I know there is a cookbook that gives recipes for hiding various fruits and/or vegetables in desserts and main dishes. What I would actually like to know is what you ladies do try to include to make dishes healthier.
Last night (and one time before) I added ground up zucchini into our spaghetti sauce. I actually like it because it makes the sauce seem thicker and more hearty and no one really seems to notice what is in there. It's also nice to know we're adding another vegetable to our diet.
What things to do you add in here and there?
4 comments:
My dad used to always add in frozen mixed veggies into a lot of things... like mac 'n cheese, for example. I will mix them into a lot of casseroles, even if they don't call for it sometimes, just because it usually works. The kids will see them, of course, but since it's mixed in with a meal that we liked anyway, it didn't seem too bad.
You could try some creamy type soups... like broccoli cheese soup. I add cauliflower, carrots, onions, garlic, broccoli, and most of it is pureed in the food processor so they don't know what's in there! You can do the same thing with a creamy potato soup. I use mostly (homemade) chicken broth for my liquid, and just add enough milk/heavy cream/half and half to make it creamy and brighten it up a bit more.
I personally don't mind veggies -- love them! -- and Nathan isn't picky at all, so I think that helps make my job easier. Caleb is pretty good about trying things right now, so I'm just trying to make sure to keep a variety of veggies in our regular rotation so that he is just used to eating them! :o)
I was going to say, too, that if you dice/shred carrots and celery and zucchini small enough, you can add them to just about anything and no one will notice. You could try it in meatloaf next time; maybe pre-cook them a bit or just shred them and mix in with the meat.
Thankfully we all like veggies and fruit but finding ways to add extras is great too. I sometimes add pumpkin puree to oatmeal - with some cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little brown sugar. A lot of casseroles I double the veggies in. Soups are definitely great for sneaking extras into. I've done the zucchini trick too - it is great to add to things since it really doesn't have its own flavor. Adding raw spinach and shredded carrots to wraps is good too. Giving the kiddos toothpicks to pick up their fruit or making little fruit kabobs is fun. And anything made into a cute shape or served with dip is a go at our house. I don't know if that helps or not - they aren't really "hiding" techniques. I've heard of a book like that you mentioned and I always wondered if her kids would eat any fruit and veggies once they're on their own since things are always hidden! :)I'd love to hear any good ideas you find out, though.
One of my friends made brownies that had black beans and zucchinni in it. I couldn't guess the "secret ingredient" until after I had already eaten it...probably wouldnt have eaten it if I knew it had beans. ha
Post a Comment