I just introduced tuna patties to my kids, and they loved them. These same children would not go near the stinky fish store.

How to encourage your family to explore new culinary tastes?

History proves that hiding vegetables works, but for short periods.

Instead of hiding the spinach, cook it in a way that they have enjoyed other foods. For example pizza, place small amounts of spinach on the pizza, makes sure you salt it a little. Or deep fry / tempura batter fish or vegetables. How about a fondue and make it entertaining too.

Tonight we are going to have spaghetti and …wait for it… fish balls! Ground white fish a little binder, egg, onion, salt and pepper and away you go. Now it’s all in the presentation. Looks like regular spaghetti with sauce and meat/chicken balls but it has less fat and essential omega 3 oils. The tomato sauce camouflages the taste of the fish due to the acid levels of the tomatoes. Now you have an introduction, so the next time you want to introduce something yucky to them, you can remind them how much they liked the fish balls.

Rules to introducing new foods:

  1. Pay little attention to the taster
  2. No preamble
  3. Make sure a drink is available to wash the taste away
  4. Offer small pieces
  5. Let them take their time

When all else fails offer a bribe!

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