Daphne Brogdon is already an accomplished standup comic, restauranteur and blogger (she created two websites for moms: Coolmom.com and Momversation). Up next for this mom of two is her own cooking show on the Food Network called Daphne Dishes where she’ll bring her own fresh, fun and humorous approach to feeding the family. We recently chatted with Daphne about her new show, tips for feeding picky eaters and what is always stocked in her pantry.
Red Tricycle: Do you have any family dinner traditions or routines?
Daphne Brogdon: During the week, I often feed my kids and then feed myself and my husband, if he is home. The kids need to eat earlier and sometimes I want to keep working a bit longer. If we all sit down together we share our “Rose, Thorn and Silly” of the day. It’s a nice ice breaker and way for us to connect.
RT: Are your kids picky eaters? Is there any dish or food that your kids just can’t-live-without now?
DB: Yes, all kids are I think. Vivien, 9, is much more open minded when it comes to food. Rex, 6, will often fall back on butter and spaghetti (only Spaghetti and NOT al dente). He could live on yogurt and bacon, and sometimes does. My daughter really likes my marinated tofu, and she is also a great fish eater. They both love fries of course!
RT: What do your kids like to snack on?
DB: Potato chips, stone fruit, cherries, pomegranates – summer fruits are popular in our household. Then, when they will decide they like something new, like a corn chip or cheese cracker, I run to get more, but typically by then the 2nd box has lost its allure. When that happens I move it up the shelf to the “kids won’t eat it anymore” height and my husband will finish it off.
RT: What is your best advice for parents of picky eaters?
DB: Add one new thing on a plate with some regulars. Don’t introduce anything if they are super hungry or tired, because it will never go over well at that point. Don’t tell them it’s good for them. Rex just went to a garden camp where they made hummus. He is not rushing to eat it, but he at least tried it, so it is good that it’s now on his radar.
RT: If we took a peek in your pantry and fridge, what are the 3 things you always have on-hand?
DB: Soy sauce, because it works with ALL proteins. Rice, a few kinds from off-beat to rice- a-roni. Broths, they are the base or the addition to so many great dishes, and are also a great way to reheat some foods without adding oil.
RT: If you had to choose one meal to eat for a year what would it be and why?
DB: Since my husband and I opened our new fast-casual restaurant Bombo, I’ve had more access to great fresh fish, so that’s influenced what I eat more of lately so I would have to say right now it’s fish and rice. I don’t feel heavy after eating it, plus it’s easy to vary the taste, add some lemon, some soy and honey.
Have you watched Daphne Dishes? Do you have any further advice to share about feeding a picky eater? Leave a comment below!
Mom, wife, and home cook, Daphne Brogdon, brings a fresh, fun and humorous approach to feeding the family. Whether it is for a PTA meeting or a gals’ night in, Daphne cooks up a storm with simple recipes that will feed a crowd and bring the family together. Learn more about her show by clicking here.
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