Creative Recipes for Picky Eaters: Tips and Ideas for Trying New Dishes

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various strategies and ideas for preparing meals for picky eaters, with participants sharing personal experiences and suggestions for incorporating new ingredients into familiar dishes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience with a picky eater, specifically mentioning their husband's limited vegetable preferences and the challenge of introducing new recipes.
  • Another participant suggests chopping vegetables finely to disguise them in dishes like meatloaf, noting that this method can alter the taste slightly but is effective.
  • A different participant mentions a book called "Sneaky Chef" that focuses on incorporating healthy foods into meals without detection.
  • One user expresses relief at not having picky eaters in their household, contrasting their experience with that of friends who have children with very limited diets.
  • Another participant discusses the idea of pureeing vegetables to address texture issues, sharing that this method works well in sauces and casseroles.
  • One participant notes that creating meals in individual sizes or shapes can make them more appealing to picky eaters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for dealing with picky eaters, with no clear consensus emerging on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences related to cooking for picky eaters, highlighting the challenges and creative solutions they have encountered.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants and community members who are looking for ideas and strategies to accommodate picky eaters in their cooking.

A
ahammons
Messages
762
Just wondering if you have any suggestions on what to make for the pickiest of eaters? And nope, I'm not talking about my kids! lol They will try anything at least once...thank goodness! :) I really want to try out some new recipes, but my hubby isn't too brave when it comes to trying new dishes. Okay, I'm not the bravest either - but he is terrible! haha Basically, the only veggies he'll eat are green beans, potatoes, corn...that's it! He won't touch anything w/ onions, peppers, etc. Also, it can't contain too much dairy b/c my youngest is lactose intolerant. Hmm... now I'm beginning to realize why we make the same dinners week after week! lol Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 
Have you tried chopping up other veggies so much that he can't tell they are there? We put different veggies in our meatloaf that way. It does tweak the taste, but it is nice. Try the Good Eats recipes.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Hmm.. that's a great idea! I'm sure he wouldn't even notice if he didn't see me cooking - I'll have to try it when he's working!! lol
 
I got a book today - havent' read it yet, but looks promising. It's called Sneaky Chef. All about how to sneak in healthy foods. There's a website - www.sneakychef.com. hth
 
I am so glad I dont have picky eaters. My friends kids are so picky one only lives off chips macaroni (kraft) Ramen Noodels and anything sugar.
 
You could try puree the vegetables as it might be the texture and not the taste that he does not like (my problem). I have found chopping stuff really helps but takes more time than throwing the vegetables int he food processor and pureeing. This works well for anything being added to a meatloaf or a caserole even as a "sauce" that you mix in with rice. If it is the taste of the vegetables it is harder to sneak it in (you'd never get it past me, honest many have tried).

LOL, if you give me a list of the foods he will eat I would probably know of several recipes. Almost all of my friends either have food allergies, are diabetic, or are, like myself, picky eaters.

One thing that helped for me was to write down the list of every food I would eat - which added up to a measly 20-30 food but it did make it easier to create a variety of meals once we had the list. I've done this with a number of my friends also. And because I'm used to cooking for picky eaters I rarely have kids refuse to eat at my table.

New tricks I've been learning with kids - making things in individual sizes/shapes (muffin meatloaf, mini-meat pies, etc) really helps. Pureeing vegetables also helps for things like pasta sauce so that the food is nutritious but they think it just pasta sauce.
 
Jennie4PC said:
I am so glad I dont have picky eaters. My friends kids are so picky one only lives off chips macaroni (kraft) Ramen Noodels and anything sugar.
Click to expand...

Arent they afraid this is bad for their kids. I mean I dont have kids so I guess I shouldnt say anything. But too much of this stuff is bad for you.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative recipes for picky eaters?

Creative recipes for picky eaters often include familiar ingredients presented in new ways. For example, try making zucchini noodles instead of pasta, or create fun shapes with cookie cutters for sandwiches. Incorporating dips, like hummus or yogurt, can also make vegetables more appealing.

How can I encourage my picky eater to try new dishes?

Encouraging picky eaters to try new dishes can be achieved by involving them in the cooking process. Let them choose ingredients or help with simple tasks in the kitchen. Additionally, presenting food in a fun and colorful way can spark their interest and make them more willing to taste new flavors.

What are some tips for introducing new flavors to picky eaters?

Start by introducing new flavors gradually, mixing them with familiar favorites. For instance, add a small amount of a new spice to a dish they already enjoy. You can also try pairing new foods with dips or sauces they like, which can help mask unfamiliar tastes and make them more acceptable.

Are there specific ingredients that are generally well-accepted by picky eaters?

Yes, some ingredients tend to be more accepted by picky eaters, such as cheese, bread, chicken, and certain fruits like apples and bananas. Incorporating these ingredients into new recipes can help ease the transition to trying new foods.

How can I make healthy meals appealing to picky eaters?

To make healthy meals appealing, focus on presentation and flavor. Use colorful vegetables, fun shapes, and appealing textures. You can also create "build-your-own" meals, like taco bars or smoothie bowls, where picky eaters can customize their dishes with toppings they enjoy.

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