Day 14: Macaroni & Cheese

So, what kid doesn't like Mac and Cheese, right? I'll give you a hint - his name starts with B, and rhymes with "ailey". Out of the 8 pieces I told him he had to eat, he ate 4, then proclaimed dramatically. "I just can't take it anymore!!!" Reese was okay, with it, but not a huge fan. I gave it also to my friends and more family to try. They all liked it. The hidden "pureed Cauliflower", and "pureed Butternut squash" blended in beautifully. My sister mentioned it wasn't very cheesy - Maybe that's why I liked it - I think the regular cheese sauce is way too cheesy. Anyway, we have a winner - just not with Bailey and Reese.

I also gave my family some leftover chicken nuggets to try. Rave reviews all around - definitely going to have to do these again!

Update on the pizza: Bailey was looking through my pictures last night, and came across the picture of the pizza. He said, "Can I have some of this?" I warned him that it had "special sauce" on it. He said it was okay, and ate a whole piece with no complaints! Yay!

Day 13: Chicken Nuggets

Today makes 2 weeks since I have started my mission. ( I took one a day break). I have now done 14 out of 76 recipes. Much more Misses than Hits - that's for sure! I am getting tired of the kitchen, but am still staying strong.

Today I made Chicken Nuggets. I planned on giving them to family, coming over, to try. I hadn't realized until I was ready to make them that there is whey (a milk product) in Bread Crumbs, and the recipe also called for Parmesan Cheese, so for my nephew (allergic to milk), I made a special coating (flax seed meal, cornmeal, onion powder, and garlic powder). I felt so proud of myself, and he said they were good. Although other than the one bite he tried, they are still sitting in the fridge, so maybe he was just being nice...

For everyone else, I made the normal bread crumb, etc coating. To make the coating stick, I mixed an egg with sweet potato puree. I decided to bake them as opposed to frying them, so they wouldn't be so greasy. And they turned out so much better than the fried mozzarella sticks (see day 11)! It turns out, the oven is my friend - except for when my belt loop of my pants got hooked onto the door knob behind me, as I was taking the baking sheet out of the oven. My sister in law had to unhook me... :) It was pretty funny.

Anyhow for my kids reactions: Reese LOVED them! That's what she ate for dinner! Bailey however is not a fan of chicken nuggets anyway, so I didn't expect much. He finally ate 1/3 of what I gave him, with only a little gagging, and a full cup of chocolate milk. And it only took about 1 hour this time. (You should have seen the tiny amount he ate - seriously? ONE HOUR? C'mon Already!) As far as the rest of the family - they got the approval! My husband loved them! I might have to do these more often too! I think they are pretty yummy too, and I know EXACTLY what is in them, as opposed to store bought chicken nuggets/dino chickens.

Tomorrow - Mac'n'cheese. In the past, Bailey has hated this. I have a feeling there will be more gagging tomorrow. We shall see!

Day 12: Pizza

So today I made Pizza which is Bailey's favorite food! But I must admit I cheated a little - instead of using whole wheat pita bread, and homemade sauce, I used mini boboli pizza crusts that I already happened to have. It came with sauce packets, so added pureed carrots to the sauce before I spread it on and covered it with Cheese & Pepperoni. I called it my "special sauce" and told Bailey it was not from the book. Truth be told - it's not from the book: the recipe calls for Spinach & homemade sauce w/ Pita Bread. I was afraid after the coffee cake incident (where you could clearly see the vegetables), that it would be best to hide the veggies a little more, and I think the spinach would be obvious. Carrots was a good choice - they were pretty invisible.
Reese ate a few bites, but was more interested in other things. Bailey was excited about the pizza, and said oooo - I want some! He ate a whole piece, but when he heard me say it was "special sauce", he said he didn't like it. I think he would have eaten more if I didn't say anything.
I had left overs, and added tabasco sauce, garlic salt & Parmesan cheese (I do that with pizza normally)... it was super delicious. I might have to make these more often  - YUM! Forget making these for Bailey, I'll just make 'em for ME! :)

Tomorrow, I'm gonna make Chicken Nuggets for some family that is coming over. We are having other stuff too, but I'm gonna have them try them without telling them my tricks... I'll get an honest opinion!

Day 11: Mozzarella Sticks & Ketchup

I thought today would be a winner! After all, what kid doesn't like Ketchup, right? Well, when it's home made - my kids don't. I actually made my own ketchup, and I thought it was pretty good. It tastes & smells like Ketchup, and I even added some real ketchup to it just in case. Got good reviews on it from my husband and Father-in-Law.  But it was kinda thick and had an orange tinge to it (had pureed carrots in it). It looked a lot like Marinara Sauce, so my kids wouldn't touch it. A long time ago, I gave Bailey some ketchup with baby food carrots mixed into it. He NEVER knew the difference. Maybe I'll just stick with that next time.

The mozzarella sticks didn't work great. If went fine until I had to fry them, when most of the coating came off. I think I will bake them next time. Plus, that way, they won't be so greasy. As far as taste of the Mozzarella sticks, they just tasted like Hash browns to me. It makes sense, because it was made with pureed Cauliflower, which turns out looking (and tasting) like Mashed Potatoes, when it is pureed. Bailey loves Hash browns, and enjoys them dipped in Maple Syrup. So I gave him some Maple Syrup to dip them in. He ate his promised 4 bites ... over the course of about TWO HOURS! Reese gobbled hers up, and asked for 2nds, then 3rds, and asked if she could eat Bailey's. So at least I have 1 fan in her. They were actually really easy. I should try it with string cheese, dipped in Cauliflower and the bread crumbs, and baked. I think that might turn out REALLY well.

I'd say my presentation today was better. So far, I haven't been pleased with the presentation aspect of this blog. I just can't get this food to look pretty, or yummy. But today was a little better. At least, it's symmetrical :)

I have some left over Boboli Pizza Crusts/Sauce. Will see how tomorrow goes with Home Made Pizzas... Cross your fingers! Better yet, PRAY!

A day off...

We have had a particularly rough day today - so I decided to take the day off of this "mission". Everything deserves a say off once in a while... I went 10 straight days with out stopping. So Bailey got a break, but I have my next 3 days planned (and they involve home-made ketchup!!) so stay tuned!!

Day 10: Deviled Eggs

Well, at the moment, we have almost more Muffins than we can eat, so my husband asked if we could switch it up at little, and do something other than breakfast.
So, I decided to do Deviled Eggs. Bailey has tried Hard Boiled Eggs before, and with tons of salt, they were okay. But apparently, Deviled Eggs are different. For the filling, I mixed pureed Carrots, and pureed Cauliflower with Egg Yolks and Mayo, and a little salt.
Once again, a big hit... with everyone but Bailey. Reese said, it was really yummy - she loved it. And my nephew even ate one, and loved it! My nephew is allergic to milk, so it's nice he was able to try something new at our house. With Bailey, there was no gagging, but TONS of complaining, crying and stalling. He offered to eat a whole blueberry lemon muffin (a mini one) instead. I added a little butter, and it took the whole glass of chocolate milk, but he got it down. And we have switched the Nestle's Choc milk, to Carnation Instant Breakfast, which has way more nutrients (he hasn't noticed the difference). So all in all, I guess you can say today was a success, just not with the eggs for Bailey. I hope I haven't ruined Hard Boiled eggs for him forever.

On a side note, my sister in law tried the coffee cake from yesterday (an outside piece), and said it was actually really good. I think the outside pieces cooked a little better, not so goopy. Maybe I should try one.

Day 9: Coffee Cake

Well, today was a big flop. I made Coffee Cake with Butternut squash, only it wasn't so hidden. You are supposed to hide the squash between the layers of cake. But it just kind of mixed with the bottom layer and was totally obvious that it was there - I mean, C'mon - It's Bright Orange! It looked so good, and smelled so good... I had Bailey taste a little of the top crispy topping, while it was cooling. He said - I think this is gonna be the thing I like! Then I served it to him, and he said - What's the orange stuff? I said- that's the stuff that makes it healthy, and he said "Well - I am NOT going to eat it!" So he basically ate the topping! I don't blame him though. I ate a half of a piece, and it tasted kinda weird! The squash did not cook into it, so it was just kinda mushy on the bottom. I think it would have been great... without the squash.

Day 8: Lemon Bluberry Muffins

Today, I made Lemon Blueberry Muffins. These turned out GREAT!... according to everyone but Bailey. He even helped me make a little of them. Luckily, I had already added the whole pureed yellow squash, before he started to help me.
I must admit, I feel like quite the budding chef. I am making things before I would never try to make otherwise. I am the type to buy the cake mix at the store for $1, add oil, water and eggs, and wah-lah! I have made a cake... but now, I am making things from scratch - and surprisingly, it's not that hard! I actually "zested" a lemon today... actually 2 of them, because apparently you can use extra lemon zest if you don't have any lemon extract. I don't really like the way lemon flavored things taste (lemon bars, lemon cake, etc), so I couldn't rationalize paying $5 for lemon extract. But - I had to look up on the internet what "zesting" was. Now I know.

I added more than a cup of blueberries, and there were still a few muffins without any blueberries in them. I made some big ones and some mini ones. Bailey opted to try a mini one, with no blueberries. That was fine with me. He had a sandwich not long before dinner, so when we sat down to dinner, he tried his muffin. He was complaining the whole time, and stalling a lot. I kept reminding him to sit down and eat his muffin. After trying a few bites, he said - I'd rather have the green eggs - I liked them! So rather than eating a lemon blueberry muffin with yellow squash, he is eating eggs, with spinach... and he doesn't even know it! WIN!!!

Day 7: French Toast

It's been 1 week now, since I decided to go on this mission. We've had some ups and downs, some surprises, some irony. While Bailey was eating this afternoon (if that's what you call it - taste testing), he asked if I could STOP making new foods for him to try... I said nope- I am on a Mission: Mission still goes on strong.

Today I made French Toast. It took more than a full cup of chocolate milk, but Bailey got 4 bites down... gagging again. It's pretty sad to see your child gagging, but kind of funny at the same time, just because it's so pitiful. I was eating the French toast the same time as he was, so I know it was good. It's not even like it looked like Green Eggs (which I can't get myself to eat the leftovers of, by the way). I also put butter and Maple Syrup on top of the toast! Reese took a few bites, but wasn't really interested, until I told her she could have an Oreo when she finished 2 more bites. The hidden ingredients in the french toast are pureed sweet potatoes, and pureed bananas, along with sprinkled flax seed meal (on the bottom side).

I keep on wondering why Bailey doesn't like certain foods when they are together. He likes Cinnamon, Bread & Eggs. He just doesn't like them together, He likes noodles, and he likes Cheese, but he doesn't like Macaroni & Cheese. Ya know how there are people (not just kids), who don't like their foods touching on the plate? Well, I guess Bailey is one of those people. When ever he has more than one food item at a time, he always wants them in separate bowls, so I should have figured it out by now.

But I will continue. If my calculations are right, I will be done with this mission by the end of the summer. Hopefully, we will have figured a few things out, and we will start off the fall with a fresh new outlook. Thanks to all my readers! The blog is what is keeping me going.

Day 6: Oatmeal

I counted the Recipes - and all together there are 76!  So 6 down - 70 to go!

Okay, let me preface by saying I have never even tried giving Bailey oatmeal before (except for the baby cereal oatmeal). I never thought he'd try it, and I am not a big fan myself, so I thought - why bother? Reese on the other hand loves it! I guess she saw Brian (my hubby) eating it once, and tried some, and has been a fan ever since. After yesterday, when Bailey actually tried the green eggs, I thought that there is no better time than now to introduce Oatmeal.
Again, it was kinda nasty looking, but boy did it smell good! It was old fashioned oats, milk, cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, peanut butter and Sweet Potatoe Puree. It was super delicious- and like I said I am not a big fan of Oatmeal! I put a little Maple Syrup on mine, and put some Maple Syrup in Medicine cup, so the kids could pour on their own. Reese ate almost all of hers. And since I think Oatmeal is an acquired taste, Bailey and I agreed on 2 bites. And...
the gagging continues once again! :) He washed it down with plenty of chocolate milk - and that is the end of that!

Day 5: Green Eggs

After yesterday, I figured we couldn't get much worse - so I'd just go for the worst sounding thing. So I made Green Eggs. Bailey asked me if I was going to make ham too, but I don't think we have any - I wonder if he'd try if if I did...
This is Basically 4 egg whites, 2 eggs (with yolks), and pureed spinach. It looked SO GROSS - I'll spare you the picture of the raw mixture. As gross as they look cooked, they looked so much worse uncooked.
Reese saw me making them, so she wasn't about to try it. When I offered her some (several times), she ran away screaming "no - no!" But Bailey reluctantly tried 4 bites, washed down with his trusty chocolate milk - and no gagging.
During this school year a few months back, he read Green Eggs and Ham (by Dr. Seuss). I made him scrambled eggs with green food coloring. He had a few bites, but wasn't crazy about them. Today he asked what I colored them with - I told him it was food coloring (it just happened to be made of spinach - I left that part out). When I tried them, I put Monterrey Jack Cheese on them. You could still taste the Spinach, but I like Spinach. I think Bailey knew something was up, but he still ate his 4 bites with a smile. There is a picture of him trying them below.

I think we are beginning to be on to something. That is 5 foods, in 5 days he has taken at least 1 bite of! I'm not saying I will ever make these foods again, but he isn't complaining much. He is even trying to convince Reese to try it...

DAY 4: Egg Puffs

So... not as much of a success as yesterday. Reese refused to touch them! Bailey would only agree to one bite. These are Egg Puffs, and they looked so scrumptious in the recipe book, but now I know why it says serve immediately. By the time it cools enough to eat, it sinks down like a biscuit, so they don't look so pretty (as in my picture - see below).
Anyhow, they taste pretty much like the scrambled eggs from yesterday. My husband (bless his heart- he has tried everything too) said they'd be great with Sausage or bacon. I agree - they are a little bland. The hidden ingredient is butternut squash. I opted to use baby food butternut squash, because it is already pureed and proportioned.
Oh well - better luck tomorrow!

Day 3: Scrambled Eggs

Reese reluctantly ate her 3 bites, and was done. But, Ding Ding Ding! Can you believe it? Bailey ate his promised 3 bites of Eggs and kept on going! Granted, there were some Fries waiting for him on the other end, but he actually said he liked the eggs! He has eaten eggs before, but not often! I am so excited - I know - no big deal, it's just eggs, right? But this is Bailey we are talking about!
Not just that, but these eggs also had Cauliflower, Parmesan Cheese and Yogurt in them! Of course I would never tell HIM that! With all these foods, I think maybe my plan is just to get him to try new things, not necessarily to enjoy them... I can't blame him for a sensitive palate. I am just happy, there was no gagging today! :)
Disclaimer- I have not actually tried the eggs myself, as I had just eaten lunch before I made them, but I will give them a try and tell you my honest opinion later!
Today's Success: WIN

Update: I tried them myself, and to be honest - the texture is a little different, but I added salt and pepper to mine- and it is scrumptious! YUM!

Day 2: Pancakes

Today I made Sweet Potato Pancakes. I'd say the sucess was a no, but we are getting closer. At first, they looked  horrible, because I used Bisquik instead of Instant Pancake mix, so they were a little too moist. But I started making them smaller (silver dollar pancakes), and they turned out great. Again- YUM! Sweet, and cinnamon-y (is that a word???)... Bailey tried a bite, and washed it down with chocolate milk, but I didn't see him do it. He said he almost threw up. I made him take another bite, while I was watching, and he did it without gagging this time. I said was that so bad? He said Yes! - okay no. We agreed that everytime I make something, he will eat one more bite. So he ate 1 bite of the muffin, 2 bites of the pancakes, tomorrow is scambled eggs (with Cauliflour). We'll see how that goes. I am becoming wise, and realize that it's not the food he doesn't like, it's the TRYING the NEW food. He's always been that way, and it's always been a hit & miss. So I am remaining hopeful that he will like SOMETHING, SOMEDAY, SOMEWHERE!! On a lighter note, I told him I am starting with Breakfasts... He asked " When are you doing Desserts??"

DAY 1: Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins

Sounds good, huh? I thought so too! I happened to already have evrything, and Bailey (my 8yo) loves PB & Honey Sandwiches, so I thought, if I bake half of them with honey, instead of Jelly he'd like it them. The hidden ingredient is pureed carrots. Besides the jelly spilling all over the inside of the oven (note to self: put them on a baking sheet next time), the kitchen smelled great, and I couldn't wait to try them. Oh my goodness! They were SOOO good! So I sat down with Bailey, poured more honey over one, and gave one to him. He took a bite, gagged it down (with chocolate milk to wash it down), and Reese (my 3 year) old ate the rest... FAIL!

THE STRUGGLE

So... I am a 32 year old stay at home mom who homeschools, with 2 kids ages 8 & 3. My 3yo is an okay eater - if you are creative, and make it fun. My 8yo has never been a good eater, unless you count baby food, and infant formula. Ever since we changed over to real food, it'd been a struggle.
I have learned not to judge parents EVER, because you don't know what they go through. I am sure people look at us & have preconceived notions like: "If that were my kid... he'd eat much better." Guess what! He is NOT your kid, and YOU don't know what WE have gone through! So STOP judging me! I have gone to bed many nights in tears... or have just cried throughout the day. He goes through stages of what he will eat. If I used both hands, I could probably list everything he will touch. PB&Honey sandwiches, CheezIts, Cheddar cheese squares, Chocolate milk, Pringles, Cinnamon Graham Crackers, Pizza, Rolls with butter, Water, Cinnamon Toast. Yep - that 10! Things he Has eaten, but now won't are: Spaghetti, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Waffles. Can you think of what most of those things have in common? He is what we call "a CARBIVORE". No veggies - no way!
I think every parent has to pick their battles. This is one I have chosen not to pick... until now.

So- I AM ON A MISSION!    Have you seen the movie Julie & Julia? A great movie (staring Meryl Streep & Amy Adams) about a gal who cooks Julie Childs' recipes for one year, and blogs about her experiences. Well, I already own the book Deceptively Delicious, written by the genious named "Jessica Seinfeld" (yes, Jerry's wife). She had the ingenious idea to puree veggies and fruits, and hide them in food. So... as you might guess, I am going to try to make everything in this book, and see if I can get my 8yo to try and like at least 1 thing! We have 3 days left of school, so summer vacation is almost upon us... let's get going!