Mashing broccoli with cheese and potatoes might just be the ticket to getting your kids to eat their veggies.

Makes 6 servings, 2/3 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into wedges
3/4 pound broccoli crowns, chopped (4 cups)
3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese
1/2 cup nonfat milk, heated
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pot. Place potatoes in a steamer basket and steam for 10 minutes. Place broccoli on top, cover and steam until the potatoes and broccoli are tender, 6 to 8 minutes more. Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and coarsely mash with a potato masher. Add the potatoes, cheese, milk, salt and pepper and continue mashing to desired consistency. Serve immediately.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 135 calories; 4 g fat (3 g sat, 1 g mono); 16 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrate; 7 g protein; 2 g fiber; 329 mg sodium; 201 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (100% daily value), Vitamin A (30% dv), Calcium (15% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 high fat meat

I love mashed potatoes, and especially when there's cheese. Adding broccoli is wonderful- it's what I do on my plate anyway!

Paula, CT

This was the worst thing to feed my kids! They didn't like the way it looked. It was good though.

Anonymous, Phoenix, AZ

I would substitute cauliflower in order to 'hide' the veggies. Also, adding a bit of dry mustard and a couple of drops of Worchestershire sauce and 1/4 cup of low fat cheddar would give it more of a cheesy baked potato feel. You have to hide veggies, not make them obvious!!

J.Smith, Whittier, CA

Mash potatoes are high on the glycemic index. With broccoli & cheese, the GI may drop to 70. Still, that's too high. It seems this dish will make you fat. Can you use sweet potatoes or yams instead? Both of these other root vegetables have a lower GI value.

Arnie, San Diego, CA

My girls LOVE these things. No hiding necessary. The bit of mustard tip would give it a nice little kick. Try the same thing but with couscous instead of potatoes for another variation.

Kristen, Woodstock, CT

We shouldn't "hide" vegetables from our children. If you introduce and encourage kids to eat veggies, they can learn to love them to!

Juli Johnson, Oskaloosa, IA

I can not understand parents who are hiding the vegetables. You are just giving in and starting the foundation for an unhealthy lifestyle in a childs future.

dottie

Anyone notice the irony of this recipe? Notice it says to cube the potato. Yet the page that linked this recipe stated not to cut up your potato when boiling as it cuts back on the nutrients available. Sorry just thought that was funny.

AL, Bellingham, WA

I agree with most. If a child is taught to eat the veggies from a young age, and don't give in to them...just cause they hear their friends say they hate veggies they will eat them. The norm. seems to be onions and mushrooms for most kids.... but if you teach a child to be a picky eater, they will be. I make make spinach, carrot,squash,add bacon bits and cheese to mashed potatoes frequently for a change. I've gotten more into eating yams now...for the health benefit. Always use lots of color when serving your meals. I had to laugh too, when I read about cutting the potatoes, when it just talked about not doing so. Go figure.

Muis-Canada