what's for lunch?
This article in the Times (via 11D) is about teaching kids to eat well. By interviewing what chef's feed their little kids, the author demonstrates that pad Thai is not beyond the 4 yr old's grasp. Though the article hints towards food snobbery a bit--something I don't even apologize for, resonating with the sentiments--it also challenges that notion that kiddies will only eat chewy plastic fashioned as "children's food". The article, recognizing that there are those mac'n'cheese nights even for the best of us, is about the possibility that kids can eat well and enjoy a rich pallette of food.
I'm just beginning the whole food thing with Ellis, and I must admit, I look at this stuff and think that I wouldn't even want to eat it, it looks so bland and yucky. I mostly make his food, except for applesauce, which we get in big jars of the organic, unsweetened variety. It's nice to have that fall back when you're low on the pureed delights. I usually mix applesauce or pears into the rice cereal, because, really, would you want to eat that pasty stuff? A bit ago I fished frozen pumpkin puree out of the freezer and mixed cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in it. Ellis loved it! And I made a carrot mixed with sweet potato puree with paprika and onion powder in it. He's a good eater, and it's fun to think about shaping his tastes.
Comments
The cavaet is that we start off life with tons of taste buds all over the inside of the mouth when we are babies. We lose most of the ones on the roof and sides of the mouth gradually, and are left with buds mainly on the tongue.
So things really do taste STRONGER (sour, sweet, salty,etc) when we are babies. That's why tastes change as we grow older. The kid who couldn't tolerate the taste of chilis as a child can love double hot smokin chilie as a young adult.
I once heard a wonderful Indian female chef talk about how her mother and grandmother intorduced flavors to her incrementally. She remembered tasting some of their portions of food and spitting it out because it was so strong, and how that same level of spiciness is now "normal" for her as an adult.
It is going to be grand to tutor Ellis' tastebuds! His mother is certainly a grand cook!
Posted by: grammy1 | 18.01.06 12:40
Comments
well, yea...but that's different than just giving him yucko bland stuff. which is why I'm not giving him any SALT..ahem.
Posted by: Jeannette | 18.01.06 12:44
Comments
I'm proud of you J, I have to get the guilt factor out of my head because I really do not have time to make baby food this time around. It was fun with Josiah but it's not more affordable in my book. 50 cents a jar is the same whether you make it or buy it. It is interesting to see Eden hate peas. No matter what it's mixed with. I don't care for peas and my mom picks them out like a 10 yr old would. But I've never been very concerned with spices. I think my kids should eat what we eat. And when Josiah doesn't I compromise and fight another battle the next day. Choosing battles is important.
Posted by: katiek | 18.01.06 15:53
Comments
Great post, Jeannette. I always figured that Indian mamas served their children straight-up Indian food, spices and everything, so there was no reason my kiddo couldn't try Indian, too. That being said, Livia was soooo picky at first. These days, however, she's eating foods with a lot more variety. Katiek, you're exactly right... Choosing battles is important!
Posted by: RT | 18.01.06 15:58
Comments
Diber...
This has nothing to do with food. Although your entry was indeed interesting and thought provoking. But lately I've been listening to the classical public radio station. mainly because there aren't any commercials but also because I really do enjoy classical music. So here's my question. If you had to list 10 classical cds that were essential to every well rounded music lovers collection what would they be?
Thanks!
Posted by: stina | 18.01.06 21:27
Comments
Hey Jeannette, I was looking for something else and stumbled on these baby food flavoring suggestions. Mmm!
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/tipspices.htm
Posted by: joannabug | 24.01.06 14:55