Getting the young ones adjusted to heat

[Ratatouille]

Maybe this is a strange question, but I have hope the hive mind here at THP has some wisdom I could use.

I have two very dear bonus children who spend time at our place every now and then. They are not used to eating spicy or spices for that matter, at their mums. I've been trying to get the 12 year old to eat food that's a tad bit spicy, but no luck so far. I've started out with really mellow peppers, tried to gamify it, but I don't think I've been consistent enough.

I'm not trying to force her, I mean, if she really can't get used to more spicy food, that's totally fine.

But I am wondering if anyone else has had a friend, child, spouse or relative who got used to more heat when it comes to peppers. How did that go? Are there maybe some pink glittery rainbow peppers I am overlooking? Tips are welcome!

I'm growing mostly low heat peppers this season. Who knows what will happen.

 

[Tinkerbelle]

Mr Tink was not a hot, spicy person when I met him. Unknown to him every time I fed him a curry, chilli or anything that had hot in it I upped the dosage. Nowadays he doesn't do hot as I do but he's certainly a lot better.
This has taken place over many years but he's getting there

For children - when you say spicy food what kind of spicy food?

 

[Bou]

My two boys grew up on spicy meals. Now at 21 and 14 years old they are still enjoying the heat (above average). As their official hot sauce and pepper powder pusher, forced to admit I left them a great legacy

 

[Ratatouille]

I've tried several dishes. Matar paneer, raita with just half a jalapeño, several hot sauces, pastas with just a whiff of chili flakes, but I just haven't fooled her taste buds yet.

I'll try toning it down and microdosing and go from there then. It's hopeful at least that Mr Tink has evolved.

 

[Grass Snake]

Tortilla chips and mild salsa is a good way to introduce kids to heat. French fries with a couple drops of Louisiana hot sauce might do the trick. Kids will eat anything when they're hungry enough

 

[Tinkerbelle]

Would she eat Singapore noodles with just a hint of curry powder?

 

[Grass Snake]

pastas with just a whiff of chili flakes

try a powder like paprika at first so they can get use to the color then switch to little cayenne powder and ramp it up from there haha

 

[Ratatouille]

Paprika powder is already a favorite, so I'll take your advice in switching it to cayenne Grass Snake.

I also like the Singapore noodles and the tortilla chips. This means I have the week menu set for the coming time. Wonderful ideas!

 

[Tinkerbelle]

I would start off with a mild curry powder, like korma.
Cayenne might be pushing it a bit - you need to be sneaky about upping the heat.
Also how about giving her some mild pepper seeds to grow?

 

[salsalady]

Hide the spice. Dont let them see any actual peppers. Spaghetti sauce is a good one. You can add just a dash of powder. They will never see it.

My dad would not eat onion, black pepper, garlic, salad dressing, green peppers, mushrooms.....but if it was hidden in the food..."That was a tasty dinner, sis. Thanks"

I made a vegetarian chili with quinoa and minced mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Everyone loved it. And i would really finely mince garlic, and onion in homemade spaghetti sauce. Dad ate it up, and i just snickered knowing what was in there.

 

[The Hot Pepper]

They have to be involved in the cooking, and there has to be a cool factor for the full reward to be reaped. Have a fun taco night with all the fixins or do a hot wing night, and teach them the simple recipes. Once they feel the empowerment of eating what you cook, they'll be showing their friends and you'll catch them spicing up their microwave burritos with salsa, jalapenos, and cheese!

 

[Grass Snake]

They have to be involved in the cooking, and there has to be a cool factor for the full reward to be reaped. Have a fun taco night with all the fixins or do a hot wing night, and teach them the simple recipes. Once they feel the empowerment of eating what you cook, they'll be showing their friends and you'll catch them spicing up their microwave burritos with salsa, jalapenos, and cheese!

 

[The Hot Pepper]

I had time when I was a kid.

 

[Grass Snake]

I agree though, involving the children will help them try new things.

 

[The Hot Pepper]

Not sure if the Super Bowl is a thing over there but it's the perfect time to so some kids cooking things with spice.

 

[salsalady]

Getting them involved is also crucial.

making salsa at the school

Yesterday was salsa day in Salsakid's class! We did this last year also and the kids had such a great time, they wanted to do it again. I supplied the ingredients, equipment and recipes, and they did the work. They made a pico de gallo salsa and a black bean, corn and cilantro salsa. Both...

thehotpepper.com

The school kids sent a Thank You card with sentiments like " i didnt used to like salsa, but now i do".

 

[Grass Snake]

Takis and the flamin hot line of chips has a way of bringing kids over to the spicy side

 

[salsalady]

condiment - Easy Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Here's a super easy, super yummy salsa recipe. Easy to modify to personal taste and a crowd pleaser at parties. Black Bean and Corn Salsa 3 cans Black Beans, 15 oz, drained 1 can whole kernel Corn 15 oz, drained 2 Roma tomatoes- diced *see notes 1 small Purple Onion- diced ½ bunch...

thehotpepper.com

Here is the black bean salsa recipe. They can make it plain, no heat, then add a little jalapeno to a small side bowl.....etc.

25% of the salsa i sell has 0 heat. Just plain tomato, onion, green pepper, chili powder, spices. No hot peppers. And over the years, a lot of customers have moved from medium to hot.

SL

 

[The Hot Pepper]

The school kids sent a Thank You card with sentiments like " i didnt used to like salsa, but now i do".

Exactly!

 

[Marturo]

Perhaps the key is sweet heat at first.
Growing up in Panama, it was not hard to find sweet hot candy's at the outdoor Mercado's.
All the kids I knew loved it's sweet spicy flavors.

It was a real treat to me going with my dad to the many Oyster bars, eating hot peppers & sneaking cerveza when I could.