Embarking on a "new" food challenge

Emily3907
Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
edited November 16 in Food and Nutrition
My husband and I are going to try challenging ourselves this spring/summer and try some new foods that we either are "scared" of or have been unwilling to try in the past. We are born and raised midwesterners whose palates have been conditioned to meat (chicken, beef and pork), potatoes/white rice and basic cheap vegetables. My husband is way more picky than me, but I am still not super open to new things.

We have successfully put asparagus into our regular meal rotation, my husband now loves broccoli (hated it when we met) and he is warming up to mild tasting fish. We have accessibility to all the typical stores (Kroger, Meijer, Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, etc.) We have set a rule, that if we don't like it after the first try, we have to try at least one more time but prepared in a different way before nixing it.

Below is a list of our planned food conquests, but I would love to get more suggestions or tips on making the items below delicious!

Meat
Fish - this is a big one. I love seafood (mainly shellfish), husband HATES it, but is willing to try less "fishy" tasting fish. We would love to get more fish in our diet. What would be a good "gateway" fish for him?

Vegetables- we tend to like them roasted!
Eggplant (Aubergine)
brussels sprouts (we have been slowly working on this one)
zucchini (I tried "zoodles", but my mouth and tongue felt fuzzy for 2 days after eating it?)
Artichokes (neither of us has ever had them)
mushrooms (this will be tricky, husband hates them)
kale (not in a salad though)
okra

Fruits
Mango (neither has ever tried)
We are also going to try grilling fruits this summer. We already love pineapple, peaches and bananas, so we are going to try grilling them.

Grains
Quinoa
Farro
Bulgur

Would love to hear your experiences with these foods and if you have ever tried something new and found you liked it!
«1

Replies

  • strshllw84
    strshllw84 Posts: 256 Member
    My suggestion for fish is haddock. I don't typically like fish. But haddock is amazing. It's not fishy and it can be made in so many ways.
    Two weeks ago I tried brussel sprouts for the first time.
    And plan to make them tonight for the first time.
    My best friend cut them in half and tossed them in a little olive oil and salt and pepper and fried them with the cover on the pan so they kind of steamed as well... In a weird way they reminded me of mini cabbages... They don't taste just like them but definitely similar.
  • strshllw84
    strshllw84 Posts: 256 Member
    Also mushrooms and zucchini are good fried and steamed as well. I add zucchini to pasta and rice. Mushrooms can also be stuffed with fish.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Roasted brussels sprouts are one of my favorite foods. I like them with lots of garlic and pepper.

    Some people who dislike mushrooms due to texture (not sure if that is the concern) like them chopped finely and used in a pasta sauce or mixed with a grain.
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    Roasted brussels sprouts are one of my favorite foods. I like them with lots of garlic and pepper.

    Some people who dislike mushrooms due to texture (not sure if that is the concern) like them chopped finely and used in a pasta sauce or mixed with a grain.

    I like the idea of finely chopping them in sauce. I could do that and the husband would never even know. :)
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    I love sprouts grated and fried with bacon lardons.
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    I love sprouts grated and fried with bacon lardons.

    That sounds amazing.
  • jessiferrrb
    jessiferrrb Posts: 1,758 Member
    now i'm craving brussels steamed then pan fried in some sort of soy / sriracha / honey combo sauce (i honestly just make it up as i go)

    eggplant can be tricky, i recommend salting it before preparing it as it gets rid of the bitterness but texture is always kind of iffy for people. i love it though.

    okra is amazing too. actually i'm on board with all your listed veggies. but those are my top three there.

    artichokes are fantastic steamed whole and then you can peel the leaves off and dip them in mustard sauce, you kind of scrape the 'meat' of the veg off with your teeth. or you can go straight for the artichoke hearts and skip the work with the leaves.

    most leftover veg i end up with usually gets scrambled with eggs and cheese later and rolled in a tortilla for breakfast burritos.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    now i'm craving brussels steamed then pan fried in some sort of soy / sriracha / honey combo sauce (i honestly just make it up as i go)

    eggplant can be tricky, i recommend salting it before preparing it as it gets rid of the bitterness but texture is always kind of iffy for people. i love it though.

    okra is amazing too. actually i'm on board with all your listed veggies. but those are my top three there.

    artichokes are fantastic steamed whole and then you can peel the leaves off and dip them in mustard sauce, you kind of scrape the 'meat' of the veg off with your teeth. or you can go straight for the artichoke hearts and skip the work with the leaves.

    most leftover veg i end up with usually gets scrambled with eggs and cheese later and rolled in a tortilla for breakfast burritos.

    I only really enjoy eggplant when it is mixed with lots of other things (like in a caponata sauce). Something about the texture is off-putting to me . . .
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    My first thought with eggplant was to do almost like a lasagna and replace the noodles with eggplant ribbons or do an eggplant parmigiana. That way we get a taste for it, but also get the sauce and cheese to help ease into it.
  • jessiferrrb
    jessiferrrb Posts: 1,758 Member
    now i'm craving brussels steamed then pan fried in some sort of soy / sriracha / honey combo sauce (i honestly just make it up as i go)

    eggplant can be tricky, i recommend salting it before preparing it as it gets rid of the bitterness but texture is always kind of iffy for people. i love it though.

    okra is amazing too. actually i'm on board with all your listed veggies. but those are my top three there.

    artichokes are fantastic steamed whole and then you can peel the leaves off and dip them in mustard sauce, you kind of scrape the 'meat' of the veg off with your teeth. or you can go straight for the artichoke hearts and skip the work with the leaves.

    most leftover veg i end up with usually gets scrambled with eggs and cheese later and rolled in a tortilla for breakfast burritos.

    I only really enjoy eggplant when it is mixed with lots of other things (like in a caponata sauce). Something about the texture is off-putting to me . . .

    mushy isn't for everyone. lol.

    8566896377_16bd3b6a7a_z.jpg
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    now i'm craving brussels steamed then pan fried in some sort of soy / sriracha / honey combo sauce (i honestly just make it up as i go)

    eggplant can be tricky, i recommend salting it before preparing it as it gets rid of the bitterness but texture is always kind of iffy for people. i love it though.

    okra is amazing too. actually i'm on board with all your listed veggies. but those are my top three there.

    artichokes are fantastic steamed whole and then you can peel the leaves off and dip them in mustard sauce, you kind of scrape the 'meat' of the veg off with your teeth. or you can go straight for the artichoke hearts and skip the work with the leaves.

    most leftover veg i end up with usually gets scrambled with eggs and cheese later and rolled in a tortilla for breakfast burritos.

    I only really enjoy eggplant when it is mixed with lots of other things (like in a caponata sauce). Something about the texture is off-putting to me . . .

    mushy isn't for everyone. lol.

    8566896377_16bd3b6a7a_z.jpg

    That glaze looks really tasty. I would give that eggplant a try!
  • PrincessMel72
    PrincessMel72 Posts: 1,094 Member
    I hate fish that tastes like fish as well. I love Cod, Ahi and Halibut. They're meaty without being fishy in smell or taste. Ahi is great raw or seared and awesome in sushi. I like Cod lightly breaded and baked. Mangoes are my favorite fruit ever - youtube how to slice them. I used to live in Hawaii and had a local show me how. They can be slippery!
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited March 2017
    Inspiring!

    I'm so hesitant myself, but I love it when I find a new favorite.

    Fish - I've actually always loved the fishier kinds - salmon, trout, herring, mackerel. I bake salmon and trout and serve the salmon with rice and peas/green beans, the trout and mackerel with wheat noodles and cucumber salad (sliced cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar). I eat pickled herring for dinner with mashed potatoes and onion, and then on bread for lunch. Mackerel also on bread. Then I opened up to tuna; I eat a lot of tuna salad (canned tuna, mayo, onion) sandwiches. Now I've even started to like cod and pollock - I bake those too, but they need some oil. Boiled potatoes, curry sauce, grated carrots is great with the white fish.

    Oven roasted brussel sprouts - cut them in halves, salt and pepper, butter, in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
    Artichoke is great boiled, dip the leaves in melted butter and scrape off the meat with your teeth. Then find and enjoy the heart.
    Mushrooms is great in casseroles, and can be blended in soup.
    Kale - you need to try this: https://www.blueapron.com/recipes/trinidadian-chicken-curry-with-coconut-grits-collard-greens
    Other vegs to try: Parsnips - cut into sticks, add salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and oven roast. Great with corn on the cob and some juicy meat (beef).
    Rutabaga - cut into sticks 1/2 inch wide, and boil (12 minutes). Also very nice to eat raw.
    Kohlrabi - I have only eaten it raw.
    Beets - avaliable in a range of colors. I eat them raw too. Makes me happy, even the red one that makes me look like I have murdered someone.
    Romanesco - the fractal broccoli, needs no further introduction.
    I use zucchini in stews and minestrone soup.

    Mango is great, but be aware of the big difference between the two main types (and their supporters).
    I would also suggest pomelo, ugli, litchi/longan/rambutan, loquats.
    And try differerent varietes of the fruits you already know. You're in for a surprise.

    I have never been able to make quinoa work for me, but I recently had bulgur. It was great, quite neutral, but it's wheat, after all.
    I can also suggest millet, polenta, semolina - I make porridge with them.
    Barley - can be used like bulgur (or rice, or couscous). Preparation times and methods may vary, read label.
    Tapioca - fun to make and eat funny gooey pudding.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Inspiring!

    I'm so hesitant myself, but I love it when I find a new favorite.

    Fish - I've actually always loved the fishier kinds - salmon, trout, herring, mackerel. I bake salmon and trout and serve the salmon with rice and peas/green beans, the trout and mackerel with wheat noodles and cucumber salad (sliced cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar). I eat pickled herring for dinner with mashed potatoes and onion, and then on bread for lunch. Mackerel also on bread. Then I opened up to tuna; I eat a lot of tuna salad (canned tuna, mayo, onion) sandwiches. Now I've even started to like cod and pollock - I bake those too, but they need some oil. Boiled potatoes, sauce, grated carrots is great with the white fish.

    Oven roasted brussel sprouts - cut them in halves, salt and pepper, butter, in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
    Artichoke is great boiled, dip the leaves in melted butter and scrape off the meat with your teeth. Then find and enjoy the heart.
    Mushrooms is great in casseroles, and can be blended in soup.
    Kale - you need to try this: https://www.blueapron.com/recipes/trinidadian-chicken-curry-with-coconut-grits-collard-greens
    Other vegs to try: Parsnips - cut into sticks, add salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and oven roast. Great with corn on the cob and some juicy meat (beef).
    Rutabaga - cut into sticks 1/2 inch wide, and boil (12 minutes). Also very nice to eat raw.
    Kohlrabi - I have only eaten it raw.
    Beets - avaliable in a range of colors. I eat them raw too. Makes me happy, even the red one that makes me look like I have murdered someone.
    Romanesco - the fractal broccoli, needs no further introduction.
    I use zucchini in stews and minestrone soup.

    Mango is great, but be aware of the big difference between the two main types (and their supporters).
    I would also suggest pomelo, ugli, litchi/longan/rambutan, loquats.
    And try differerent varietes of the fruits you already know. You're in for a surprise.

    I have never been able to make quinoa work for me, but I recently had bulgur. It was great, quite neutral, but it's wheat, after all.
    I can also suggest millet, polenta, semolina - I make porridge with them.
    Barley - can be used like bulgur (or rice, or couscous). Preparation times and methods may vary, read label.
    Tapioca - fun to make and eat funny gooey pudding.

    I love roasted kohlrabi -- it reminds me of a cross between a potato and broccoli.
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    Inspiring!

    I'm so hesitant myself, but I love it when I find a new favorite.

    Fish - I've actually always loved the fishier kinds - salmon, trout, herring, mackerel. I bake salmon and trout and serve the salmon with rice and peas/green beans, the trout and mackerel with wheat noodles and cucumber salad (sliced cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar). I eat pickled herring for dinner with mashed potatoes and onion, and then on bread for lunch. Mackerel also on bread. Then I opened up to tuna; I eat a lot of tuna salad (canned tuna, mayo, onion) sandwiches. Now I've even started to like cod and pollock - I bake those too, but they need some oil. Boiled potatoes, sauce, grated carrots is great with the white fish.

    Oven roasted brussel sprouts - cut them in halves, salt and pepper, butter, in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
    Artichoke is great boiled, dip the leaves in melted butter and scrape off the meat with your teeth. Then find and enjoy the heart.
    Mushrooms is great in casseroles, and can be blended in soup.
    Kale - you need to try this: https://www.blueapron.com/recipes/trinidadian-chicken-curry-with-coconut-grits-collard-greens
    Other vegs to try: Parsnips - cut into sticks, add salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and oven roast. Great with corn on the cob and some juicy meat (beef).
    Rutabaga - cut into sticks 1/2 inch wide, and boil (12 minutes). Also very nice to eat raw.
    Kohlrabi - I have only eaten it raw.
    Beets - avaliable in a range of colors. I eat them raw too. Makes me happy, even the red one that makes me look like I have murdered someone.
    Romanesco - the fractal broccoli, needs no further introduction.
    I use zucchini in stews and minestrone soup.

    Mango is great, but be aware of the big difference between the two main types (and their supporters).
    I would also suggest pomelo, ugli, litchi/longan/rambutan, loquats.
    And try differerent varietes of the fruits you already know. You're in for a surprise.

    I have never been able to make quinoa work for me, but I recently had bulgur. It was great, quite neutral, but it's wheat, after all.
    I can also suggest millet, polenta, semolina - I make porridge with them.
    Barley - can be used like bulgur (or rice, or couscous). Preparation times and methods may vary, read label.
    Tapioca - fun to make and eat funny gooey pudding.

    I love roasted kohlrabi -- it reminds me of a cross between a potato and broccoli.

    I am going to add kohlrabi to my list. That sounds pretty interesting.
  • rolenthegreat
    rolenthegreat Posts: 78 Member
    edited March 2017
    If you don't like the 'fishy taste' of fish probably avoid bottom feeders because a fish's diet has a big impact on their flavor (ie. catfish, grouper, halibut). The species a little higher up the food chain tend to taste less 'fishy', not 100% foolproof but a decent guideline.
    My mom taught me to LOVE fish with salmon cakes, and a 'mango chutney', very fancy sounding but actually pretty simple to make.
    This is basically the recipe she used.
    http://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/fresh-salmon-patties-with-mango-salsa-20121001-33uzf
    http://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/spicy-mango-salsa-20140114-30snb

    For veg I love a good squash/zucchini casserole, and I would 100% recommend marinating and then grilling mushrooms, will not affect the texture but it is SO GOOD.
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    @kommodevaran - I love that idea for parsnips. That was one we were on the fence about. I had considered replacing potatoes with them in my beef stew at one time, but never did. Your idea for roasting sounds really good though!
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Emily3907 wrote: »
    @kommodevaran - I love that idea for parsnips. That was one we were on the fence about. I had considered replacing potatoes with them in my beef stew at one time, but never did. Your idea for roasting sounds really good though!
    It's pure heaven! It tastes just like Christmas feels :D I forgot to mention the sesame seeds - sprinkle some over the parsnips just before they're done.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    edited March 2017
    I'm just glad nobody has mentioned tilapia for the fish yet - that mushy, disgusting, tasteless yuck would be enough to turn me off fish for life, and I LOVE fish/seafood! For fish I'd echo the suggestions for cod, ahi and/or halibut, although I often prefer "fishier" tasting fish such as salmon, yellowtail or mackerel (especially raw, as sashimi!). I cook salmon in our outdoor smoker and it's absolutely delicious, can't get enough of it.

    Vegetable suggestion - if you mash up cauliflower, it looks and tastes so much like mashed potatoes that I would defy most people to be able to tell the difference. It's not quite as thick/creamy because it lacks the starch, but IMO a very passable substitute. I draw the line at using spaghetti squash as a substitute for spaghetti noodles, though - my wife loves the stuff, but I'm....to say the least....not a huge fan.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    For fish, I'd stick with white, flaky fish. Stuff like cod, tilapia, swai, haddock...all are very mild and not too fishy. I like all fish, but these are pretty inoffensive. Maybe do them as a fish taco and make a cabbage and fennel slaw...then you can mark fennel off your list if you haven't tried it yet. Looks like celery and dill had a love child. Tastes kinda like fresh black licorice. I also like fennel roasted with lemon and olive oil and maybe a sprinkle of parm.

    For eggplant you could throw it on the grill. I love the texture of grilled eggplant. Or make a dip like a baba ghanoush. Think hummus but with roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas.

    I also recently discovered that I love some turnips. Roasted or raw. They are like potatoes and radishes had a baby
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    I only ever eat fish in restaurants, because my husband never would be willing to try. I had a fish and chips, not long ago that he tried and was semi okay with it. I believe it was cod, so that is probably a good bet to start with.

    How long will cod keep in the fridge? I have never purchased it, so I am a bit of a novice. Would it be best to buy some quality frozen cod? That way I can just thaw what I need day of?
  • PrincessMel72
    PrincessMel72 Posts: 1,094 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    I'm just glad nobody has mentioned tilapia for the fish yet - that mushy, disgusting, tasteless yuck would be enough to turn me off fish for life, and I LOVE fish/seafood! For fish I'd echo the suggestions for cod, ahi and/or halibut, although I often prefer "fishier" tasting fish such as salmon, yellowtail or mackerel (especially raw, as sashimi!). I cook salmon in our outdoor smoker and it's absolutely delicious, can't get enough of it.

    Vegetable suggestion - if you mash up cauliflower, it looks and tastes so much like mashed potatoes that I would defy most people to be able to tell the difference. It's not quite as thick/creamy because it lacks the starch, but IMO a very passable substitute. I draw the line at using spaghetti squash as a substitute for spaghetti noodles, though - my wife loves the stuff, but I'm....to say the least....not a huge fan.

    Tilapia is ICK! My husband likes it but I can't do it at all. And we tried the mashed cauliflower but neither of us cared for it. I do like the cauliflower rice though!!!
  • PrincessMel72
    PrincessMel72 Posts: 1,094 Member
    Emily3907 wrote: »
    I only ever eat fish in restaurants, because my husband never would be willing to try. I had a fish and chips, not long ago that he tried and was semi okay with it. I believe it was cod, so that is probably a good bet to start with.

    How long will cod keep in the fridge? I have never purchased it, so I am a bit of a novice. Would it be best to buy some quality frozen cod? That way I can just thaw what I need day of?

    We always buy it frozen and then bake it :)
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Inspiring!

    I'm so hesitant myself, but I love it when I find a new favorite.

    Fish - I've actually always loved the fishier kinds - salmon, trout, herring, mackerel. I bake salmon and trout and serve the salmon with rice and peas/green beans, the trout and mackerel with wheat noodles and cucumber salad (sliced cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar). I eat pickled herring for dinner with mashed potatoes and onion, and then on bread for lunch. Mackerel also on bread. Then I opened up to tuna; I eat a lot of tuna salad (canned tuna, mayo, onion) sandwiches. Now I've even started to like cod and pollock - I bake those too, but they need some oil. Boiled potatoes, sauce, grated carrots is great with the white fish.

    Oven roasted brussel sprouts - cut them in halves, salt and pepper, butter, in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
    Artichoke is great boiled, dip the leaves in melted butter and scrape off the meat with your teeth. Then find and enjoy the heart.
    Mushrooms is great in casseroles, and can be blended in soup.
    Kale - you need to try this: https://www.blueapron.com/recipes/trinidadian-chicken-curry-with-coconut-grits-collard-greens
    Other vegs to try: Parsnips - cut into sticks, add salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and oven roast. Great with corn on the cob and some juicy meat (beef).
    Rutabaga - cut into sticks 1/2 inch wide, and boil (12 minutes). Also very nice to eat raw.
    Kohlrabi - I have only eaten it raw.
    Beets - avaliable in a range of colors. I eat them raw too. Makes me happy, even the red one that makes me look like I have murdered someone.
    Romanesco - the fractal broccoli, needs no further introduction.
    I use zucchini in stews and minestrone soup.

    Mango is great, but be aware of the big difference between the two main types (and their supporters).
    I would also suggest pomelo, ugli, litchi/longan/rambutan, loquats.
    And try differerent varietes of the fruits you already know. You're in for a surprise.

    I have never been able to make quinoa work for me, but I recently had bulgur. It was great, quite neutral, but it's wheat, after all.
    I can also suggest millet, polenta, semolina - I make porridge with them.
    Barley - can be used like bulgur (or rice, or couscous). Preparation times and methods may vary, read label.
    Tapioca - fun to make and eat funny gooey pudding.

    I love roasted kohlrabi -- it reminds me of a cross between a potato and broccoli.

    I love it roasted, but also like it just raw and plain, with a bit of salt sometimes.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    I did something similar with my kids. We would go to the farmer's market and they would say " What's that?" So i would just buy it and we would figure out how to make it or eat it. That's how I discovered Hubbard squash. yummy
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Emily3907 wrote: »
    Fish - this is a big one. I love seafood (mainly shellfish), husband HATES it, but is willing to try less "fishy" tasting fish. We would love to get more fish in our diet. What would be a good "gateway" fish for him?

    It's hard for me to relate since I love fish, so may not be much help. I do a smoked salmon pasta (lots of vegetables too) which I think is easy to like. Salmon, tuna steak, and trout are all fishes I think tend to be very popular. Shrimp is also good as part of a pasta meal or stir fry.
    Eggplant (Aubergine)

    The key to this is cooking it right. I would explore Indian dishes if you like those flavors, and also look into making some baba ganoush (or even just buy it) as a gateway. There are loads of high cal dishes that involve eggplant and are generally popular: eggplant parm, of course, and various Greek ones (moussaka, for example). basically I'd also just play around with roasting it and getting the texture right.
    brussels sprouts (we have been slowly working on this one)

    These are easy and I love them so. My gateway (as a kid) was with bacon, sauteed, as I think someone already mentioned, but now I just roast them, usually.
    zucchini (I tried "zoodles", but my mouth and tongue felt fuzzy for 2 days after eating it?)

    This is another one that was one of the few vegetables that I really loved even as a kid. Slice it up (with yellow squash too if you like the colors together) and sautee it in some (not a lot) of olive oil. I do it with mushrooms, but if your husband doesn't like them, maybe not. Think of other vegetables to add too, or some onions and garlic.

    Zucchini are also a staple for me as an occasional ingredient in a vegetable omelet, something to add to pasta or a stir fry. I also put them in a tomato and meat pasta sauce.
    Artichokes (neither of us has ever had them)

    I'm too lazy to cook these for myself much, so can't help much but I love them. Order them at a restaurant, maybe, as one way to discover how much you like them.
    mushrooms (this will be tricky, husband hates them)

    Classic way: sauteed then eaten with steak. I usually do sautee them -- love them, but only cooked.
    kale (not in a salad though)

    Soup: kale, sausage, and bean is a good one. I add it to omelets too, and cook it on its own like other greens. It does take more work to soften up. I think chard and collards are easier if you are exploring alternatives to spinach (I like kale, even in salads, but I think it's more of an acquired taste).
    okra

    gumbo

    Fruits
    Mango (neither has ever tried)[/quote]

    Delicious, but a pain to peel.

    I like all the grains you mentioned -- pretty straightforward, and good to explore different things.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Lizzy622 wrote: »
    I did something similar with my kids. We would go to the farmer's market and they would say " What's that?" So i would just buy it and we would figure out how to make it or eat it. That's how I discovered Hubbard squash. yummy

    I do this at the farmers market even now. (Well, in season.) It's a good way to get even more excited about produce, and the big one I go to still has things new to me sometimes or different varieties of things that look delicious.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,599 Member
    edited March 2017
    Emily3907 wrote: »
    Meat
    Fish - this is a big one. I love seafood (mainly shellfish), husband HATES it, but is willing to try less "fishy" tasting fish. We would love to get more fish in our diet. What would be a good "gateway" fish for him?

    Flake ... especially battered ... with chips ... and tartar sauce. :grin: I don't particularly like fish either, but love fish and chips. :grin:

    I also like tuna and a good salmon steak is all right now and then.


    Emily3907 wrote: »
    Vegetables- we tend to like them roasted!
    Eggplant (Aubergine)
    brussels sprouts (we have been slowly working on this one)
    zucchini (I tried "zoodles", but my mouth and tongue felt fuzzy for 2 days after eating it?)
    Artichokes (neither of us has ever had them)
    mushrooms (this will be tricky, husband hates them)
    kale (not in a salad though)
    okra

    Brussel sprouts are great! Love them!!
    Zucchini is all right.
    Mushrooms are just simply NOT my thing.


    Emily3907 wrote: »
    Fruits
    Mango (neither has ever tried)

    Absolutely LOVE mangoes. I'd eat mangoes every single day ... heaps of them. But they are quite high in calories, so sadly, I have to limit the inhaling process.
    That said, I do not like mangoes in North America. In North America they are rock hard and sour. Here in Australia they're so ripe you can practically drink them. Nectar of the gods!

    I lay out several pieces of paper towel and probably look like I'm wallowing in them. By the time I'm done eating one, I've got mango dripping from my arms up to my elbows, all over my face, and in my hair. Love it!


    Grains
    Quinoa
    Farro
    Bulgur
    [/quote]

    Quinoa is good mixed with rice.

  • ksz1104
    ksz1104 Posts: 260 Member
    Omg brussels sprouts are my fave. I pan fry them with bacon but i can eat them on their own too mmmm
  • PrincessMel72
    PrincessMel72 Posts: 1,094 Member


    Emily3907 wrote: »
    Fruits
    Mango (neither has ever tried)

    Absolutely LOVE mangoes. I'd eat mangoes every single day ... heaps of them. But they are quite high in calories, so sadly, I have to limit the inhaling process.
    That said, I do not like mangoes in North America. In North America they are rock hard and sour. Here in Australia they're so ripe you can practically drink them. Nectar of the gods!

    I lay out several pieces of paper towel and probably look like I'm wallowing in them. By the time I'm done eating one, I've got mango dripping from my arms up to my elbows, all over my face, and in my hair. Love it!


    The Mangoes I've had in Hawaii were like you describe in Australia. Very juicy and so sweet. I'm lucky to find them that good anywhere other than Hawaii but the ones I did find here in Florida are pretty damn good :)
This discussion has been closed.