Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Andrew....The Tiny Gourmet

This week's Meatless Monday consisted of Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake. I felt the meal could have used something else. I kind of had the feeling I was missing something and just eating a side dish. It WAS good though. Both kids ate it like it was going out of style. Of course, give them something with a noodle and they usually do. My husband liked it as well. I've just got to figure out how to make it feel like a more cohesive meal. This would make me happier.

This dish was loaded with veggies though. And veggies that kids usually wrinkle their little noses at! I bumped up the nutritional value of the dish by replacing the plain pasta the recipe originally called for with a whole grain "garden" variety. So it was made with whole grains PLUS the little bit of vegetable juice that they use to make the pasta all the pretty colors.

Yesterday (Tuesday) I was scrambling for something to cook for supper. What I ended up with was "cheesy rice and sausage". Certainly not good for you, but pretty tasty! My six year old, Andrew, who LOVED spinach artichoke pasta bake did NOT love cheesy rice. Every kid's dream: rice and tons of cheese. No go for Andrew. I'm turning my kids into health food lovers. And I'm okay with that. Now if only I could follow suit.