The Dish on Fish “Dishing with…” series is something we look forward to each month, because it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with, and learn from, chefs, bloggers, authors and registered dietitians. To kick off the new year, we’re bringing you thoughts, tips and inspiration from Katie Morford, the registered dietitian behind Mom’s Kitchen Handbook: Raising Fresh-Food Kids in a French-Friend World, and the author of two popular cookbooks.
Tell us about your and your blog.
I’m a writer, registered dietitian, and mother of three living in San Francisco. I’ve written two cookbooks: Rise & Shine: Better Breakfasts for Busy Mornings and Best Lunch Box Ever. I also write the blog Mom’s Kitchen Handbook: Raising Fresh-Food Kids in a French-Fried World, which is a resource for busy families that provides healthful recipes, cooking tips, and nutrition insight.
What is your favorite seafood dish to make at home or order at a restaurant?
When I eat out, I love a good Cioppino with a side of grilled bread. It always feels so festive and is something I rarely make for myself. When I’m cooking at home, it’s hard to beat a beautiful piece of wild salmon seasoned with salt and pepper and done in a hot skillet. I’ll serve that with salsa verde made from herbs, shallots, olive oil, and capers.
Any words of wisdom for parents who have picky eaters? How did you get your kids to eat seafood?
From the time my kids were tiny, I fed them what my husband and I were eating. They haven’t always met every plate of food with open arms, but over time they do tend to get on board. It’s helpful to remember that it’s a marathon not a sprint and it can take time for some kids to accept new flavors. I haven’t gotten much pushback in the seafood department, in part because I fed it to them early and often, so it was always familiar. For families where seafood isn’t so common, I’d say start with some of the milder flavored fish prepared in familiar ways and pair it with sides you know they love. Then build from there.
Why is seafood so beneficial for everyone, especially kids?
Seafood is full of nutrients that are sometimes hard to get enough of from other foods, notably omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Those healthy fats are so important for our children’s’ developing brains! And seafood, as a category, tends to be low in fat and calories relative to so many other sources of animal protein. Unlike so many foods these days, seafood is one category the USDA is telling us to eat MORE of, not less.
What is your go-to seafood meal for busy nights?
I always have shrimp in the freezer, which is quick to defrost and easy to spin into so many meals, from pastas to salads to curries. This Shrimp and Corn Salad is a favorite in our house and I personally am addicted to these Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos.
What’s next on your “must make” seafood list?
I’d like to tackle cooking a whole fish, either roasted or grilled. It makes such a gorgeous and dramatic presentation and would be fun for a dinner party.
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