Farfalle with Artichoke Hearts, Baby Spinach and Lemon Ricotta

Solomon and Celia are usually pretty busy in the evenings with homework and sports, but dinnertime is family time, and when I cook I try to lure them into the kitchen. Celia in particular loves pasta, especially when it has a light or creamy sauce rather than tomato sauce. When I was making this recipe for the first time, I asked Celia to taste the sauce to tell me if she liked it or thought it needed anything to make it saltier, sweeter or tangier. She also tasted the pasta to see if it was fully cooked (soft with just a little bite, or al dente).

When I served the meal, she was so eager to eat the pasta, especially because she took part in its creation. Whether or not your kids have time to cook with you, have you tried piquing their interest in the meal before you serve it by asking them to taste, smell and peek at it? Kids feel important when we solicit their opinions and it invests them not only in the process but also in the meal itself. During dinner, I ask the kids for feedback on what were eating, what they liked or didn't like, what they would do differently next time, and I take notes right on the recipe. They also like to help me give dishes fun or silly new names.