Hi everyone and please click on the title of this post to read more. Well, I am happy to announce that after a full year of my family’s weekly menu, we have a new addition; Sunday night is now “picnic night by the fire”. To some it may sound corny, but let me tell you that last week’s lounging by the fire with hotdogs, turkey burgers, cauliflower and broccoli was a true family bonding experience. The kids were so well behaved on the blanket, better than they have ever been at dinner, and I would like to attribute it to the fact that we were there as a family, engaging in conversation (like discussions around why all people on TV with glasses are smarter than everyone else, initiated by my six year old) and all of us compromising -they wanted to eat in front of the TV so we settled for the floor with no T.V.
As we’ve discussed before, kids need structure and a weekly menu allows them to know what is coming for dinner. There is no room for arguing because we have all decided together what the menu is and our shopping and planning is made so much easier if we KNOW what the plan is for the week or the month. Depending on how flexible we can be with our kids, we can change up the menu periodically.
My kids were psyched to try a new dish and yes, turkey burgers are actually a more exotic food than what they were eating. It’s all a process moving toward healthier foods and more varied foods. Exposing them to more interesting foods , even if they won’t eat them , will plant a seed and help them get more familiar so that one day they may try them.
Speaking of more exotic foods…here’s a cauliflower recipe that I ate with my kids that 2 out of 4 actually tried. Watch me make it with my surprise guest/camera person on the video below It is not a challenge and can be changed up with whatever spices you like. I hope you enjoy it:
Coriander Roasted Cauliflower:
1 head of cauliflower, washed, cored and chopped into bite sized pieces
olive oil spray or about one TBS olive oil
pinch of salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
pinch of ground coriander
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil. If you have an olive oil spray,on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spread out cauliflower and spray with the oil until the cauliflower is coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and ground coriander and roast at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes or until cauliflower begins to get brown and crunchy on top. Note: you can put any spices or herbs on the cauliflower that you like. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/get_player
2 Responses
I just cooked cauliflower tonight too–and it was a big hit with the adults and a semi hit with my children–they ate some of their portion. I did it “mashed” style–steamed until very soft and then added chicken stock, seasoned bread crumbs, parmasean cheese, salt, pepper and parley. Yum. It is a very hearty, low fat, low cal and high nutrition dish.
I absolutely love the idea of having a picnic in the living room in front of the fireplace (even though our fireplace doesn’t work). We will try that. Such a great winter idea. And the cauliflower sounds amazing, too.
Thank you!