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Journey Through Culinary Beginnings: A Family’s Experience with Food
Just a month after welcoming our restaurant, Bonnie’s, in Brooklyn, news of a new addition to our family arrived: I was pregnant. Excitement filled our hearts as we envisioned the days ahead with our baby boy. We couldn’t wait to share our love through cooking, to sing and read to him, and to cherish every moment as a family.
Our enthusiasm grew even more when Levi’s first teeth emerged, signaling a new chapter. He quickly developed a hearty appetite, devouring everything we offered—from pasta mixed with fermented bean curd butter to the rich flavors of cha siu, and juicy chunks of watermelon and orange. By the time he celebrated his first birthday, he had discovered a favorite: steamed silken tofu drenched in a savory black bean garlic sauce, a highlight from the Cantonese American cookbook, Salt Sugar MSG. Thankfully, meal preparation was straightforward; we never had to cater to distinct preferences.
However, things took a turn at the 15-month point when Levi’s tastes narrowed significantly. He began to refuse anything besides chicken nuggets, ditalini pasta (with a strict no-exceptions rule regarding pasta shapes), fresh strawberries, and his beloved steamed jasmine rice. Determined to reignite his culinary curiosity, Calvin and I delved into online forums and parenting blogs for guidance. Eventually, we acquiesced to his limited choices, preparing separate meals for ourselves while hoping to spark his interest with our dinner.
After a few months of this new routine, Calvin decided to revisit the beloved tofu dish. As we prepared to enjoy our dinner, Levi expressed a desire for tofu. We offered him a piece without sauce, nestled atop his favorite rice. Gradually, we introduced a small amount of the beefy sauce, experimenting with each meal until over time, his plate resembled ours once again.
Today, at two years old, Levi still enjoys his share of chicken nuggets, though he displays varying levels of adventurousness. We’ve been proactive in fostering a safe environment for him to explore new flavors. The familiar comforts allow him to grow bolder in his food selections, and we celebrate each step he takes beyond his usual favorites, regardless of the occasional rejection of new tastes.
Recipe Spotlight: Silken Tofu with Black Bean Garlic Sauce
Creating a homemade black bean sauce brings fresher, more nuanced flavors than any store-bought version can provide. It’s an easy 15-minute dish that captures the essence of home cooking.
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www.bonappetit.com