Gourmet Foods Children Will Love
Tastes and Flavours Even Fussy Children Can Really Enjoy
Sep 22, 2009
Children are certainly not afraid to let adults know when they taste something they don't like, but it is often assumed that they won't try new things and adults can tend to judge what they do or don't like. Even fussy eaters may surprise adults by what they will eat, and may turn out to have a refined palate rather than just being picky eaters. The following foods are often enjoyed by children and they can be encouraged to give them a try.
Filet Mignon (beef fillet steak)
The tenderness of the meat makes cutting easy for children, and as it isn't as strong a flavour as some other cuts it is always a big success. The lack of fat and gristle also means no large pieces left at the side of the plate. Don't be afraid to serve it medium-rare either as children don't necessarily have to eat beef well done.
Smoked Salmon
Children can and do enjoy stronger flavours and smoked salmon, whether on a bagel with cream cheese or on it's own with brown bread and butter, is amazingly popular with children. Ease of cutting and a lack of fat also make it easy to eat.
Shellfish
Although the potential for allergies should be considered if there is a family history, there is no reason why children should not be given the opportunity to try lobster, crab and other shellfish. Shrimp is often a favourite so why not take it one step further and try other shellfish? Children are fascinated by the shells and will enjoy playing with them during or after the meal. Although they may need help to eat it, the soft delicately flavoured fish has a sweetness that children usually love.
Olives
Whilst many adults are familiar with children removing olives from a pizza before eating it, it may come as a surprise that most children will actually quite enjoy green olives. Choosing pitted olives is best to start with but don't shy away from flavoured or marinated green olives. Getting children to choose themselves at the "olive bar" often found in markets and stores is often a way to get them to try in the first place and most children will actually end up enjoying the end result.
Caperberries and cornichons are also worth trying.
Fresh or Dried Gourmet Mushrooms - cepes, morilles, shitake
Fresh or reconstituted dried mushrooms cooked in a sauce are another thing to try and children are fascinated by the shapes, colours and sizes. Adding to familiar dishes such as spaghetti sauce or a cream sauce served with pork or chicken are usually met with success.
Escargots (snails)
Believe it or not, many children find the idea of eating snails quite funny and serving in a garlic butter sauce together with mushrooms is a great way to get them to try them. Snails can be found in supermarkets in cans.
Balsamic Vinegar
Children love the sweetness of a good quality balsamic vinegar and it can be added to ice-cream, tomatoes and salads or cooked with meats or mushrooms. Added to liver while cooking it may also be a way to encourage children to eat liver.
Rillettes and Gourmet Pâtés
A change from plain cold meats, adults are often amazed to see children tuck in to quality pâtés but these can even be a success even with children who refuse store bought pre-packed pâtés.
Summary
There are a great number of gourmet foods that children absolutely love and should be encouraged to eat or to try. They have very pure palates which appreciate both delicate and strong flavours and can even grow to learn to like foods they may not otherwise have eaten.
Photographs in this article are used with permission by Janey L from Les Petits Gourmets which also contains family recipe ideas and ways of cooking for children.
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