Tips on Cooking For Kids

When it comes to cooking for kids, keep it simple. Kids have a different set of likes and dislikes when it comes to food, and it helps to keep that in mind. That's why they prefer chicken nuggets to grilled chicken; same meat, but the extra seasoning on the grilled chicken is a turn off.

The smaller the kid, the more likely finger foods are going to be preferred. Keep in mind that sauces should tend towards sweet and sour; ketchup and ranch are great, as well as mustard and sweet and sour sauce.

The easiest way to get a kid to eat his vegetables is to fry them. Fried foods are crunchy, have that savory taste kids like, and can be dipped, all of which makes them a great food item. Egg rolls are the obvious winner here, but hardly the only item in the running. Okra and green tomatoes should also be considered.

Keep in mind the three tries rule: It usually takes at least three encounters with the food in question before a kid will find it acceptable. Until then expect the kid to complain about it.

A last but obvious tip: Pizza is a great way to get kids to eat just about anything. It's not called the 'perfect food" for nothing.