How to Feed a Henry

This week’s Tuesday Tip for Picky Eaters: The Power of Positive Peer Pressure. Over the past few weeks, I  have tried offering melon to Henry a few times but he has been uninterested. At lunch on Friday, we had quiche and a fruit plate. Henry happily ate the pineapple, grapes and orange slices. He cautiously tasted the cantaloupe and honeydew melon, but I could not convince him to try a second bite. On Sunday, we went to a barbecue at a friend's house. The delicious spread included slices of honeydew melon. I figured that Henry would be uninterested, so I picked out a variety of other foods for his plate. Then, one of Henry's peers started munching on honeydew. Henry was convinced that he had to have some too. I was thoroughly surprised when Henry ate four slices! Henry enjoying a slice of honeydew melon. It was a good reminder to keep offering, even when your child refuses to eat something the first few times. Seeing a friend eat a new food may encourage your littl...

Henry and I eat oatmeal for breakfast about once a week. It’s a hearty dish for chilly spring mornings. I like to mix seasonal fruits in with the oatmeal, and lately that has included Ataulfo or honey mangoes. Henry is a big fan of this dairy-free variation. This recipe is Henry-approved. Ingredients ½ cup 1-minute quick oats ½ cup mango (about one small mango) ¼ cup flaked or shredded coconut, unsweetened ½ cup coconut milk Henry's portion is served with two spoons, since at least one will inevitably end up on the floor. Directions Dice the mango flesh into small pieces. Pour oats into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the mango, coconut and coconut milk to the bowl. Stir until well combined. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute on high. Stir the oatmeal. Heat for an additional 30 seconds on high. Stir again. Scoop a portion of the oatmeal into your child’s bowl. Allow the oatmeal to cool slightly before serving. Henry using a spoon to e...

The muffin craze continues at our house. This week I made another batch of Strawberry Shortcake Muffins (yes, they really are that good!).  More muffins please! I also came up this recipe for a savory breakfast muffin. They work just as well in a lunch box as they do for breakfast.  This recipe is Henry-approved. Ingredients 1 cup deli ham, diced (about 1/3 pound) 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup broccoli, chopped 2 Tablespoons green onion, diced 1 egg 1 cup sour cream ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup flour 1 cup 1-minute quick oats 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda Savory Breakfast Muffins ready to bake. Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dice the deli ham into ½-inch pieces or smaller. Place in a medium bowl. Grate the cheese. Add the cheese to the bowl with the ham. Rinse and finely chop the broccoli. Rinse and finely chop the green onion. Add the vegetables to the ham and cheese. ...