how do you disguise veggies to a toddler?

Shelly - posted on 06/10/2009

V8 Fusion - NOT SPLASH!!
V8 Fusion - 8oz = 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of veggies.
AND it tastes awesome!!

Sia - posted on 06/07/2009

Quoting Nicole:

thanks!!! I actually just got Seinfelds book as a gift 2 days ago, so Im going to try a few recipes. today I made the chicken salad (with cauliflower) and its SOOOO good!

I also ose this book, but I put steamed veggies on the side so my son gets the idea that they r 2 be part of his diet too.  For example mac and cheese with pureed cauliflower hidden in it and some steamed on the side.

Tam - posted on 06/06/2009

Sneaky Chef has a cookbook with the same type of thing (purees).

Smoothies are also a great way to sneak in veggies. Mix veggies with fruit and often the fruit taste will overcome the veggies. Sure you can find some good recipes online.

We used to chop up veggies really small and mix them in sloppy joes too. They were so tiny that the kids didn't see them, but they gobbled them down.

Nicole - posted on 06/04/2009

thanks!!! I actually just got Seinfelds book as a gift 2 days ago, so Im going to try a few recipes. today I made the chicken salad (with cauliflower) and its SOOOO good!

Heather - posted on 06/04/2009

You could cover it in applesauce or ketchup, or puree it in a blender. My kids love veggies but wont eat meat, so we do the ketchup and applesauce thing and then tear the meat up really small so they can't pick it out.

Melinda - posted on 06/03/2009

My kids used to love a "Dipping sauce buffet". I'd give them carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, and then a choice of sauces: ranch, honey mustard, rasberry vinaigrette, etc. They loved trying all the different sauces, and it made them feel grown up and gave them choices. Also, they love tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers because of Veggie Tales - their veggies "talk" to each other. In fact, they're in my kitchen right now with salads, pretending to be Larry and Bob. Wonder Pets has given them an enthusiasm for celery, and they'll eat almost anything if we tell them it wants to go to the "party in their tummy" (Yo Gabba Gabba). Never underestimate the power of positive brainwashing! :)

Randi - posted on 06/03/2009

Jerry Seinfield's wife wrote a book about how to add/puree veggies so kids will get the healthy dose and enjoy food. The book shows you how to puree, and what all to mix the vegies in, she has receipes for brownies, cookies, and even dinner time. You should really check the book out, she was on Oprah and her book was given really high notes.

Kat - posted on 06/03/2009

Hi, Nicole! One-year-olds can be picky eaters, but you shouldn't have to disguise foods. Kids will eat if they're hungry, and if you don't give them a choice in what they have, the veggies will get eaten. Plus, if your son knows from an early age that healthy foods are good, he's more likely to eat well later on.



But to make it a little easier...



Spaghetti sauce can hide carrots, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and whatever else sounds good at the time.



Cheeseburger soup is a favorite for my kids. It's your basic veggie beef soup, but with ground beef instead of chunks and a little cheese sprinkled on top.



Hot dog soup: slice hot dogs into tomato soup, add green beans.



Meatloaf is super-yummy if you use a food processor to puree misc. veggies to mix in with the meat.



My guys love carrots, celery and romaine lettuce if they can dip them in dressing.



And don't rule out popcorn. It is actually a vegetable, and if you get the low-fat low-salt kind or pop your own, there are only benefits. (Just watch out for kernels)



Hope this helps! 80)

Amiee - posted on 06/03/2009

We put them in applesauce, usually unsweetened. Our daughter will eat them up then!