The Family Kitchen
As a mother of two picky eaters, I am always on the lookout for family friendly meals that appeal to my husband and I as well as my children. The chef in me enjoys creating meals with sophisticated tastes and textures only to be greeted by “that’s disgusting”. Despite my efforts to prepare home cooked, healthy and tasty meals, my children would be happier with chicken nuggets and hot dogs.
I was intrigued when I came across Debra Ponzek’s book, “The Family Kitchen”. Ponzek is the chef and owner of a specialty food chain in Connecticut and is the mother of three children. She wrote the book for “moms and dads who like to cook, who want to teach their kids proficiency in the kitchen, and who want to eat well” I thought I fell into all of those categories so I rushed out and purchased the book and I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed. The recipes are approachable but yet different enough to appeal to adult tastes. Each recipe includes a section called Call the Kids which lists the parts of the recipe that can be tackled by your helpers like measuring and grating cheese but also lists a judgment section which has more complicated tasks like stirring hot sauces and using the food processor.
The recipes are grouped by meals but also include chapters for snow days and summer picnics. While my kids have enjoyed making and eating the Individual Cheese Pizzas and Turkey Meatloaf, they have turned their noses up at Lemon Sole with Creamy Spinach and Mushrooms and Teriyaki Grilled Salmon. There are plenty of other recipes that I am planning on trying. One aspect of the book that I like is that many of the recipes have meat grilled or pan-seared but are served with a sauce along side. This allows the children to have their meal somewhat plain (how they like it) but the adults can have the recipe prepared as written. One example is Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Green-Apple Compote.
I am enjoying having my kids help in the kitchen. Both of my children like to cook but it is sometimes hard to figure out what steps they can complete on their own but “The Family Kitchen“ makes it a snap.
If you are looking for some interesting and tasty recipes that appeal to the whole family, pick up “The Family Kitchen”; you’ll be glad you did.
