Are you ready to win the veggie war? First, understand that you are coming up against ninja masters of vegetable camouflage. They first try to slip it to the dog, and when they see that the dog's not interested, it confirms that this does not only taste bad but must be some form of punishment. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, but it’s time to employ some sneaky strategies to get the job done. Today's kids don't have Popeye to show them the great outcomes of eating spinach. Green vegetables do have a bitter taste that we’ve adjusted to, but young palates' first reaction is to revolt, not adjust. So, we’ll mask the bitterness. Butter works. Other masqueraders are cheese, carrots (a natural sugar), honey, agave nectar, and small amounts of lemon. The best way is to make a game out of it by allowing the children to prepare a dish. We are suggesting a Spinach Tower. This easy-to-prepare dish is a perfect interactive challenge. Using ingredients they mostly know - spinach, spaghetti sauce, bell pepper, onion, mushroom, and an introduction to tofu. If tofu is too big of a leap for your crew, an English muffin can be substituted. There is some minor knife work for you, then it’s fun time for the kids. Then watch them eat it.

THE SPINACH TOWER

Ingredients – Serves 4

Quick information on spinach: 1 bunch fresh – 12oz, Small frozen box – 10oz.

The Tower

• 17oz spinach

• ¼ medium onion – sliced

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• ¼ cup water

Battlement or Tower Top

• ½ green pepper – julienned

• ¼ medium onion, sliced

• 5 mushrooms – sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Island

• 1 pack tofu – firm

Moat

• 2 cups marinara/spaghetti sauce

• 1 tomato can

How To

Tower

1. Add water to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and spinach and cook for 3-5 minutes.

2. Stir in butter, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, cover, and remove from heat.

Island & Moat

1. Cut tofu across in thirds. Using a tomato can as a cookie cutter, cut out your island (disc).

2. Heat spaghetti sauce over medium-low heat and place the tofu disc into the sauce for 2 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Battlements

1. In a skillet, add olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.

On an 8-inch plate, spoon spaghetti sauce. Add the disc to the center of the plate. Take the tomato can and place it over the disc. Spoon in the drained spinach into the tomato can, filling it three-quarters of the way. Gently tap down the spinach and add the mushroom mixture to the can, filling it. Again, gently tap down the contents, then gently remove the can.

You have your Spinach Tower on an Island of Tofu in a Sea of Marinara…

Enjoy!