Need a cure for a picky eater? Dinner at my mother-in-law's house. She will give your persnickity sweeties spinach (and they will like it because it has salt, butter and parmesan cheese in it), have them eating fish that actually looks like fish (they will be picking off the heads and tails like pros after just one sitting) and it may just be freshly fried, but they will like it baked, too, or marinated.
How is it possible, you ask? Because they will not have the courage to say no. First, because she does not take no for an answer, and second because they would realize from her tone of voice and the way she serves the food, that food is important. It is to be taken seriously, treated with respect, and never, ever refused.
It's not just her house, either. Restaurants (unless they cater to tourists) do not have a kids' menu here. For Italian restaurants, "kids' menu" means giving you a half portion of something that is on the regular menu (so that no food gets thrown away, which is a crime against food, and therefore not tolerated in Italy).
Here are some other things your picky kid will try and like in Italy, given the chance to dine with my mother-in-law.
1. Salad (dressed with only vinegar, salt, and olive oil)
2. Olives
3. Rabbit and/or Horse, Beef, or Ham (She is NOT a vegetarian, but she has learned to live with me)
4. Yogurt at snack time
5. Apricots, fresh figs, and whatever other fruit is in season
6. Artichokes
7. Green beans
8. Cabbage & Beans
She will use the best ingredients and I guarantee you whatever she makes will taste good. Your kids will leave here different people. I promise.
Just give me some advance warning so she can buy spinach.
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