Recipes for Young Pickey Eaters???

[suziking]

Help! I have a four year old who loves Kraft Mac and Cheese to the exclusion of almost everything. I can feed him a little chicken or pork if he can dip it in the new Green Ketsup - yuck!

Does anyone have a favorite recipe for young kids that might appeal to a pickey eater? I really want him to branch out in his eating habits.

Thanks!

Suzi

[Star]

Hi there! I call myself a "professional babysitter" because I have been working with kids for such a long time (even though I'm only 21!) Anyways, if he likes chicken and cheese how about chicken breast(I believe Perdue makes a good boneless breaded kind) with tomato sauce and melted cheese?
Or tortelini? The kids I sit for are also very picky (1, 5 and 6 yrs. old) and one really likes spinach tortelini. He calls them green pillows http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Have you tried fish yet? My mom used to get us kids to eat fish by putting crushed up Ritz crackers mixed with butter and baked on top. Of course I just smothered it in tarter sauce, but at least I ate it! Good luck and feel free to ask for anymore suggestions...oooh how about chicken tacos? He can eat them with his hands and put his OWN extras on like cheese! Ok I'll stop now!
~Diona

[gertdog]

How about chicken quesadillas? Let him help you make them. Flour tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese... can't go wrong! Will he eat pizza? You can make mini-pizzas together using english muffin halves or pita bread. With macaroni and cheese, you could try stirring in tiny amounts of minced vegetables (yellow squash and shredded carrot blend in nicely). Or shredded chicken (hey, go with what he likes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ) I also stir in sliced turkey hot dogs sometimes (they gross me out, but the kids like them). If he likes macaroni, how about farfalle (butterfly shapes) with butter or oil and some shredded parmesan on top?

Baby carrots with a little peanut butter to dip in seem to be popular.

The boys I babysit for aren't vegetarians, but I am, and I occasionally feed them tofu cubes. They like those a lot... bland, neutral flavor that can adapt to all kinds of flavors, even green ketchup!

Fruit smoothies for breakfast? "Surprise" muffins with a little jam hidden in the center?

Will he eat different kinds of breads? I'm thinking there are some sweet-tasting vegetable quick breads (zucchini, carrot, even sweet potato) that aren't necessarily an ideal way to squeeze veggies into one's diet, but they're a start.

Oven fries (mix some sweet potato in with white potato fries) would be great for dipping into green ketchup...

I've found that the boys will taste most anything if they've helped to make it. They don't always like it, but they're more willing to give it a try. I also find that giving them choices of things to try ("We're going to have carrots or broccoli tonight...which one do you choose?") makes them feel that they're having their say and they're more willing to eat stuff than when I just plunk it down in front of them (which does happen on occasion!)

I have this recipe for "Golden Cheddar Cheese Soup" that isn't as unhealthy as it sounds at all, has a very pleasant mild cheesy flavor, and is pureed so the veggies are undetectable. It's from the Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home. Every kid I've tried it on has liked it, especially with crackers to dip in it.

Golden Cheddar Cheese Soup

1 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 meium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
pinch of tumeric
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 cup buttermilk or milk
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt to taste
minced fresh scallions, chives or parsley for garnish

1. Saute the onions in the oil for about 5 minutes or unitl the onions begin to soften. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, squash, black
pepper and tumeric. Add the stock or water and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the
buttermilk or milk and the cheese.

2. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Gently reheat. Add salt to tase and serve topped with minced scallions,
chives or parsley.

Finally... I read somewhere recently that it takes a *lot* of exposures to a new food... like 15 on average... for some kids to be willing to eat more than even a bite... so don't despair! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Linda in MO]

These are all tried and true. Hope you find something he might enjoy.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Meat Loaf Pie

Recipe By :slightly adapted from Country Woman, July/Aug 00, pg. 41
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Ground Beef , Main Dish


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
ground pepper, to taste
1 pound lean ground beef
ketchup -- to taste (recipe calls for 1/3 cup)
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning -- crushed
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese -- or more to taste

In a bowl, combine milk, bread crumbs, garlic salt, nature's seasoning, and pepper.
Add beef; mix well.
Press meat mixture onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a greased 9 inch pie plate.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 minutes; drain carefully.
Spread with ketchup. Sprinkle with cheddar, oregano, and Parmesan.
Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and cheese is melted.

Serving Ideas : Serve with mashed potatoes and corn.

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* Exported from MasterCook *

Sausage and Cheese Turnovers

Recipe By :1997 America's Best Recipes, pg. 57
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizer/Snack , Main Dish


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 -4 oz. can mushrooms stems and pieces -- drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 -10 oz. can refrigerated flaky biscuits
1 large egg -- beaten
1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Brown sausage in skillet; drain fat. Place in a medium bowl.
Stir in Italian seasoning, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese; set aside.
Roll each biscuit into a 5 inch circle. Spoon meat mixture evenly onto each circle.
Moisten edges with beaten egg. Fold in half; press edges together with a fork to seal.
Brush turnovers with beaten egg; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden.

Yield:
"10 turnovers"

NOTES : This can also be served as a main dish. Serve with a salad or vegetable.

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* Exported from MasterCook *

Banana Creamsicle Smoothie

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizer/Snack , Beverage


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 bananas -- sliced and frozen
1 container orange crème Yoplait yogurt -- (6 oz.)
3/4 to 1 c. low-fat milk
2 T. orange juice or orange juice concentrate -- optional (2 to 4)

Blend in a blender until smooth.

NOTES : Slice bananas and place on a cookie sheet. Freeze for about 2 hours and then transfer to a freezer ziploc bag.

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* Exported from MasterCook *

Creamy Caramel Fruit Dip

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizer/Snack , Dessert, Dip

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 ounces cream cheese -- SOFTENED
1/2 c. brown sugar -- packed
1/4 c. sugar
2 t. vanilla extract -- (2 to 3)
green and red apple slices, banana chunks, and red grapes

Blend 1st four ingredients in a bowl with a mixer until smooth. Chill until serving or serve immediately.
Serve with apple slices, banana chunks, and red grapes.

Serving Ideas : If desired, serve with only apple slices. I use red delicious and granny smith or golden delicious apples.

NOTES : Doesn't seem to get as creamy with light cream cheese. You will probably need to add a little milk to make it thinner.

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* Exported from MasterCook *

Orange Julius

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizer/Snack , Beverage


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate -- (6 oz.)
1 banana -- optional
1 cup cold water
1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ice cubes -- (12 to 14)

Blend first 6 ingredients in blender. Add ice cubes 1 or 2 at a time through top of lid while blending.
Serve immediately.

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* Exported from MasterCook *

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizer/Snack , Beverage


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
10 ounce box sweetened frozen strawberries
1 large banana -- optional
1 cup milk
1 cup cold water
1 t. vanilla extract
12 ice cubes -- (12 to 14)

Put the strawberries in the microwave for 25-30 seconds to thaw slightly. Blend first 5 ingredients in a blender. Add ice cubes 1 or 2 at a time through top of lid while blending.
Serve immediately.

[Luv to Cook]

Cookie cutters!

I noticed that my niece will eat almost anything that has a cool shape. I use stars, hearts, flowers, etc. Works with sandwiches, eggs, pizza, almost anything.


Anita

[gertdog]

Anita, what a cool idea! I'm going to dig out my cutters and let the boys I babysit for have at it.

The cookie cutter idea reminds me of something I forgot to mention in my earlier post... there's a fun kids' cookbook by Mollie Katzen called Pretend Soup that's great for cooking with kids. It has written directions for grownups and picture directions for kids, and some fun but basic recipe ideas (carrot pennies, noodle soup, popovers, number salad).

[LGBurns]

My mom used to get me to eat a lot of vegetables I turned my nose up at by allowing me to put mayonnaise on it. I know it's pretty disgusting and not very low fat, but at least I ate my broccoli and asparagus that way. Plus, now I eat them without the mayo--I might not have even tried them as an adult if I didn't at least encounter them as a kid. You might also try making a low-fat cheese sauce for vegies.

[JennieL]

Chicken fingers. I coat chicken breast strips w/egg white, rolll in corn flake crumbs and bake at 350. Serve with a couple of different sauces for dipping, ranch, honey mustard, ketchup.

Also, why do kids love that nasty green ketchup?

[Jewel]

I don't get that green ketchup thing either!! My Goddaughter was eating hot dogs dipped in that stuff last weekend, and then she came at me with this slimy green goo all over her fingers and face (aren't 3 year olds wonderful??). When I tried to wipe the stuff of, it had stained her skin AND mine! That stuff has to be nuclear, it took quite a bit of scrubbing to get it off. Her mother says they have to be careful what kind of plates she eats the stuff off of, 'cause it stains even the plates! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[Leanne]

I remember that I loved pancakes in the morning that mom would make into shapes - like mickey mouse or another animal. It was almost more fun when she'd mess up & we got to make fun of her for making a horse that looked like a blob with legs. (my point with that is, you don't have to be very artistic.) Top with blueberries for eyes or strawberries or apple slices for a mouth, etc. I also remember that she used to do corncakes the same way - in shapes.

I also remember making faces in mashed potatoes with other veggies like peas & carrots.

I used to love to think of broccoli as little trees - maybe you could play on that somehow. Make a "mountain" of mashed potatoes topped with little trees.

I'm rambling here... maybe something will help.

I thought of one more that was my DH's favorite as a kid & is now his 2 6-year old nephews' favorite.

Cheesy chicken casserole:

1 lb chx breast cooked & diced or shredded
1 small conatiner sour cream (8oz I think)
1 block cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of chx soup

mix together & spread in the bottom of a casserole dish. Top with crumbled Ritz crackers & melted butter if you want. (I usually don't do the butter). Bake at 350 for 35 min or so - until it's browned & bubbly.

You could probably start sneaking in chopped onion, garlic, maybe even spinach. (1 package of frozen goes well in the recipe.)




[This message has been edited by Leanne (edited 05-30-2001).]

[gobluem82]

My kids actually refuse to eat the green ketchup, and I don't blame them! My son, who is now five, used to be a picky eater also, and he has gotten much, much better. Our rules of the table have always been that you have to take at least one bite of what is served before saying you don't like it, and just touching it to your tongue doesn't count! The "one bite" rule applies even if you've tried something before, because lo and behold, they often decide that this time it tastes good! (My kids even forced this rule on me the other day with one of the few foods in the world I don't like--olives.)

Keep fixing new and different things--if you acquiesce (sp??) and fix mac and cheese all of the time, you'll only be reinforcing those habits. Just make sure there's at least one thing being served that you know he'll like. Good luck--things will improve!

[clairea]

Both of my kids (almost 4 and 14 months) are also very picky, so I can sympathize with your dilemma! Here are some things I can get them to eat:

Chicken fingers (I make them the same way someone else mentioned in an earlier reply, but use a mix of breadcrumbs and flour instead of cornflake crumbs)

Fish sticks -- I make these the same way as chicken fingers, using a mild white fish. There is also a brand of frozen fish sticks that is baked instead of fried (I think it is Mrs. Paul's -- not sure -- it is in a green box).

Hot dogs (I use Hebrew National 97% fat free so I don't feel too bad about it) or Morningstar veggie corndogs

Grilled cheese sandwiches. When the bread is grilled, they can't tell that I have used whole wheat! If your little one likes the Kraft Mac and Cheese, he might really go for this since the american cheese has a similar flavor. I use the Kraft 2% american cheese which melts well but has less fat than regular.

Mini pizzas -- I make these in advance on english muffin or bagel halves and freeze.

Meatloaf made in mini-muffin tins (they won't eat it any other way, but somehow this appeals to them). I also make and freeze this in advance.

Sandwiches -- PB&J, peanut butter and banana, cream cheese and jelly.

Hope this helps a little. Also, I keep trying to remind myself that according to all the "experts" it is only my job to provide healthy food -- it is up to the kids to decide what, if anything, to eat. With the exception of breakfast (pancakes almost every day, with an occasional bagel thrown in for variety), this is probably the full range of what my kids have eaten in the last several months.

One other thought -- will he eat the mac and cheese with other things mixed into it, like vegetables, cut up chicken or ground beef? For a while I could get my older child to eat this, but no more . . .

[This message has been edited by clairea (edited 05-30-2001).]