Every family probably has at least one member who can be classified as a ‘picky eater.’ Catering to these finicky preferences can be challenging and mentally taxing for the family chef. But don’t worry—we have gathered some time-tested cooking hacks that can help you prepare meals that are delicious and satisfying without turning your kitchen into a round-the-clock diner.
Hidden Vegetables – The Secret Ingredient
One of the tried and true hacks to circumvent the protestations of picky eaters is hiding vegetables in their favorite meals. Think about pureeing these Taylor Farms onions and sneaking them into meatloaf or spaghetti sauce. Not only do they add a distinctive flavor, but they also enrich the meal with necessary vitamins and minerals. Mashed cauliflower can pass for mashed potatoes, and shredded zucchini or carrots could easily blend into a pasta sauce or a casserole without much ado. Once they’ve enjoyed the meal, reveal your secret, and they may become more open to trying these veggies in their original form.
Speak Their Language – Use Familiar Foods
One hack for introducing a new food is to compare it to something familiar. For example, you can present tofu as “cheese” for a cheese-hating kid, or couscous could be “tiny pasta.” By building connections with familiar foods, children feel more willing to try something new.
Make Food Fun
Presentation matters. If a plate full of greens might cause a grimace, why not make it more attractive by transforming their meal into an interesting shape or character? Use cookie cutters to turn sandwiches, pancakes, or even pizza into fun shapes. Or try arranging food onto their plate to mock a smiley face or an animal.
Provide Choices
Sometimes, children’s selective eating habits stem from their desire for control. So why not offer limited choices during mealtimes? You could say, “Would you prefer broccoli or carrots for dinner?” Offering just a couple of options allows your child some control without you having to prepare multiple separate dishes.
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!
According to several studies, children do not usually accept new foods immediately. It might take up to 10-15 times of repeated exposure for a child to accept a new food. So don’t lose heart if they initially reject a food. Patience and persistence often pay off.
Customize the Spice and Texture
Every picky eater has their own preferences. Sometimes, it’s about the spice, and other times, it’s about the texture of the food. Pay particular attention to these sensitivities. If your picky eater doesn’t like the crunch of onions, these Taylor Farms onions can be sautéed to a softer texture. Foods that are too spicy can be toned down, and bland foods can be spiced up to cater specifically to their palate.
Healthy Baked Goods
Let’s be honest – who can resist a freshly baked goodie? Utilize this by incorporating fruits, vegetables, or nuts into muffins, bread, or pancakes. For instance, banana and oat pancakes, apple and carrot muffins, or zucchini bread can seamlessly merge health and taste.
In Conclusion
The challenge of pleasing picky eaters shouldn’t turn meal times into a battleground. With creativity, perseverance, and these useful hacks, you can navigate this tricky terrain while ensuring your family is well-fed and happy. Remember, it is a gradual process. Be patient, keep exploring new strategies, and soon you’ll find a blend of flavors that even the pickiest eater can’t resist!
