Eat Your Vegetables, Kid:

Thanks to my all day Food Network marathon and Paula Deen obsession; I've grown tired and frustrated with accustoming meals or creating separate meals for my 4 year old. How many days a week can one eat macaroni and cheese? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? And while he won't turn down a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, I can't help but be a little jealous of those with children who branch out past the cereal for dinner stage.

Paula Deen has a section on her online site that lists "8 Tips for Getting Your Child To Eat More Vegetables." Workable? Perhaps if I take the "HIDE IT" route and mix those pesky good for you foods in his routine meals. But that still isn't allowing me to make more enjoyable meals. I guess it's a start though.


First attempt will be: (Dun, dun, dun....)

UNDERCOVER NUGGETS AND FRIES
(Serves 2) -- Which means I guess I too can give it a try. Who doesn't love chicken nuggets?

Ingredients:
2 zucchini, washed, cut in 1/4 - 1/2 inch rounds
2 end pieces of sandwich bread, crumbled in blender or food processor
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
cooking spray
salt
Ranch dressing
1 sweet potato, peeled & cut into thin strips like “french fries”
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar


Directions: “Nuggets”
Preheat oven to 350.
Puree the sandwich bread in your food processor until fine crumbs. Place crumbs into a bowl and add 1/3 cup parmesan. Place zucchini into crumbs and press into until both sides are well coated. The moistness of the bread allows the crumbs to stick without using an egg wash. Place coated zucchini on a parchment paper lined baking tray. Spray with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with salt. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Turn halfway through. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.


Directions: “Fries”
Wash and peel the sweet potato. Cut into strips that resemble french fries. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar. Place sweet potato fries on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until soft. For a crispier “fry” keep skins on and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.




And in conclusion, Paula says "REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR: If your child tries something new or finishes all their veggies offer a reasonable dessert. Be their biggest cheerleader." .......Paula, this doesn't work for the parent with the child(ren) who sneak into the kitchen and get their own cookies out of the cookie jar.