One of my favorite christmas gifts this past year, was a book from my son called Vegetable of the Day. I love this for so many reasons. He not only picked it out, he also told my husband that he would willingly try the new recipes in the book.
So when I opened this present, I got buy in from all three boys that they would try at least one new vegetable recipe every week this year. I know, I know, the book is vegetable of the day not the week, but I like to make my goals S.M.A.R.T. As you may recall, this means they should be Specific, Measurable Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. By setting the goal at just one per week, it will be much more attainable and takes some pressure off.
I’ve been very inspired by all of the new recipes in the book and they boys have been game (for the most part) to try some new foods. So far we have had Beet Gratin with Fontina & Walnuts, Butternut Squash & Pear with Rosemary, Farro with Caramelized Root Vegetables, Edamame Hummus with Grilled Naan, Spanish Tortilla with Leeks, and Quinoa Pilaf with Shiitakes Edamame & Ginger. That last one is from America’s Test Kitchen and not this new book. The recipe is free until April 30th so if you are interested you can check it out – it was really delicious!
You don’t need to buy a vegetable cookbook to try out a new vegetable dish each week like us. There are so many websites these days that can give you vegetable inspiration. Eating Well, Vegetarian Times, and Cooking Light, are just a few. Another technique I like is to go into the produce section of the grocery store and pick something you’ve never tried before. Once you get it home, spend a little time googling around to figure out how to cook it. This can be particularly fun for children. Having them say “what the heck is rutabaga?” and then taking one home, cooking it and putting it on the dinner table, is a fun experience; plus it’s really fun to say rutabaga!
Farro with Caramelized Root Vegetables
