Dear Erika,
What is your favorite bean and why?
–Kyle, Grand Rapids, MI
Hi Kyle,
Hands down, edamame! It is so versatile and kids love it! It can be eaten as a snack, a dish, used in soups, and even processed into crackers or sweets! I keep edamame in the shell as a stock item in my freezer. As a great mid afternoon snack for the kids, boil a few handfuls for about six minutes and serve warm. You can add salt if you like. My three-year-olds love practicing their dexterity by popping them out of the shell themselves, which is half the fun!
And, did you know that just a 1/2 cup of these green soybean superstars packs in 11 grams of protein and nine grams of fiber? I believe that’s called vegan dreamfood!
Thanks!
Erika

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Dear Erika,
My son ONLY eats pasta. Help!
–Rowen, Jackson, MS
Hi Rowen,
I think I have been faced with an ultimate picky eater. My husband doesn’t like spicy foods or “white foods” (huh??). This rules out rice, pasta, potatoes, and most Mexican or Asian foods. AND he is a die-hard meat and cheese fan, gone vegetarian and working on vegan. Whew! I have my work cut out on finding tasty foods for him besides eating peanut butter and jelly (which I can’t do either because my son is allergic to peanuts). So, if you have a picky eater, I completely empathize!
My best advice to get your child interested in expanding their palate is to get them involved in the kitchen. When a child gets to participate, the tactile interaction uses all the senses rather than just simply tasting the end result. You are teaching your child what is involved—from where the food comes from, to how flavors work together. Grow a garden, prepare the salad, or even have them create their own recipe! Any of these will hopefully expand their appreciation for the food and then more likely to eat it!
Thanks!
Erika

Ask Erika is featured exclusively with Generation Veggie