Yummy recipes for picky eaters

It’s exhausting cooking these intricate recipes of food that’s supposed to be great for your toddler, only to have them spit it out. Not to mention the constant clean up. Ugh.
My picky eater does not mix textures when it comes to food. God forbid if a gooey bite has a crunch in it then my floor takes a beating. Or if a crunchy texture has a soft part then it’s the same. If it’s not warm enough again my poor floor eats it. You get the idea of how this boss baby acts.
Over time I’ve been mixing and trying to update a couple recipes that suit my toddler’s needs and below are a few that have literally been a lifesaver. Take a look:

Chicken Patty/Strips

Things you need:

• 1 lb. Chicken mince
• 1-2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of oregano
• Pinch of basil
• 1/2 egg beaten
• 1/2 onion finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp finely chopped/blended spinach
• 1-2 tbsp any other veggies you want to add
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese optional
• 1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste optional

Method:
The trick is to keep the chicken mince in a colander for at least 20-30 minutes so it’s not too moist. Otherwise, you’ll just have a liquid mixture. Secondly using Ginger/Garlic paste is optional too, I just feel it helps keep out the meat smell.
Before starting I normally sauté the spinach and blend it with onions and carrots. Drain out the water keep it aside until ready for mixing.
Now that everything is in order, you simply mix in all the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes. If it’s a little too moist I would add another tablespoon of cornstarch.
Use the mixture to make simple chicken patties or just shape them into long rectangular strips so it’s easier for the toddler to hold. If you want to add a crunch dip the mince patty/strip in egg then coat with breadcrumbs. You can double coat it for an extra crunch.
My toddler absolutely loves this. I usually make and freeze them, ready to fry/bake if there is nothing else the boss baby fancies.

Fruity Pancakes

Things you need:

• Pancake Mix (I know I know)

Or

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tsp melted butter
• 1/3 cup of milk
• 1/2 egg beaten
• Any Fruit yogurt at home OR half cup of yogurt mixed with a mashed fruit of your choice.

 Method:
Heat up the pan/griddle you will make the pancakes on before you start mixing.
Mix/beat the milk, egg, and butter, add sugar/honey, salt, and the fruit yogurt. Gradually add the flour and mix well. Pour out small shaped pancakes in the pan. Flip side when you see teeny popped bubbles on the pancake. Tadaa pancakes are ready.
Sometimes I would replace the fruit yogurt with mashed banana or strawberries. Or blend strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries and add it to the mixture.

Spinach & Chicken Fettuccine

Things you need:

• 1 spinach bunch chopped
• 1/2 lb. chicken mince or turkey mince
• 4 tbsp butter (If salted then do not add additional salt)
• 1/3 chopped red pepper
• 1/2 white onion chopped
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1/3 cup shredded cheese (any)
• Pepper to taste
• Pinch of Italian seasoning
• Fist full of pasta strips

 Method:
In a pot add some water with salt and bring to boil, add in the pasta until cooked. Strain it out and sprinkle some butter/oil to keep from sticking.
Heat up a pan and add the 2 tbsp on butter. Sauté the onions until golden then add the red pepper. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes then add chopped spinach and milk on a medium flame, keep stirring until it’s reduced to half the size.  Pulse 2-3 times in the blender/mixer for smoothness. (At this point you can add the cheese).
Meanwhile on a pan heat remaining 2 tbsp of butter and add meat and Italian seasoning, Once the meat is more than half cooked, pour in the spinach mixture and cook until meat is done. Add the fettuccine, mix well and it’s ready to eat!
Try these out and let me know if your little one liked any or what tweaks you made.