Vegetarian is a great alternative

Having trouble getting your kids to eat veggies?  Well, did you ever consider some vegetarian options?  I love vegetables in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures.  However, I know this is an issue for kids.  However, though I mentioned that I didn't really care for the "sneaking" in of food; I'm not unrealistic.  I realize that some kids just need to be hornswaggled.
Last night I decided to try a vegetarian sausage.  Sounds gross, right?  Well, I have to tell you....though it isn't a slam dunk; these vegetarian companies have worked really hard to mimic what we are used to.  But, you still have to go in with an open mind. 
I saw a recipe for stuffed mushrooms, with vegetarian sausage and it looked really good.  The kicker in all of this was, I was still in a food  coma from Sunday's superbowl party, and the recipe looked easy on my digestive tract as well is a very healthy option for what is otherwise known as a decadent delight.  
The sausage came in a roll and it was called "Gimme Lean" (a take on Jimmy Dean...how cute, huh?).  When I opened the package and put it in the pan, it rolled out JUST like sausage.  The only difference here was, I could actually eat it if I got it on my fingers, which I would NEVER do with the real thing. 
I realized right away that my "Gimme Lean" would not render like real sausage as there is NO FAT!!  I almost burned it, because in my mind, it WAS sausage.  However, I quickly realized it just needed a quick stirring to warm through.  After that, I mixed it with minced celery, bread crumbs and an egg, and filled my very large portabello mushrooms.  I baked it according to the directions and voila - a delicious stuffed portabello, which served as my main dish.  It looked beautiful and tasted wonderful.  It had all the elements I was looking for - EXCEPT THE FAT!!!  Not that I am against a healthy dose of lard, but it's always good to arm yourself with healthy alternatives.
What does this have to do with feeding my kids?   Not so much, as I didn't even offer them a bite.  However, I found it wonderfully inspiring to broaden my horizons and get some good quality foods into my kids' mouths. 
One trick I have already done, is adding minced celery into their tuna salad sandwiches.  I have also taken them shopping and let THEM pick out their choices for veggies.  And, though they would not be MY choices; I have found that when they are given a voice, they are much more reasonable than we give them credit for.
When they opened my new recipe book to see which recipes looked appealing to them; they went straight to the dessert page (no suprise there).  One chose a cherry smoothie, while the other chose a chocolate mousse with strawberry slices.  All healthy recipes as this is a weight watchers cookbook. 
And, to indulge them, I WILL make their recipes - if only to inspire them to try more new and exciting foods that will expand their palates to a more exciting and healthy way of life!!!

Happy Eats!
Cat