven inspired countless cooking fans, including Bobby Flay, a world-famous TV chef personality.

All told, Hasbro and Kenner Toys have managed to sell 50-plus million ovens to kids, consumers, and collectors.  The way the oven works is simple.  A light bulb (generally 100 watts) "cooks" dishes that get placed into the oven.  You can create everything from cookies and cake treats to fun pasta dishes.  The new 2006 Classic Easy-Bake Oven features a special  SpongeBob SquarePants recipe for krabby cakes--delicious for any generation.

You can even find Easy-Bake cookbooks with special recipes designed for the toy.  Since the oven contains no wires or burners, it is generally safe for most young kids, although the manufacturers do urge some parental supervision.  As with the original Classic Easy-Bake Oven, the new model features a see-through window, offering a firsthand glimpse into the goings on inside the oven.

Whether you are training up the next Wolfgang Puck or Emeril or you are simply teaching good culinary habits to your youngster, the 2006 Classic Easy-Bake promises to deliver all the great bells and whistles you remember from the classic model--with a modern twist.