Description

The Experience

Imagine transforming mealtime from a battlefield into an enchanting experience that delights your child’s senses. Picture this: your child, usually a picky eater, eagerly awaiting dinner, eyes sparkling with excitement. The secret? A fun, magical recipe inspired by the whimsical world of wizards and magic. This experience is intended to stimulate your child’s imagination and help them associate a relaxing moment with tasting a new food.

“Explosive Bonbons” are a playful desert that will captivate your child’s attention. These bonbons are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch of flavor and a popping surprise already at the first bite.

To make these bonbons a hit, do not just present them as a delicious surprise, but use them to tell a story. Present them as magical treats that give your child momentary special powers or grant them a one-time wish, making the experience immersive and exciting. Don’t be shocked if their planned superpower is to control something at home (including you), such as never having to clean their room or expecting you to do it for them. Picky eating frequently turns into a game of control between parent and child, but the relaxed realm of imagination allows you to negotiate more effectively. Only say yes to what you actually want, reserve the right to veto, and make it clear that this is a one-time occasion.

By transforming ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences inspired by the magical world of wizards, you can help your picky eater overcome their resistance and discover the joy of food. Let’s embark on this enchanting journey and create memories your child will cherish forever.

Copyright disclaimer: the mentioning of Harry Potter and its associated trademarks here below is unofficial. Any content or product mentioned on this is not endorsed in any way or form by the original creators of Harry Potter and its associated trademarks.

 

Pitfalls

As a parent, it’s easy to feel frustrated when your child refuses to eat. Here are some common pitfalls and misconceptions to avoid:

1. Pitfall: “Bribing with dessert will work.”
   • Reality: This can create unhealthy eating habits. Instead, make the entire meal appealing and fun.
2. Misconception: “Picky eating is just a phase.”
   • Reality: While it often is, some children need more support and creative approaches to overcome their aversions.
3. Pitfall: “More control works better for picky eating.”
   • Reality: A study by Megan Pesch et al. (2020) found that by age four, kids may become picky eaters, and restrictive parental diet control could worsen it. Children may not always grow out of being picky eaters | ScienceDaily

Do it yourself

Here’s a simplified recipe for Explosive Bonbons:

Ingredients:

• Vanilla Cake Mix or Brownie Mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
• 1 tsp Orange Extract
• 4 packets Pop Rocks
• 1 cup White Chocolate Melting Chips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake or brownies according to the instructions on the box. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before starting the bonbons.
2. Crumble the brownies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand. Mix in frosting to form dough and shape into quarter-sized balls using your hands with Pop Rocks inside.
3. Melt the white chocolate, coat the bonbons and sprinkle with extra Pop Rocks. Use a fork to roll the brownie balls through the candy melts until completely coated. Let set until firm. Enjoy the burst of flavors!

 

Shopping Tips

To create the best magical meals, here are some top-rated products on Amazon that will make your cooking experience even more enchanting:

• Ready-made Exploding Bonbons – These popping candies are perfect if you do not have the time to make your own explosive bonbons. Buy on Amazon
• Wizard decorations – Add a touch of magic to your kitchen with decorations featuring your child’s favorite magical characters. Buy on Amazon
• Pop Rocks – These fun popping candies will add the perfect magical touch to your recipes. Buy on Amazon

 

Fun Facts

Here are five magical and humorous fun facts to delight you and your child:

1. Ancient Traditions: In ancient Rome, the equivalent of a picky eater was called a “minutal,” which referred to a person who only ate small and dainty foods.
2. Cultural References: The idea of magical meals isn’t new! In ancient Chinese culture, there were stories of foods that could grant immortality.
3. Popular Culture: Did you know? In the Harry Potter series, the students often enjoyed magical treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, making food an exciting part of their magical education.
4. Animal Behavior: Some animals, like cats, also exhibit picky eating habits. They often prefer fresh food and can turn their nose up at leftovers, just like some kids!
5. Technology: There’s now technology that can 3D print food in fun shapes and designs, making it even more appealing for picky eaters.

 

Eating out

Visit these places with your kids to spend a magical afternoon:

1. Restaurants with a magical vibe:
   • The Cauldron in New York City and Chicago offers a unique potion-making experience with themed cocktails and food. Guests wear wizarding robes and enjoy a theatrical session with bubbling beakers and mysterious ingredients. The potions are actually delicious cocktails, making it a fun experience for Harry Potter fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
     Our Potion Bar NYC | Magical Bar, Food & Events | The Cauldron NYC

 

Get Motivation

Here are some inspiring books, music tracks, and movies to keep the magic alive:

1. Books:
   • “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling – Dive into the magical world that inspired these recipes.
   • “Deceptively Delicious” by Jessica Seinfeld – Learn creative ways to sneak healthy ingredients into meals.
     https://a.co/d/0d6Mw8pK
2. Music Tracks:
   • “Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams – This iconic Harry Potter track will set the magical mood.
   • “Pure Imagination” by Gene Wilder – A whimsical song perfect for inspiring creativity in the kitchen.
3. Movies:
   • “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – Revisit the magic that started it all

Ways to Share

#nodietxp #pickeater #pickeaters #cookingwithkids #

Sharing the joy of overcoming picky eating can make the experience even more special. Here are some ideas:

1. With Friends: Invite your child’s friends over for a magical cooking party where they can all make Explosive Bonbons together. Children are often more willing to try new foods in a fun, social setting.
   • Tip: Create a mini wizarding world in your kitchen with themed decorations and aprons.
2. With Coworkers: Share your success stories and recipes at a workplace potluck. It can be a great way to bond and exchange tips with other parents.
   • Tip: Bring a batch of Explosive Bonbons for everyone to try and see how they react to this kid-friendly dish.
3. With Family and Kids: Make it a family affair by involving everyone in the cooking process. Siblings can help each other, making it a fun and cooperative activity.
   • Tip: Turn it into a weekly tradition where each family member picks a new magical recipe to try.

 

 

 

Your Gameplan – Repeat for Two Weeks

For two weeks in a row, follow the gameplan below. Remember, each week is unique, so feel free to mix up the days and adapt it to your schedule.

A typical week might include starting your Monday with a fun family challenge, letting your kids decide your breakfast, and later in the week, exploring Japanese miniature cooking as a dinner activity. On the weekend, your teens could choose the program and cook for the family, making it an engaging and educational experience.

Select an experience below and add it to your Bing Calendar

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Snack	Dinner	Late-Night Snack
Monday	🌲 Fun family challenge: your kids tell you what to eat
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday				☀️ the world of Japanese miniature cooking
Sunday				🌟 Teen night: your teens get to choose the program for the weekend, but they have to cook too