Kids and Veggies

by Jean Kressy

Relish the American Table is a weekly column that appears in newspapers across the country.

Long before Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry’s wife), author of Deceptively Delicious, began slipping spinach into brownies and cauliflower into mashed potatoes to get her kids to eat more vegetables, we were doing the same thing, but not as secretly. Kids usually know when someone is trying to put something over on them, so our approach to introducing children to vegetables has always been to let them see what they’re eating. Also, we’re careful about the add-ins. Beets and broccoli might work in the Seinfeld kitchen, but we like to start with less assertive flavors, like green beans.

Child experts say to pick your battles, but food should not be one of them. Most children will eventually eat all kinds of vegetables, and some will surprise you and turn into vegetarians.

Give these recipes a try.

Spanish Rice

American Chop Suey

Asian Express Beef Lettuce Wraps

Camp Beckwith's Grilled Chicken with Hummus and Greek Salad

Orange, Strawberry and Banana

Peanut Butter and Jelly Power Muffins

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage, Butternut Squash and Kale