One of my favorite parts of any meal is the vegetables. I love my veggies! But, sometimes it can be hard to get vegetables on the plates of everyone in the family, especially when it comes to children! I remember growing up and refusing to eat certain vegetables, some of which I love now (more broccoli please!) and some of which I still won't touch (honestly, who NEEDS Brussels sprouts?!)

Here are a couple of really easy ideas to make two of my favorite vegetables more appetizing for even the pickiest palate. Hint: have the picky eaters help you make the vegetables for dinner, it will help them want to eat them if they had an active role in their creation! *Note: these suggestions are based off of 1 pound of the vegetables.

CARROTS:

•  Brown Sugar Carrots: Once your carrots are cooked, drain them except for a small amount of water in the bottom of the pan. Add 1/4 C margarine and 1/3 C brown sugar to the water and stir until the margarine in melted, then toss with the cooked carrots. For best results, cover and let sit for a few moments to allow the flavors to mingle.

•  Cinnamon Carrots: Once your carrots are cooked, drain almost completely and add a little bit of butter or margarine (you won't need much) and cinnamon to taste-I like mine fairly lightly coated, just enough to make the flavor compliment the carrots. These are delicious and will have your family asking for more!

•  Orange Glazed Carrots: Drain your cooked carrots and then pour 1/4 C orange juice over the carrots and mix well. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then stir in 3 T brown sugar, 2 T butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat until the butter and sugar are melted.

BROCCOLI:

•  Garlic Cheese Broccoli: When you are boiling your broccoli, add 1 T garlic powder (or more, if desired) to the water you are cooking in. This gives a little bit of a garlic flavor to the broccoli, and then, once cooked and drained, top with a sprinkle of your favorite cheese. I prefer cheddar or parmesan!

•  Fabulous Side Dish Broccoli: In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 3 Tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese and set aside. Heat about 2 Tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Once your broccoli is almost all the way done, move to the skillet and add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until done, and remove from heat. Sprinkle with the brown sugar/cheese mixture.

Our recently released cookbooks have been all about vegetables, so check them out! Remember, if you are part of the Cook'n club, you get a FREE monthly cookbook! Take advantage of this offer and grab one of these vegetable cookbooks. Now is a great time to get your diet back in shape from the holiday sweets! Not a member of the Cook'n club yet? Click on the link to find out more... Cook'n Club!