cuisine queen
38
by Paula [paula@ocalasgoodlife.com]
Tips For Meals With The Grandkids
K
ids can be finicky eaters and we have to remember that we were once their age. I don’t think any of us dove into mushy, cooked spinach when it was set before us. I used to smother mine with ketchup (really bad idea and habit) or try to feed it to my dog who also turned up her nose at it. If you would’ve told me then that I’d love spinach now, I’d not believe it. What if you’re a grandparent that is helping raise your grandchild or are solely raising your grandchild? Let’s face it, most of us were born into the “clean plate” club where we could hardly leave a morsel on our plates. If we did, we got spanked and sent to bed. If your parents didn’t believe in corporal punishment, your sentence was no dessert, no TV, no outdoor play, or some combination of all three. What if your kids are passing on their terrible eating habits to your grandkids? Can it be undone? Is there hope? Do you ask yourself at times, “Where did I go wrong?!” It may not be that you did anything wrong. You may have had more time to cook, whereas your children have a busier schedule, letting the kids choose what they want instead of what’s best for them long term. So here are a few tips to nudge your finicky eaters.
Avoid the children’s menu of corn dogs, mac ‘n cheese, fried chicken tenders, and spaghetti.
When dining out, avoid the children’s menu of corn dogs, mac ‘n cheese, fried chicken tenders, and spaghetti. Since menu portions are pretty big, young ones can share bites of what you are eating. If older, try to persuade them to try something different that you feel sure will not go to waste. Give them the nudge to expand their palate. Brussel sprouts sounds ewww, but grilled, tossed with honey and bacon bits… yum! I may no longer smother my spinach with ketchup, but at least I was introduced to the taste because it was served over and over again. If it’s turned away once or twice, don’t give up. Introduce it in different forms. For instance, quiche and spanakopita are delicious spinach dishes. The option of a cheese-stuffed jalapeno over a plain jalapeno makes a world of difference. Broccoli covered with real, melted cheddar and bacon bits is more palatable than alone. Other tips on teaching your grandkids to eat better require lots of patience that will pay off. Let them help you prepare food when you eat in. Kids are more likely to try new foods if they have a hand in making it. And, yes, let them play with their food to a degree. Never force them to eat. That’s like throwing them into a swimming pool to learn how to swim. Limit using food as a reward. Be persistent and gradual. Do not let them choose a simpler meal like cereal or a PB&J sandwich. Remember, patience is the key. Quick Bites: Congrats to one of my favorite restaurateurs, Bill Nordle of Blackwater Inn & Williams Landing in Astor on retirement! I think I have only seen him sit down once since I met him in 1993. After 37 years of excellent service to the community, he and wife, Tina, are handing the business over to the Jaffe family, who also own McHenry’s Sports Pub in Keystone Heights. I hope they keep the salad bar with all those great toppings, including the feta cheese! Until next time.
Got A Hot Tip For The Cuisine Queen? E-mail me at paula@ocalasgoodlife.com
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