As I have mentioned here previously, we have been working to get our daughter, our three-year-old daughter, to expand her food horizons. We grew painfully tired of "Mickey Mouse Chicken" nuggets (at least they had a whole wheat breading substance on them) and whatever starch du jour tickled her fancy. We have been blessed by her affection for peas, but even on that front she was particular. Last week, we got her to try the grilled pork chops, much to my surprise and delight. And we even managed a small victory getting her to try a hot dog again (something she had and liked a while ago, but began to resist).
Tonight, it was a hamburger. Our little one helped me make the patties, and I think that really primed her interest. We made perfect circles using a biscuit cutter, and I could not get over her simple joy in seeing the perfectly round burgers emerge after each cut. She even watched as I added some sliced cheddar as they finished up on the grill. We also managed to get her to try (and like) some corn again.
The verdict
There isn't really anything to say about the culinary endeavor. This was just a basic, simple meal after a supremely busy work day that started far too early. I reached the bottom of my jar of my Famous Dave's spicy pickles, finally. I'll miss them, and hope to find them again on another Costco run - at least that's where I think I found them last. I suppose I could order them online, too, but there are too many good pickles out there to feel the necessity, really.
The only real verdict here is that we are making progress, day by day, in helping our daughter grow beyond her comfort zone and try some new foods. I am finding a pleasant new challenge in balancing the things that I know my wife and I will enjoy with those that are still, well, "tame" enough for a young, sensitive palate. If a burger is a viable option, at least I know we'll have a pleasant summer. I just wonder how she'd feel about goat cheese next time?
It's amazing how, when you get the kids to help cook, they like it all the more. Kind of the same way that a fish you catch yourself, may well be the best fish you ever eat.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Mike. I think it is pretty sad how removed we have become from our food sources. For many kids, there isn't even much of a home-cooking environment; just eating out and frozen meals. I also feel pretty removed from production, but at least I have the fun of cooking, knowing what I'm cooking, and having at least some connection to what I eat most of the time. It isn't that we don't eat out at all, it's just that our "norm" is having dinner as a family, and there is a bonding that happens at the table that is sadly absent in too many homes. It takes some effort, but it is well worth it.
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