New Meatless Monday Family Cookbook is a Hit with Picky Eaters

It can be tricky finding easy, family-friendly recipes for the whole family, but Jenn Sebestyen, mother of three and author of The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook, has developed over 100 kid-approved recipes that are all completely plant-based.

As families eat more meals at home, getting kids to help out in the kitchen has become even easier. Teaching children how to cook helps develop an appreciation and reverence for food; they’re also more likely to experiment with different ingredients. Cooking foods from different countries and cultures is an important way to introduce children to international cuisine, especially now while restaurants continue to operate with limited capabilities and global travel is still on hold.

“We are all in the midst of a new and strange adventure and it can be difficult to navigate,” Sebestyen told Forbes during a recent interview. “Cooking during this time may be daunting, particularly if you have picky eaters, however, this is also a great time to try new recipes and involve your family in the process.”

Children love the hands-on activities like stirring, mixing, plating, and using the blender (well, pushing the button). Sebestyen says the coronavirus has altered the frequency of her grocery shopping, but the extra time with her family has allowed them all to experiment with more plant-based cooking.

She points out that much of the inspiration for her recipes comes from her own extended family such as plant-based versions of Polish dishes like mushroom soup and kolacki cookies. “I’ve also recreated my mother-in-law’s Date Bread plus childhood favorites like Sloppy Joes, Minestrone Soup, Pepper Steak, and Toffee Bars,” says Sebestyen.

Use this Monday to check out The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook and get your family in the kitchen.