Persuading your children to eat fruits and vegetables may be easier than you think. I have found that it is all in the presentation. Children, as well as adults, enjoy beautifully arranged fare.
If I instruct my sons and daughters to serve themselves a snack, they might choose an apple out of the refrigerator. However, the likely scenario is that they will choose something altogether less healthful. I can guarantee that they will not cut up and serve a cantaloupe or trim and steam broccoli. I could instruct them to help themselves to carrots in the vegetable bin and they probably would comply before moving on to something they deem more interesting. If, I instead, serve them a bowl of carrots accompanied with a terrific dip, they will be far more enthusiastic about enjoying this snack.
Now, if I arrange fresh fruit or vegetables in a lovely manner on a platter, my children will enthusiastically relish this treat. Fresh strawberries washed and trimmed can be placed in the center of a round platter. Then encircle the strawberries with cantaloupe cut up into bite-size pieces. This is a simple, beautiful and tasty arrangement. You might tuck in mint leaves for extra color and texture.
Carrots, celery, and peppers in variety of colors can be a terrific treat when they are washed, cut-up and artfully displayed on a tray. Serve them with a light dressing and they will always be a hit.
One of my children’s favorite vegetable dishes is a broccoli pepper medley. My seven year-old daughter does not particularly like broccoli. However, when I serve her this lovely mixture she always savors it.
So, aim for beauty when you are preparing and serving fruits and vegetables to your family.
Broccoli and Pepper Medley
3 pounds broccoli, washed and trimmed into 1- to 2- inch pieces
4 peppers, preferably red, yellow, green and orange
1 medium onion, sliced very thin
red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Butter a 4 quart casserole dish. Steam the broccoli for 1 to 2 minutes. The broccoli is best when it is still firm. Overcooking will harm the integrity of this dish. Wash and slice the peppers into thin strips. Place the broccoli in the bottom of the casserole, covering it completely. Toss the peppers and onions over the broccoli. Now, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the vegetables. Finally, cover the dish with the grated cheese. Broil for 1 - 2 minutes. The cheese should be golden brown but not burned so watch it carefully.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” -J. R. R. Tolkien
Good idea to aim for beauty. My girls would like it if I let them arrange their own food to look pretty.
Brilliant! I find this trick works for adults, too. I can even trick myself into eating better when I use a pleasing presentation. I just have to make myself take the time to do it.
Nice!
Thanks for sharing!!