I created this blog with one thing in mind: finding recipes to please even the pickiest of eaters. I am tired of searching online for picky eater recipes and kid-friendly recipes, only to discover that included in these categories are many meals that I know my picky eaters wouldn't touch...I couldn't imagine any picky eater would. So, frustrated at the consistant non-picky-eater findings, this blog was born. This is my mission now: to create recipes that are picky-eater approved and share them on this blog so that other families with picky eaters can finally find recipes they are looking for.
Before I post the first recipe, I will introduce my kids. Kimberly is 8 and she doesn't like red sauce. She tolerates it on pizza...if she can't see it (because it's covered in cheese). She likes cheese pizza, pb&j (only grape, please) with no crust, chicken nuggets if they look right, etc. She likes simple, appealing, not-too-much-stuff-all-mixed-together recipes. Aaron is 6 and he will occasionally eat red sauce on pasta and doesn't mind it on pizza. His thing is smell and textures. If it smells funny but looks fine, he will not eat it. If he tastes something and is unimpressed with the first bite, he will not take another...possibly ever. Sarah is very soon-to-be 2 and she has to like the look of something to try it. She likes everything on it pizza and peanut butter sandwiches, no crust.
This first recipe I came up with the other day and my oldest two have approved it. Kimberly, greatly so. Sarah, unfortunately isn't fond of it's appearance I guess because she has yet to try it.
Macaroni and cheese
(this time homemade, and for picky eaters!)
8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni (or other type of pasta, if there is a preference)
1-2 chicken bouillon cubes (kids don't even notice!)
2 T stick buter
1 T milk (not buttermilk, but 2 or 1% are fine)
handful of shredded cheese (use a family fave, we like fiesta blend)
2 slices American cheee (this is a must)
2-3 slices of cheddar cheese (cut them as thin or thick as you like - the more the cheesier!)
dash salt (seriously, just a dash. you could prob do without!!)
Boil water with bouillon cubes in medium pot over high heat. When water is boiling well, add pasta and turn heat down to medium-high. Cook according to package directions and do a quick drain - pour into a colander and right back into the pot. You want a little wetness to still be there...but not too much. Now add butter, milk, shredded cheese, cheddar cheese and American cheese...in that order. Stir over low heat until all cheese is melted nicely. It may be necessary to add another splash of milk or pat of butter if the pasta starts sticking to pan before cheese is melted. When cheese is all melted, remove from heat and dip out to serve. With my experience, don't salt/pepper this without kid approval! :) HTH!
