Healthy eating for a picky eater.

My daughter loves a plain old teriyaki bowl with white rice so I checked my handy dandy Deceptively Delicious cookbook, thanks Mrs. Seinfeld! That cookbook was gifted to me when I needed it the most, thanks Will! Since then, I have used purees in almost all of my kids meals. My favorite threesome to use in a puree is what some call the trinity or mirepoix, it's carrots celery and onion and the flavors combined really pack a punch. I use that particular puree in anything from meatloaf, meatballs and turkey burgers.

But back to the rice bowl...

I try to match the puree first to compliment the flavor of the dish and a very close second to match the color of the dish, because kids or at least my kids will freak out if there is anything visibly green or red or...whatever on their food. So I use cauliflower for the white rice.

The puree

I start with a complete stalk of cauliflower. Wash and break apart the cauliflower then steam in until it is fork tender. I use a blender and set it to puree adding drops of water if I need to (stop the blender as you add the water) for the perfect consistency. What you want is a baby food like texture.

The rice

You can make the white rice as you usually do. I measure 2 cups of water to 1 cup of jasmine rice. Wait for the water to come to a very low simmer then add the jasmine rice. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder. When the rice has cooked for 10 minutes I stir in the puree, about a 1/2 cup. You want the puree to get 'cooked' into the rice. In another 5 to 10 minutes the rice should be ready.

The chicken

I like to use boneless skinless breast. Cut the chicken breast into bite size pieces, season with salt and pepper (my kiddos don't mind black stuff). Warm your skillet and add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and garlic, I use either crushed garlic or 1 clove cut in two. Add the chicken and cook until ready and lightly golden. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite teriyaki sauce into the skillet and toss the chicken around until it's coated with the sauce. Serve the chicken over the rice. My daughter takes soy sauce on hers (low sodium). The grownies can add chopped scallions and sriracha to their bowls.

Enjoy!