Having friends with fussy kids over for dinner

jamesmorgan

Whilst it is admirable to encourage children to try new tastes, it is also worth remembering that children's taste buds operate very differently from an adult. They are a lot more sensitive to strong tastes - eating a 'normal' curry for a child would be like an adult eating one of the strongest curries available. They are also very sensitive to bitter tastes - this is a natural response as many poisonous plants also have bitter tastes. So foods such as cabbage, broccoli, aubergine, nuts etc may be unpalatable. It doesn't mean that the food needs to be uninteresting, but I would rarely cook the same food for an all adult meal as I would for a meal that had a mix of adults and children (certainly aged 10 and under). Of course, not all children are the same and many young children enjoy strong tastes, but these tend to be the minority.

MidLifeCrisis_3

They are 6 & 9 and I really don't want to make them eat anything that they don't like which is why I have the problem in deciding what to cook. I would never force feed a child, but have found with my own that a little encouragement goes a long way. I just want to make something where everyone can help themselves, so a big dish of main course, veg, bread, etc in the middle is what I was planning. It's the first time they've come over as a family and I know she is an excellent cook and hosts regular dinner parties so wanted it to be a little more special, but still child friendly. I had ruled moussaka out initially based on her reaction that they had never tried it but then after reading posts on here I thought maybe with the aubergine chopped it may be similar to lasagne that I know they will eat with the veg blended and stirred in. I ruled out the Moroccan dish as it's got peppers and spices in and am really not sure about my other ideas beef bourginuon, chicken in wine, etc as I feel her reaction would be the same as they would never have tried these things.

I have even considered making some pizzas and a pasta in tomato sauce, but it's not very dinner party and because I'm not sure what to cook for them I feel even less confident about my cooking. I'm not worried about the nutrional value, it's just I won't have time to be cooking 2 different meals and I can hardly serve the adults sausage, beans & chips.

Is a roast boring? To make it a little more special I was thinking of herb & lemon roasted new potatoes, but I'm not even sure they would eat those. What could I do with a pork joint or chicken to pimp it up a bit? I don't have time to be cooking and preparing all day as DS has a football match.

babyshoes

Might I suggest you also include garlic bread (most kids like it) and a 'deconstructed' salad on the side? That way, everyone can take what they want, even if it is only a piece of garlic bread and a couple of cherry tomatoes. Even fussy kids might enjoy one element of a salad whereas a mixed up salad wouldn't be appetising if there is something they don't like/know in it. As a child, while not particularly fussy, I didn't much like lettuce and would pick out the tomato and cucumber given half a chance!

If you are considering a starter, I would rather go for 'nibbles' in the lounge instead, and do something you KNOW their kids will eat - I would be putting out crisps/crackers, veggie crudites and dips. Alternatively, canapes like cold mini pizzas (big one cut into squares), chipolatas, chicken wings and crackers with cheesy stuff would be good too. If the kids stuff their faces on the nibbles, at least you know they won't be too hungry if they don't eat much of the main supper!

jamesmorgan

MidLifeCrisis wrote: »

Is a roast boring? To make it a little more special I was thinking of herb & lemon roasted new potatoes, but I'm not even sure they would eat those. What could I do with a pork joint or chicken to pimp it up a bit? I don't have time to be cooking and preparing all day as DS has a football match.

Roast isn't boring, but if you want to spice it up a bit you could add a sweet and sour sauce on the table as per the Jamie Oliver recipe.

http://www.food.com/recipe/pot-roasted-chicken-with-sweet-and-sour-sauce-258283

MidLifeCrisis_3

They will eat cucumber, not sure about tomatoes and I was thinking some HM garlic bread and maybe a bowl of chips if i did moussaka and a green salad or some veg carrots, broccoli, green beans or maybe even peas.

I don't want to do anything spicy as I know they won't like it, I make it quite mild for my kids, but then spice it up with chilli powder before serving to OH and me. I remember being picky too and there are still things I don't like now, I just want to make something that everyone can eat or at least try.

kittycat204

how about doing something like a summery meal of ham, salmon or chicken with new potatoes plenty of salad items. bread on the side and some salad dressing. most of it can be prepared in advance and makes a beautiful spread. Lots of colours, they can pick what they want. my mum does this frequently, pleases everybody.

Spendless

Quiches? A basic ham and cheese one for kids and a more 'exotic' one for adults, with potatoes and veg/salad.

meritaten

hun - You do a suitable dish for dinner - give the fussy kids small portions and if they dont eat it - tough! consider it a lesson in manners for them. or should they go through life expecting all thier meals to be blended for them?
You are not their mum - and YOUR Dinner party menu has to be what YOU decide is suitable. Fair enough - no strongly spiced dish (tho my grandkids love my curry and adore making fajita wraps, and chilli and rice is a fave!) but, if your friend wants you to serve bland blended food cos that is what the kids eat - aint going to be much fun for the adults is it?
Serve what you like - and if the kids dont eat it - that is the parents problem not yours!

kj*daisy

I think plenty of side stuff they can fill up on is a good idea, what about some grated cheese as well, carrot sticks? I have two kids, one eats everything, one is quite fussy and likes a small variety of things, no sloppy sauces, melted cheese etc. I have treated them both the same so it does annoy me when people say that it's the parents fault. Some children just don't like certain foods, with mine it is really a fear of unknown textures and tastes I have encouraged him to try stuff, and he does sometimes and likes some stuff not other stuff. I thinks it's heartless to force kids to eat what they don't like, no one forces me as an adult. I think what you are planning with plenty of side stuff to have as well sounds good, I hope they will try the moussaka

Penny-Pincher!!

Does it really have to be dinner party food though? Could you do a basic serve yourself meal and add posh breads or a cheese board with apple and pear and grown up crackers? Maybe you could do cocktails for the adults and kids?

Do the name cards, glasses, water jug or posh water sparkling and still, decanter wine etc. Set the table nicely too.