I guess I spent the summer mostly reading cookbooks. Somehow over the last ten years I have gone from an aversion to the kitchen, to someone who loves to cook. (It may have something to do with the kitchen being one of the only rooms in the house where I am ever alone...)
Now that I have a handle on growing and cooking my own food, I have been learning about healthy eating. I am a vegetarian, but everyone else in my house eats meat, so I am guilty of adding chicken nuggets to the meal plan a bit too often. Making kid-friendly meals that are healthy too is not an easy task, but this cookbook makes it seem like fun.
Rather than sneaking healthy bits into treats, like some authors suggest (beet brownies?), these authors/moms recommend tried and true recipes that create meals from scratch which the whole family can enjoy. By including children in the planning, purchasing and cooking of family meals we allow them ownership and choices long before the casserole hits the plate. Just as growing lettuce from seeds is more appealing than iceburg from the grocery store, allowing that involvement before the meal cuts way down on the dinner time "number of bites" negotiations. The authors suggest, actually, that negotiation not become a part of the dinner routine. Ask your child to try what has been prepared, but be confident that all the dishes offered are healthy and no child eats only white things forever!
When I read a cookbook, I go for the pictures. More than once, I have rejected a book with too few! This is not a "pin-up" style cookbook and I am not sure what made me keep reading. I think it is the premise that even at meals we are teaching our children and even at the table they are looking for affirmation and respect. You have to love a book that sees little ones as people too!
Even though I didn't drool over photo-shopped images, I was impressed with the recipes. I even copies some to include in my kitchen binder, not something that happens with every cookbook I see. I would suggest that this book should be a kitchen counter fixture in any home with young children or picky eaters.
