Believe it or not, my favorite part of the day is whipping up dinner, despite my kids being notoriously picky eaters. It’s not necessarily about the eating part; it’s the cooking that brings me joy.
Now, let’s be clear—my culinary creations can’t be elaborate every night due to budget constraints. We often rely on leftovers, so if I fancy it up on Monday, it might be a while before I can do so again. There are certainly nights when I throw together something quick, which can be a bit disappointing, as I relish the art of cooking.
If you’re a “dump-it-in-the-Instant Pot” kind of parent, I completely understand. If I didn’t genuinely love cooking, I wouldn’t stress about getting creative in the kitchen. (Seriously, if you dislike cooking as much as I dislike doing dishes, just let the Crockpot take over. You deserve a break!) As long as your kids are fed, there’s no judgment here.
I thrive on crafting intricate meals, so I don’t wait for special occasions. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of chopping vegetables, making sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking. The aroma of fresh herbs, garlic, and onions sizzling in butter is pure bliss for me. I live for the moments of whisking, mixing, and bringing dishes to life.
There’s nothing like deglazing a pan with a splash of wine, knowing a delicious sauce is just moments away. One Thanksgiving, I got so caught up in preparing turnips that I forgot to capture family moments—oops!
Just last week, I roasted a stunning chicken, infusing it with lemon and rosemary, and served it with glazed carrots and homemade gravy. My picky eaters? They opted for peanut butter sandwiches. I anticipated that response.
In our home, we don’t have food battles. I refuse to turn dinner into a power struggle. I can’t imagine being forced to eat something I dislike, so I ensure my kids know they won’t go hungry. If they don’t enjoy what I serve, I offer them a simple, healthy alternative.
Before they can choose the alternative, we have a few rules. My eldest, who is six, has become braver with food lately. He only needs to try a bite or two and must refrain from making rude comments about the meal. “I don’t like these potatoes” is acceptable, but “these potatoes are gross” is not. As long as he remains polite and tries new things, he knows I’ll let him have something he enjoys.
My younger son, who is three, struggles with food aversion linked to sensory processing issues related to autism. His progress is unpredictable, but we keep trying. Walker simply says, “No, thank you,” and hands me his plate. He has worked hard to reach this point, and while it doesn’t always go smoothly, I cherish the rare moments when he surprises us and eats what I’ve prepared.
So, why do I continue to serve these intricate meals, knowing my kids may not eat them? First off, I love cooking for myself as well. You might think my love for fast food led to my weight gain, but I resist those temptations. I can’t help but savor crostini topped with roasted red peppers, or sautéed shrimp served over wilted spinach.
My husband, Mark, was once a picky eater himself. When we first started dating, he’d only eat microwavable meals. Over the years, I’ve introduced him to coconut curry, spicy sausage soup, and bright summer salads. Now, he eagerly anticipates dinner each night, and I love seeing his enjoyment.
When he comes home to my culinary creations, the dishes might still be piled in the sink, and I might still be in my pajamas. There’s a good chance I’ll have to clear off the table before we can eat, but I know dinner will be delicious.
In the past year, Mark has embraced seafood, happily consuming sushi and crab cakes. Just recently, Walker decided he likes bacon and spring rolls. Both kids have surprisingly taken to Caesar salad. I’ve learned that allowing them to say no until they’re ready to say yes leads to progress. I’ve never forced them to eat a single food.
While my picky eaters may not enjoy everything I cook right now, I remain hopeful that they will come around, just like their dad did. I believe we don’t truly know what we like until we’ve been exposed to it. I understand why my kids prefer peanut butter sandwiches over roasted chicken; they already know they enjoy peanut butter. However, I keep offering them everything I cook because that’s how they’ll learn to embrace new flavors.
Eventually, what was once unfamiliar may just become a new favorite.
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s love for cooking despite having picky eaters in the family. The author shares methods for encouraging children to try new foods without forcing them, highlighting the importance of exposure and patience. The piece also touches on the author’s husband’s transformation from a picky eater to someone who enjoys varied cuisines, emphasizing a hopeful outlook for the children as they gradually become more adventurous with food.