Hi, I am Cindy.

[BrandonsMom1000]

I am not a vegetarian, but I want to find something new to cook, without meat everytime.  I need to find something yummy, for my 6 and 4 year olds.  They tend to not like their vegetables.  Any help would be appreciated.  I have a lot of yellow squash and zuchinni coming up in my garden.   Thanks.

[rkoloms]

Hi Cindy,

I have tons of recipes. This one is especially kid-friendly:

I serve this it over broccoli (and I make double the sauce).

Pasta and Tofu with Finger-Licking Peanut Sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup chunky peanut butter (I use smooth)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons chile paste with garlic
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces uncooked whole wheat angel hair
1 pound firm tofu, drained and cubed
1 cup (2-inch) sliced green onions
1 cup shredded carrot
Combine first 8 ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Cook pasta in boiling water 8 minutes, omitting salt and fat. Add tofu, onions, and carrot; drain. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Add peanut butter mixture; toss gently.

[BrandonsMom1000]

Quoting rkoloms:

Hi Cindy,

I have tons of recipes. This one is especially kid-friendly:

I serve this it over broccoli (and I make double the sauce).

Pasta and Tofu with Finger-Licking Peanut Sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup chunky peanut butter (I use smooth)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons chile paste with garlic
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces uncooked whole wheat angel hair
1 pound firm tofu, drained and cubed
1 cup (2-inch) sliced green onions
1 cup shredded carrot
Combine first 8 ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Cook pasta in boiling water 8 minutes, omitting salt and fat. Add tofu, onions, and carrot; drain. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Add peanut butter mixture; toss gently.

That sounde delicious.  I have just started to eat tofu.  I have never cooked with it.  Do kids really like tofu?  Do you tell them it is chicken or something?

[rkoloms]

Quoting BrandonsMom1000:

 That sounde delicious.  I have just started to eat tofu.  I have never cooked with it.  Do kids really like tofu?  Do you tell them it is chicken or something?

I am not sure how to respond to this. My daughter has been eating tofu since just after she turned one; tofu chunks are a great toddler food. I would never lie to a child about what she or he is eating, and I would not feed any meat to my child.

Like pasta, tofu picks up the flavor of the sauce or seasoning; we have it at least twice a week.

[BrandonsMom1000]

Quoting rkoloms:

 

Quoting BrandonsMom1000:

 That sounde delicious.  I have just started to eat tofu.  I have never cooked with it.  Do kids really like tofu?  Do you tell them it is chicken or something?

I am not sure how to respond to this. My daughter has been eating tofu since just after she turned one; tofu chunks are a great toddler food. I would never lie to a child about what she or he is eating, and I would not feed any meat to my child.

Like pasta, tofu picks up the flavor of the sauce or seasoning; we have it at least twice a week.

My oldest eats meat and sometimes my little one does too.  But I am trying to find other ways for them to get the proteint that they need,  Thanks for the info.  I really like tofu, but I am worried that my picky 4 year old will not like it.

[rkoloms]

Most Americans actually eat too much protein, and no where near enough fiber and vegetables. Whole grains and beans are great sources of protein. Quinoa not only is loaded with proteins, but has complete amino acids. Beans are not only loaded with protein, they also have tons of calcium and iron; you can increase the absorbtion of the iron by having a vitamin C source with your iron source.

Here are two great food pyramids: http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/children.html  http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/food_groups.html

It is normal for kids to go through picky phases; whether or not the child grows up picky is up to you (unless the child has sensory issues). We have the 3 bite rule. You must try three bits of dinner; if you don't like it, then you get toast with peanut butter and honey (that you prepare yourself, because mommy only cooks one meal at a time) and an apple.

Kids love to cook; there is a great kids cookbook called Pretend Soup; you should be able to find it at your local library. Let your kids pick out a new food to introduce to the family (shredded jicama on salad, hummus with veggies as an appetizer, etc.).

[BrandonsMom1000]

Quoting rkoloms:

Most Americans actually eat too much protein, and no where near enough fiber and vegetables. Whole grains and beans are great sources of protein. Quinoa not only is loaded with proteins, but has complete amino acids. Beans are not only loaded with protein, they also have tons of calcium and iron; you can increase the absorbtion of the iron by having a vitamin C source with your iron source.

Here are two great food pyramids: http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/children.html  http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/food_groups.html

It is normal for kids to go through picky phases; whether or not the child grows up picky is up to you (unless the child has sensory issues). We have the 3 bite rule. You must try three bits of dinner; if you don't like it, then you get toast with peanut butter and honey (that you prepare yourself, because mommy only cooks one meal at a time) and an apple.

Kids love to cook; there is a great kids cookbook called Pretend Soup; you should be able to find it at your local library. Let your kids pick out a new food to introduce to the family (shredded jicama on salad, hummus with veggies as an appetizer, etc.).

Thanks I will have to check that recipe book out.