Sneaky & Nutritious: New Cookbooks Hide Veggies for Picky Eaters
For adults and children alike, incorporating enough vegetables into one’s diet can be a challenge. Two new cookbooks, “Centerpiece” by Helen Graham and “The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook” by Heidi Herman, offer distinct approaches to this common problem: one celebrates vegetables, although the other discreetly incorporates them into familiar dishes. Both aim to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Celebrating Vegetables with “Centerpiece”
Helen Graham’s “Centerpiece” takes a vibrant approach, positioning vegetables as the star of the meal. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, as well as her Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, the cookbook features 100 inventive, vegetable-based recipes. “Centerpiece” aims to inspire cooks to embrace the bold flavors and versatility of vegetables.
Disguising Veggies with “The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook”
Heidi Herman’s “The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook” adopts a different strategy, focusing on subtly incorporating vegetables into dishes that might otherwise be vegetable-free. The book includes over 90 recipes designed for adults who are averse to vegetables, cleverly disguising them in familiar favorites like Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Enchiladas, and even chocolate cake. According to Herman, the goal is to provide “real solutions instead of guilt,” making it easier to eat healthier without compromising on taste.
A Common Goal: Increased Nutrition
Despite their differing approaches, both cookbooks share a common objective: to increase vegetable consumption. Whether through showcasing their inherent deliciousness or cleverly concealing them within beloved dishes, both authors recognize the importance of incorporating more vegetables into daily meals. Rhonda Thornton, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, contributed to Herman’s book and emphasized that many adults simply don’t like vegetables, and that’s okay.
Sneaky Recipes for Picky Eaters
The concept of hiding vegetables isn’t new. Recipes like zucchini chocolate chip muffins and spinach brownies have long been popular among parents seeking to boost their children’s nutrient intake. Numerous resources offer creative ways to sneak vegetables into meals, turning dinnertime battles into wins.
Both “Centerpiece” and “The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook” represent a growing trend towards prioritizing nutrition and finding innovative ways to produce healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.