More than Macaroni and Cheese for your Kids

Children are typically picky eaters. I know mine are. So often parents get stuck in a groove in preparing dishes that their children are guaranteed to eat; hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, hamburgers, and PB&J are popular standbys. I have been guilty of this in the past, when it tends to be more important to me that they are full before bed and I don’t have to have a battle at the dinner table. I make what they like, they eat and we are all happy.

However, there are some foods that your children may like that surprise you. Why not try to incorporate some of your favorite dishes into your children’s diet. What they like may surprise you and give you a few meals that you can eat together. Although, children’s palates most likely will not enjoy a 5-alarm chili, they may enjoy a milder version with fun toppings.

Here are a few dishes that I have tried with success. They are not your typical “kids” foods, but have satisfied some young finicky eaters.

• Lemon Caper Chicken with Rice-the tangy sweetness of the chicken and the saltiness of the capers are a great combo for little mouths. Plus, capers look like peas, so they aren’t weary of them. This recipe can be found at http://www.simplyfoodonline.com/entrees.htm
  


• Thai Peanut Chicken Satays-There are many Thai peanut sauces that aren’t too spicy and children LOVE. You can also make your own with virtually no spice at all. Skewer pieces of chicken grill and serve with the Thai peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Thai peanut sauce tastes so much like peanut butter that your kids will love it. You can also sauté the chicken with the sauce and veggies that your children like and serve over noodles or rice
  


• Sushi-Kids can make their own rolls, feel involved and will then eat their products. My 3 year old is picky with his food, but if you let him fill a roll with avocado, cucumber and tuna, he will eat it up, YUM.
  


• Antipasto Salad-Kids love to eat the ham and salami out of this salad as well as the cheese and olives. Mix it with a natural Italian dressing and toss with some nutritious greens (use spinach instead of lettuce) and it is a nutritious meal.