Children are notoriously picky eaters and are often resistant to trying new food. Especially for children who are not vegetarian themselves, it's important to offer simple foods that will be appealing to children with a variety of tastes. Options for a kid's wedding menu range from simple hors d' oeuvres to magnificent sit-down meals.
Hors d' Oeuvres
Many people opt to serve light or heavy hors d' oeuvres at their wedding reception because this meal choice is inexpensive and relatively easy to prepare. For children, consider offering soy chicken nuggets. If you're preparing the meal yourself, these items are readily available in the supermarket. Most vegetarian catering companies can also make them. Provide a variety of dipping sauces for kids to choose from. Classic hors d' oeuvres such as cheese cubes, crackers and bread are excellent vegetarian foods that are typically appealing to even the pickiest of children.
Sandwiches
Even if you're having a formal sit-down dinner, consider offering sandwiches for children. Many younger children dislike new foods with many ingredients, and a simple sandwich is a fine alternative. The classic grilled cheese can be dressed up by adding tomatoes and avocado to the sandwich. Vegetarian deli meats are readily available in most supermarkets and are delicious in sandwiches. For a vegetarian twist on the classic BLT, try serving avocado, lettuce and tomato sandwiches instead.
Formal Meals
Older vegetarian children frequently are happy to eat the same foods adults are eating. For a kid-friendly twist on adult meals, however, consider serving truffle macaroni and cheese. Truffles are fungi that are closely related to mushrooms and are nutrient-rich. Simply add them to traditional macaroni and cheese for a filling meal. Cheese is an excellent substitute for meat in many classic dishes, and many children love cheese. Try serving cheese enchiladas, cheese pasta and other meat-free main courses.
Soups and Salads
Vegetarian soups can make appetizers and, for many children, a soup is filling enough to be the main course. Tomato, vegetable, broccoli and mushroom soups are easy classics. Offer a few different soups and allow children to choose their favorite. For a kid-friendly salad, try loading a salad up with strawberries, mangoes and goat cheese.
References
- The Everything Vegan Wedding Book: Holly Lefevre
- Vegetarian Times Vegetarian Entertaining: Jay Solomon
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