Eating out of shallow bowls will always be my preferred medium for meals. Bowls are so colorful, so diverse, so fun. They never go out of style. Here is a recent one from my house with one of my favorite current toppings - sauteed mixed mushrooms in butter and thyme. These gorgeous mushrooms smell just like a steak as they cook and are great on bowls, omelets, smooth and pureed soups, stir frys, or if you’re feeling lavish - on top of crusty chunks of toasted bread with more butter sauce and herbs for dipping.

Do your kids eat mushrooms? Mine don’t. It can be a difficult texture and form to wrap your head around - but don’t sweat it. I modify many of the meals I cook for our kids by adjusting or omitting 1-3 items, if needed. This is a great example pictured above - both my boys ate this same bowl but decided against the butternut squash, amaranth sprouts, or mushrooms. But, focusing on the positive, they ate almost 100% of their brown rice (with coconut milk for one), green beans, romanesco, avocado, and ground turkey. Win-win. Do you modify meals for the kids? Do you struggle with how to make one dinner for the whole family? Bowls are a great solution - make a grain + several toppings (at least 2 you KNOW they will enjoy) and let the kids choose what they want to go in it - or just create their bowls for them with their favorite things, keeping your favorite things to yourself! Presenting all healthy options, you won’t stress about what they eat - even if it’s just a bowl of brown rice with coconut milk and nothing else (this happens with my 3 yr old often, you are not alone if it’s happening at your house too!).