Taking the "ICK" out of picky eating

I noticed that October was National Seafood month, I discovered it while searching for new recipes, something I do often to keep things interesting at the dinner table. Since I finish working just before dinner I normally have about 20-30 minutes to cook. So I stick to a one meal a night rule, and they eat what I eat. That means uts usually healthy. My three year old daughter has become a picky eater and wants to sack a lot and ends up skipping dinner which has not stopped me from taking away sweets and oly offering veggies, cheese and nuts as a snack.

Nicole gave me a great tip "I have the veggie/fruit/cheese/nuts/chick peas whatever out BEFORE dinner. (a six jumbo muffin tin works well) They like the different choices and colors and since they're usually desperately hungry then you can make sure it's the veggie". I've been cooking a lot of fish and veggies for dinner, somehting I've nver done before but it's quick and full of protein. While visiting the Gorton's website I discovered:

Tips for taking the 'ick' out of picky eating:

• Introduce seafood early; Start with fish sticks, which have a crunchy texture, mild flavor and are perfectly sized for small hands. Gradually add other varieties like popcorn shrimp, which are also perfect for small hands anddipping.
• Allow your kids to get creative, let them build towers with fish sticks, or decorate their plates with fish-shaped crackers.
• And finally, be a good role model: Kids want to do what their parents do. Eating seafood yourself is a great way to model healthy habits.

Since my kids already enjoy fish sticks, I serve them for lunch with the dipping choices and that is a hit! I am not a huge fan of the "deceptively delicious" books because I want my kids to know what they are eatin, so they know they like it when they are adults. Broccoli makes great mini trees. If you blend them up and hide them they won't know that they like broccoli! But Nicole sees things differently "I will not pass up the opportunity to disguise or jack up the nutritional content ever"!

I have to admit she is right about the cake, beets make it better And if you want the recipe just email me!