Book Reviews

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

By Jennifer Redmond

Books

Please, let’s forget that this book is written by a celebrity and that it has been touted by some big names. Those incidentals are not as crucial as the fact that Inspired Mother’s own Carol A.-a very astute, creative and more than a little particular mother with picky eaters-loves Jessica Seinfeld’s Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Getting Your Kids Eating Good Food (2007). As the title implies, it’s all about sneaking pureed veggies into foods kids like best.

Have you ever tried hiding cauliflower in lasagna? Or carrots in meatloaf? How about pureed squash in mac and cheese? Spinach in brownies? Yes, Seinfeld’s recipes have caused some controversy, allegations of plagiarism specifically, and some ruckus over the not-so-new concept of deceiving your kids to get them to eat the healthy stuff. We’re not passing judgment here. Our opinion: keep serving veggies to kids, and until they’re convinced that pumpkin isn’t poison, what’s the harm of stirring a little into your next batch of cookies? The photos in Seinfeld’s book are great, and while the recipes often take a little work, they’re generally user-friendly. Oh, and Carol’s kids particularly love the mac and cheese and lasagna. Available online and through major book sellers. List price: $24.95.