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Busy parents at Bon Appétit are often juggling multiple roles, especially when it comes to putting together a quick and satisfying dinner for their families. Various dietary preferences and pickiness can turn mealtime into a strategic challenge, but our editors have shared some creative recipes and tweaks that have helped them navigate dinner successfully this week.
Fridge Dump Pesto
Quick pesto has become a staple in our household, especially useful during the busy toddler years when incorporating greens into meals was a necessity. Nowadays, it’s my go-to when faced with a weeknight crunch or a spur-of-the-moment gathering with friends and their kids. To start, I boil pasta in salted water, creating a race to the finish as our kids thrive in engaging situations—especially if it involves cooking. I adapt this pesto based on available ingredients, often using basil, spinach, kale, parsley, or even broccoli rabe, blended in a food processor with garlic, roasted nuts, Parmesan, and a splash of lemon for zest. Adding this sauce to well-buttered pasta enhances its appeal for both kids and adults alike.
– Pervaiz Shallwani, senior staff writer and editor
The vital tip is to introduce the basil at the end of the blending process to preserve its flavor.
Dinner for a Caper Lover
One of my son’s unique tastes is his love for capers. Having acquired a taste for them since enjoying bagels with nova, he eagerly asks for “MORE CAPERS.” Recognizing this preference, I decided it was time to introduce him to chicken piccata, which I cleverly presented as “caper chicken.” To cater to his likes, I generously included capers, omitted ground pepper for this dish (deemed “too spicy”), and offered lemon and parsley as optional garnishes that my wife and I enjoyed. This simple recipe was a success, earning praise from the whole family and requiring minimal cleanup. Plus, a recipe including a cup of wine doesn’t hurt, as it ensures another cup is on the table for enjoyment.
– Nick Traverse, editorial operations director
Jackpot Chicken Stir-Fry
Finding a meal the entire family relishes can feel like a gamble. Surprisingly, my colleague Shilpa Uskokovic’s Basil Chicken Stir-Fry has proven to be a winner. Its familiar flavors—reminiscent of pad thai—with spicy sambal oelek, zesty lime juice, and umami-rich oyster sauce, make it a family favorite. Ground chicken usually needs flavor enhancement, and this recipe revives it superbly. Despite my kids meticulously removing basil leaves, they devoured the rest of the dish, marking it a success in our home.
– Chris Morocco, food director
This dish is not only delicious but can also be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Nourishing and Nutritious Udon
My youngest has an undeniable love for carbs; noodles, bread, or rice almost always guarantee she will eat her meal. I frequently prepare Just One Cookbook’s Niku Udon that clears the plate every time. With frozen noodles, instant dashi broth, and pre-sliced beef, this recipe is quick and easy. I often add vegetables like spinach or bok choy to make it more nutritious, ensuring my daughter enjoys both the hearty broth and tender elements in one comforting dish.
– June Kim, head of digital video
My Daughter’s Favorite Pizza
Pizza is often a universal favorite among children and adults alike. My family has become particularly fond of the Incredibly Good Cheese Pizza from our test kitchen, especially by senior editors Jesse Szewczyk and Shilpa Uskokovic. It’s versatile enough to prepare ahead of time for weekend enjoyment. Over time, we have adjusted toppings to accommodate everyone’s tastes, like offering both mild salami and spicy options to cater to varying spice preferences.
– Hana Asbrink, deputy food editor
Incredibly Good Homemade Pizza
Even without a pizza oven or baking stone, this ultimate recipe can yield delicious homemade pizza.
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