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A Sneaky Way To More Veggie Consumption: The Vegetable Centerpiece!
When the government came out with the new food pyramid, indicating we should all be eating 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, there was an audible, collective gasp in America. Most of us were barely eating one or two servings! The nutrition experts and our doctors just won't quit talking about this. However, it's hard to argue that if this were done, everyone would be far healthier. So we try. Here's an idea that's not too hard to swallow. There's a little subterfuge involved, but hey, you've got to use every trick at your disposal in the interest of promoting good health.
When we set the dinner table, we try to make it attractive so that everyone is pleased to sit down and eat. A bouquet of flowers, a table runner with candlesticks or a homey wicker bread basket flanked by butter and jam are some of the usuals. Here we have a sales job on our hands, and veggies are what we're selling. As with any product, packaging is everything. You want to present your product in a stylish and come-hither manner to focus the attention on what you're selling. This is why you need a vegetable centerpiece, flanked by a couple of smaller bread baskets.
Create your vegetable centerpiece with the same care as you would give to the bouquet of flowers. If, God forbid, you don't already have one of those compartmentalized vegetable or hors d'oeuvre trays, obtain one or two for the best presentation. You can find these in a variety of materials, one lovelier than the next, at any kitchen store. For more unusual and vintage pieces, shop the thrift stores, yard sales and antique shops. Look for Italian and Spanish majolica vegetable platters online. These hand painted containers greatly enhance the appearance of the goods. Now, you've got your basic packaging. You want their mouths watering, cheerily picking at your edible vegetable centerpiece, as they chat while waiting for the entree.
Now, a platter of celery sticks, baby carrots, chunks of cucumber and mushrooms are going to look rather plain. You've got to give a little to get a little. Standard marketing. Two or three ramekins filled with a ranch style dip, spinach dip and maybe some crab dip will certainly garner more interest from your customers. You can line the compartments with sprigs of fresh parsley, chives or basil and then lay the veggies on top. This simple touch draws the eye to your now marvelous vegetable centerpiece. The herbs are also edible and supply additional nutrients. Casually pick up a celery stick, wrap a sprig of parsley around it, dip and eat. This is how to enjoy your veggies.
Ring that dinner bell while the entree is still in the oven, with delicious flavors wafting through the dining room. Your salivating family will eat those veggies! Then they can enjoy the main course. Mission accomplished.
Summary
It's hard these days to find time to combine nutrition and good cooking for the family. Adding a vegetable centerpiece gives a feast for the eyes as well as the body. Adding side items such as ranch dressing or crab dip take boring vegetables to another level. Quick way to get the family to eat their veggies.
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Nutrition Guides For Healthy Living
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