Toddler Tastes

After just watching Julie and Julia, I got the urge to blog again about feeding and cooking for Charlie. At a rate of one post per year, I'd say I'm not the most proficient blogger.

He just turned 2 years old, and he's a typical picky toddler. However, the wonderful thing is that he is picking foods that I approve of. Because we gave him such a good start with homemade babyfood between 6-12months, that wonderful window of opportunity where they pretty much eat anything you give them, we've normalized a diet of lean meats, whole grains and fruits and veggies. At 2, he's got a mind of his own. His developing sense of independence causes him to tell us when he's hungry, and what he wants to eat. Even when I make the most delicious meal, sometimes all he wants is an omlette.

Today for breakfast I made him his fave...a french omlette with cheese. Sided by some ancient grains toast and orange slices. For lunch I made a bulgar and chard pilaf, flavoured with shallots, butter and chicken stock. He loved it! I just get so much satisfaction when I make a dish that is healthy, and enjoyable for the whole family.

This was a very good food week in general, as the weather turns cold, I find myself stationed by the stove as a way to keep warm, save money and express my culinary creativity. On Monday night I made Bitman's herb marinated roast sirloin with mashed potatoes, brocolli and mushroom gravy. I made enough that I packed up a take-out container and gave some to our neighbours.

On Tuesday I made a New England fish chowder with corn. Delicious, though I was not impressed by the quality of fish now at my local Sobey's. The quality has declined, not sure if its lack of turnover due to the recession, or a personel or management issue. I looked at their fish again today and was not amused. Its a shame because the fish used to be very nice. Now that the Portuguese fish shop Newport moved away, there is a lack of decent poisson available in the hood.

Wednesday I tested out a veggie recipe on the family. I broke out the Moosewood collection and made black bean and sweet potato burritos. Charlie ate some, but is still not a fan of bean skins. They have to be pureed for him to eat them...I sort of left them minced. We LOVED the burritos, and I made enough to send a few over to the neighbours.

Just did a huge shop and have some recipes planned for this week that should be good. Chicken Curry with cashews, homemade sushi and maybe roast salmon and pilaf. Maybe I'll get another urge to blog before he turns 3?