{Post by Jessica Stremer}

Have you ever cooked a super yummy dish, only to have your kids refuse to eat it because they can see some tiny spec of spices, herbs or seasonings?  My kids used to pull this on me all the time, even though I knew they would like their meal once they tried it. Getting kids to eat what you cook can be a struggle!

Getting Kids to Eat What You Cook

I started experimenting with some of my favorite recipes using a new way to flavor our food using Vitality Essential Oils. It was a simple, easy way to get kids to eat what you cook.

***First off, please know that not all essential oils are safe for consumption.***

I use the Young Living brand because they have a seed to seal guarantee, and a separate line of oils designated for ingestion.  This makes it easy to identify which ones I am able to use in my cooking, and which ones I am not.

As I experimented in the kitchen, I found that the essential oils I was using had a more intense flavor than the dried herb/spice itself.  Which I guess makes sense since the oil is coming from the plant before it is dried and put into a spice bottle.

I discovered that only a few drops of oil was needed to offer the same amount of flavor than say a teaspoon of its dried counterpart.

Now I find myself reaching for my oils more often while cooking than dried herbs and spices. 

Black pepper, lemon, and oregano have all become favorites.  And the best part is that because Vitality essential oils are clear, my kids can’t see anything in their food.

Recipe to Get Kids to Eat What You Cook

Here is a roasted potato dish I served alongside our favorite meatloaf (which also has hidden veggies baked inside).  You could even try serving these at your next holiday get together.

Easy Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Ingredients:

2 lbs Red New Potatoes

2 tsp Olive Oil or butter, melted

2 drops Black Pepper Vitality Essential Oil

2 drops Rosemary Vitality Essential Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Wash potatoes and cut in quarters. Place in a glass or ceramic baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil and essential oils then drizzle over potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.

Sweet Potato Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey, approx.
• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup flaxseed meal or panko crumbs
• 1 tbsp salt 
• 2 heaping tbsp Italian seasoning (or 1 drop oregano vitality and 1 drop basil vitality essential oil Young Living Brand only)

Directions

1. Roast or steam your sweet potato. It will soften up a lot faster if cut into really small cubes and will be less easily detected by picky, anti-veggie kiddos. 
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. If desired, mash sweet potato in a large bowl with a fork, and add turkey, onion, garlic, honey, egg, flaxseed, salt and spices. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. (Hate to admit it, but using your hands works best!  This is a great time to enlist the help of your little ones.)
4. Place your mixture in a greased meatloaf pan.  A mini loaf pan also works well for individual portions.
5. Stick in the oven and bake for about 50-55 minutes. Cover with tinfoil if necessary to avoid burning the top.
6. Top with your favorite bbq sauce or ketchup if desired.

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More tips for getting kids to eat what you cook:

Picky Eaters Can Eat!

Tips for Teaching Picky Eaters to Eat Healthy Foods

Two Healthy Snacks for Picky Eaters

What are your favorite tips for getting picky eaters to eat what you cook? Share in the comments below.

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Jessica is a stay at home mom of two lovely little girls.  She is also a military spouse and an entrepreneur.  Jessica enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors with her family, cooking, and reading.  In addition, Jessica is hard at work growing her company Five O’Clock Jelly

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Enjoy your time at home!