Children are often picky eaters, and telling your children that a food is good for them can make them even more resistant to trying a new dish. To encourage children to eat vegetarian meals, you should start with recipes that are versions of food that children typically enjoy. Then involve the children in the cooking process and presentation of the food.
Vegetarian Pizza
Pizza is usually a favorite food for children, so make pizza with a healthy twist. Make whole wheat pizza dough, and use organic sauce as well as low-fat cheese. The real key comes in the toppings, however. Instead of sausage or pepperoni, top the pizza with slices of bell peppers, onions or black olives. To combat your child's desire to pick off toppings he doesn't like, involve him in assembling the pizza, particularly in placing the brightly colored toppings on top of the cheese just before the pie goes in the oven.
Granola
Use granola as a breakfast, lunch or anytime snack for children. Granola is packed with protein and is a great source of energy. It also gives children a crunchy, sweet-tasting sensation. You can make your own granola using bran, rolled oats, butter and honey. Add nuts, such as cashews, peanuts and walnuts, and toss in sesame and sunflower seeds. Add raisins and cinnamon for flavor and variety. To make the granola, combine the honey and butter in a saucepan, then add the seeds and nuts, the bran and finally the rolled oats. Spread the combination on a cookie sheet, and bake it at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring once every 10 minutes.
Mashed Potato Volcanoes
Mashed Potato Volcanoes are fun for kids to make and to eat. To make the volcanoes, cook four large peeled and diced potatoes for 15 minutes, then mash them with 2 tablespoons margarine and 1/2 cup of low-fat milk. To make the lava, simmer 1 cup low-fat milk, then dissolve 2 tablespoons unbleached flour to thicken slightly. Add 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted, then add 2 tablespoons ketchup, leaving some red streaks to look like fire. Let the children build a volcano of mashed potatoes, then add lava to the top and sides. Finally, have them build vegetation of broccoli and peas at the base of the volcano.
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