Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food

"This book is great for sneaking in healthy ingredients in food.
But, I am still trying to have my kid eat it. "
~ Written on 2008-07-07

"I find it interesting that most of the reviewers that gave this book 1 or 2 stars also went on to say that their kids eat vegetables just fine. Well, why are they looking for other alternatives then? I got this book because I was getting so upset during mealtimes with my 15 month old because she started refusing everything except mac and cheese and fruit. So after a short prayer and counting to 10, I decided to finally check this book out. I was hesitant because I am not into making famous people even more rich if I can avoid it, but I loved the fun, girly look of the book, and thought I would give her ideas a try. My favorite part is the pages that tell you about how to cook each type of veggie and fruit, and what nutrients are in them. I got busy pureeing right away, and felt like I was finally taking a step towards happiness at mealtime! The true test was when I made my daughter mac and cheese with cauliflower.....she LOVED it! I was beaming knowing that she was scarfing down something she liked, and getting good nutrition too. Don't get me wrong, I also believe that they need to learn good eating habits, so I always have a true vegetable on the plate too.
This morning I made the applesauce muffins, and they were a huge hit with the whole family!
I may not make every recipe in this book, but I will use the ideas and purees throughout all my cooking (including the carrot puree I put in my Baked Penne last night! YUM!)
Bottom line: If you need the help, buy the book. If you don't, stop bashing it."
~ Written on 2008-07-03

"I read some of the reviews before making my own...so I could sort of see what people thought and how it might affect my own review.

Okay...for starters, I grew up with a VERY healthy diet. I have NEVER had an issue with any healthy or veggie foods. Each of my siblings have a food or two they don't like, but I never remember it being a problem at dinner. When I started making my own baby foods when my daughter was about 4 months old she LOVED veggies. All kinds. She even ate them past her 2nd birthday. Then she turned 3 & something happened. When she refused veggies at first, it was one at a time. One night she wouldn't eat spinach, but she ate broccoli, for example. Finally...it got to the point where I was noticing more & more food left on the plate. I tried the "eat this or nothing". It didn't work. She had a handful of foods she would willingly eat (and I DON'T keep junk food & drinks in my house). She actually went three ENTIRE days without eating. She got really lethargic & I got worried. I gave her whole wheat toast with some milk and slowly let her eat a little more at a time so she didn't make herself sick.

Even after all of that, she wouldn't eat veggies and some other foods. So, I got this book. I've had no taste issues with these recipes...and the only problems I have had are when my daughter sees me making them. She KNOWS green puree is not just "seasoning" anymore.

I hide vegetables in my child's food so that her meals are more nutritious. I still make fresh veggies most nights and have them on the table. (The exception is when I make a casserole...obviously the veggies are mixed into the casserole & not offered as steamed on the table.) Cooking foods may let them lose some nutrients, but since I puree them with some of the cooking water, the nutrients are going back in. (Some veggies are just too thick to puree on their own.) Unless you are eating ALL raw veggies...you are always going to lose SOME of the nutrients. This is true for nearly ALL foods.

At this point in my kid's life, she is not going to comprehend, "This is good for me, I'll just muddle through it." So I have to help her muddle...and hiding veggies is the best way I know how. I also have a 9 month old. I make all her baby food by hand, just like with the first. I offer a variety of foods she can be fed, or eat on her own. JUST like the first. So, if I'm doing something wrong...surely, by the time this 2nd one has turned three, I'll figure it out and change my game plan. But so far, I am doing things the way multiple baby books & our own pediatrician has recommended."
~ Written on 2008-07-01

"I am a nanny and this book has helped me get more veggies into the kids I care for. Thank you"
~ Written on 2008-06-07

"i Love this book. I can't believe that any one would not. it has inspired me to cook for the kids again and my hubby loves all the recepies.
I have even adapted them to be egg and nut free , as we have a kid with these allergies , and the recepies still work !!!!!
now my 3 kids under 4 help with the cooking and see the purees go in and don't freak out!!! My non eating vegatable and fruit daughter now eats honey carrots as a side dish and caulifower cheese!!!, we call it hair, as we make a face of veg and use it as the hair. she NEVER would have tried this if she didn't see me put it in her cake one day!!!!!
Some people have commented that the recepies are not healthy , those not so healthy ones are for treats and are still healthier than the normal ones anyway!! goodness me guys, use your brains.
I borrowed it from a friend and ended up buying one for myself because I love it soooooo much.
Thankyou Jessica, you have made our meal times healthy and fun!!!!"
~ Written on 2008-06-03