They are so strong, even apple juice can't cover that taste.

Great idea with the magic mix for soups. Anything that reduces

prep time for a meal is a big help.

The best veggie eater in our house is my 6 year old, Sam. I attribute this to my approach with him in regards to food when he was still really little. When he would ask me if he could try something new (like diced raw onions), I never instinctively said, "No, you won't like them." Instead, I said, "Sure." 9 times out of 10 he embraced the new flavors that would make me cringe. He ate raw onions like popcorn for a couple years!

I have really watched him over the years and encouraged him to try everything before saying he did not like something. I wanted him to do better than me. You know the saying, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Now that Sam is older, he has begun to question why I don't eat certain vegetables. I would love to just say that I am "allergic" to them, but I figure it is not a good idea to lie to my son!

Mike is more like Sam, he may not like the vegetable outright, but he will just suck it and not make a big deal about.

Luke is my mini-me, in personality (do a search for my Brussels Sprouts post and you will see what I am referring to) and in taste preferences. Although I am not a big sweet eater now, I used to be and it was a difficult habit to break. I only give Luke dark, unsweetened chocolate now in the hopes that it will curb his sweet tooth but of course he loves it and that is all he wants to eat… ever, but even bribing him with chocolate will not get him to eat the "dirt" veggies.

I love vegetables, just not a certain "class" of vegetables (the ones that are super good for you). I may not always act 36, but I am old enough and aware enough to know better. I just want to like them without drowning them high-fat sauces like cheese sauce or ranch dressing, (or plugging my nose and downing a chaser)…that must have an impact on how Luke perceives them! LOL!

I really just want to cancel out the bitterness until I can eat them long enough for my taste buds to accept them on their own.

I think I will try Brussels Sprouts with a Balsamic Reduction next… think it will work?

I am curious, who is better at eating veggies, you or your kids? The comment about dirt flavored applejuice made me giggle. On the other hand, I think I would have eased into the veggie juicing – mostly fruit with a handful of spinach and then worked up to beets and kale.