Eat your veggies!

Check out the Life centerpiece on Wednesday. It's all about getting kids to eat their vegetables (and fruit, although that is usually easier because it's sweet) . Truth be told, there are plenty of big kids who snub veggies, too. But there are lots of things you can do to keep veggies tasty (and healthful).

Don't overcook them - You know who you are, you brown-broccoli, flaccid-floret eating maniac. Just step away from the stove. Slowly... Slowly... Try steaming your veggies until they are just tender and the color is bright and gorgeous. They will taste better, retain more of the nutrients and have a far more appetizing (at least according to many palates) texture. Don't have a steamer? Try a metal colander and a saucepan with a few inches of water. Add a lid and you're cooking with gas. Or electric. Or wood. Or whatever...

Season, season, season - Did I mention you should season your veggies? I'm not just talking about salt and pepper. Green beans, for instance, take on a sweet yet savory flavor when you add a little onion and basil. Garlic is heavenly on just about anything... I also recommend a bit of real butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. Rosemary and lemon juice (add it just before you eat, or it can bleach your pretty colors) are also delish with veggies.

Ro-, ro-, roast your veggie - If you just HAVE to cook the heck out of your veggies, roast 'em. I can't promise the nutrient value is what it would be if you were to eat them raw, but heat and a slight char might make you fall in love with vegetables. (Even brussel sprouts!) Overcooked or not, at least you tried, right?

What do you do to perk up your veggies? And drowning them is "cheese food" doesn't count, cheater!

Nicci

Photoillustration by Michael E. Keating