I’ve heard countless parents say, “I refuse to be a short-order cook.” Currently, with eight or nine mouths to feed, I don’t have the time to be a short-order cook either. It’s also almost impossible to fix something that everyone wants to eat. And also, because we have kids with trauma and food insecurities, we can’t say, “Eat it or go hungry.” And also, you can’t make your kids eat even though we know they need to.

So what’s a parent to do?

We rely a lot on modular or deconstructed meals. These provide healthy options for everyone that they have control over and can make into something even the pickiest eaters will want to eat. Here are four ideas of simple meals that will make even your picky eaters happy.

Tacos or Nachos

I provide tortillas, taco shells, scoop chips, and rice or lettuce as a base. For toppings, I set out shredded cheese, sour cream, cooked ground meat, black beans, avocado, and salsa. I also try to have bacon pieces on hand because bacon makes everything better

From here the possibilities are endless. They can make a rice bowl, salad, traditional hard or soft tacos, or nachos. Even if they only pile on only one ingredient, they won’t die.

Baked Potato Bar

I provide baked Yukon gold and sweet potatoes. For toppings, I set out butter, caramelized onions, chopped avocado, broccoli, shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon pieces, and leftover chili (if I have it).

Again, even if there’s only one ingredient your pickiest eater will eat, they won’t die.

Omelets

This one is a bit more time-consuming, but a family favorite. I try to chop all the fillings and take orders before I start cooking. A good quality, truly non-stick pan will make this dinner less frustrating as well. Another hint is to add a tablespoon of water for each egg you’re scrambling for extra fluffy eggs.

Our favorite fillings are caramelized onions, green peppers, bacon, mushroom, broccoli, spinach, salsa, and cheese.

If your kid only eats an egg with cheese or only eats a handful of toppings sans egg, it will be okay.

[bctt tweet=”If your kid only eats an egg with cheese or only eats a handful of toppings sans egg, it will be okay.” username=”corkboardblog”]

Stir Fry or Fried Rice

I provide rice and lo mein or glass noodles, sauce, stir-fried veggies, and a meat or two. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in a chopped Asian salad kit.

The kids fix themselves the parts they like and leave the parts they don’t.

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