BOOK FEATURE : : : :

Toddlers aren't afraid to express their opinions about food.

Especially when they're throwing pureed peas across the room. So what's a parent to do when it's time to introduce your little angel to new flavors and textures? How can you help them become adventurous, healthy eaters?

THE TODDLER CAFÉ presents tons of creative tips on how you can make mealtime as fun and interactive as possible, including ideas to start kids learning about manners and responsibility at a young age. Author Jennifer Carden has created over 50 unique recipes that encourage families (including toddlers) to work together to prepare, eat, clean up, and best of all, look forward to a healthy, delicious meal. And when you're serving up Pumpkin Pockets, Twistin' Chicken, or PB&J French Toast, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for more.

We recently launched a contest on our Blog asking readers how they get their finicky toddlers to eat. So far we've heard everything from "reverse psychology" to the good old "cover everything with cheese" approach. But one we hadn't heard before? From Stephanie V: "The only way for me to get my son to eat is put on Elton John unplugged." Who knew? The ten winning responses in our Toddler Café contest will be announced on Wednesday, May 14th, so stay tuned for even more tips and tricks!

BANANA HOT DOG
(Makes 1 serving)

In a pinch, a plain old banana can become a hot dog! This is a funny and different way to serve this fruit. Put it in front of your child and watch their reaction. Let your kids help add the "mustard"—it may be messy, but it is sure to get them interested. And it's a great way to use up your old hamburger or hot dog buns. Serve with banana chips for the ultimate tropical experience.

1 banana, peeled
1 whole-wheat hot dog bun
Jelly
Creamy peanut butter

Place the peeled banana in a bun. Fill 2 zip-top bags, 1 with jelly and the other with peanut butter. Cut a tiny hole in the corner of each bag, and squeeze out onto the banana as you would mustard and ketchup.

Eat and enjoy.

Variations:
Add crushed pistachios for a crunchy relish look-alike.
Cereal and dried fruit make great additional toppings.

Toddler Tip:
Let your toddler have some fun squeezing out the peanut butter and jelly in crazy patterns on their plates.

Recipe Note:
If you are weary of peanut butter, try soy nut or almond butter for a change.

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