As a working Mom of three now-grown kids, this is a fantastic idea, a long time coming. I'm an adept home cook, but faced all of these same challenges in the early aughts. It was my own Mom and her immigrant's attitudes that steered me straight ("Children outside of the US do not end up eating only chicken nuggets"), as well as doing oh-too-much research on my own. I started to write it all down to compile into a book, but the reality of already working full-time in technology prevailed. I'm happy to hear that someone well-known in the food world is now tackling it. We all know that baby food is bland and mushy for good reason, but after the baby is ready to move on (as are Mom & Dad!), there's no roadmap—bravo to you both for tackling this!
I make a version of this pesto and have experimented with adding hemp seeds, soaked cashews, pine nuts, kale and other things. I usually include basil and nutritional yeast, sometimes grana padano cheese. Some are more successful than others but she's been eating it from 2 to now (4.5) and I feel glad it's the easiest way to get her to eat green veg.
I usually give it to her with store-bought gnocchi and she usually loves it. I love it because it's easy and quick once the first work is done! I freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer them into zip lock bags.
This is so so needed! As a mom to two kids under four, a home cook 6 nights a week and experienced kitchen teacher, it was STILL difficult to navigate the endless amounts of information about how best to get your kids eating delicious food. What I mostly observed is that parents were wrought with fear because everything about having children is so new to you. Building up confidence with simple recipes is key. Getting the older kids to help is key. Making mealtime peaceful for everyone is important for kids to understand the joy of eating together. And flavor! Omg by all means can we stop feeding kids bland food?
Delighted by this newsletter and the time you've taken to create it and share your presumably delectable whole-family bowls of yum. I have a 17 1/2 month old who is assertively no longer interested in the bland steamed piles of veggie mush. Curious to try more textures and cooking methods! xx
I’m so excited for this newsletter! My nearly-three-year-old was the most adventurous eater as a baby/young toddler but as soon as he turned two he flipped. Horrified that I’ve become a chicken nugget mum (occasionally). But! Incredibly he still loves broccoli. Can’t wait to try this. Also stoked for my newborn who will be eating well in six-ish months time no doubt.
Thrilled to hear your three year old still tolerates broccoli—hopefully this pesto will pass muster, but if it doesn't you can always freeze it for your newborn! (And congratulations!)
As a working Mom of three now-grown kids, this is a fantastic idea, a long time coming. I'm an adept home cook, but faced all of these same challenges in the early aughts. It was my own Mom and her immigrant's attitudes that steered me straight ("Children outside of the US do not end up eating only chicken nuggets"), as well as doing oh-too-much research on my own. I started to write it all down to compile into a book, but the reality of already working full-time in technology prevailed. I'm happy to hear that someone well-known in the food world is now tackling it. We all know that baby food is bland and mushy for good reason, but after the baby is ready to move on (as are Mom & Dad!), there's no roadmap—bravo to you both for tackling this!
Thank you so much, Lisa!
Aloha! Can’t wait to devour and prep these recipes for my 4 yo and 18 mos girls
Let us know how it goes!
I make a version of this pesto and have experimented with adding hemp seeds, soaked cashews, pine nuts, kale and other things. I usually include basil and nutritional yeast, sometimes grana padano cheese. Some are more successful than others but she's been eating it from 2 to now (4.5) and I feel glad it's the easiest way to get her to eat green veg.
I usually give it to her with store-bought gnocchi and she usually loves it. I love it because it's easy and quick once the first work is done! I freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer them into zip lock bags.
Those riffs sounds delicious—and freezing the sauce in ice cube trays is so smart!
Yes!! I am sooooo glad you are here and making this happen. Thank you!
Thank you so much!
This is so so needed! As a mom to two kids under four, a home cook 6 nights a week and experienced kitchen teacher, it was STILL difficult to navigate the endless amounts of information about how best to get your kids eating delicious food. What I mostly observed is that parents were wrought with fear because everything about having children is so new to you. Building up confidence with simple recipes is key. Getting the older kids to help is key. Making mealtime peaceful for everyone is important for kids to understand the joy of eating together. And flavor! Omg by all means can we stop feeding kids bland food?
Happy cooking! Raquel
Hear hear!
Delighted by this newsletter and the time you've taken to create it and share your presumably delectable whole-family bowls of yum. I have a 17 1/2 month old who is assertively no longer interested in the bland steamed piles of veggie mush. Curious to try more textures and cooking methods! xx
Would love to hear how (or if) your kid likes this pesto! Garlic goes a long way for steamed piles of veggie mush...
I’m so excited for this newsletter! My nearly-three-year-old was the most adventurous eater as a baby/young toddler but as soon as he turned two he flipped. Horrified that I’ve become a chicken nugget mum (occasionally). But! Incredibly he still loves broccoli. Can’t wait to try this. Also stoked for my newborn who will be eating well in six-ish months time no doubt.
Thrilled to hear your three year old still tolerates broccoli—hopefully this pesto will pass muster, but if it doesn't you can always freeze it for your newborn! (And congratulations!)
Such a lifesaver, even if you don't have a family!