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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think pasta pesto isn't a universal kid friendly meal?

258 replies

IHaveBrilloHair · 13/02/2017 18:16

I often see this stated as a meal that all kids like, up there with pizza/nuggets/fishfishfingers, but I honestly don't know many kids who like it, and know more who wouldn't know what it is.
Dd's too old for playdates now but I'd never have served it, not in a million years, is it really universal kid food?
Admittedly we live in a small Scottish town but we have a Waitrose, and a Private school, it's not some weird backwater.

OP posts:
TinselTwins · 13/02/2017 20:11

do you think everybody eats several courses for every meal, even children, and has main courses every single day of meat and fish?

No, nor do I think that italian people just eat pasta!

MrsKoala · 13/02/2017 20:12

My dc don't like it. But they also don't like pizza, nuggets or fish fingers :(

DH would look at me like id lost the plot if i gave it to him for dinner too.

HumphryCushion · 13/02/2017 20:12

I don't think there is a universal choice for children's meals. One of my son's friends hates pizza and fish fingers, but loves scrambled egg

DavetheCat2001 · 13/02/2017 20:13

Both my kids refuse to eat pasta full stop.
Sad

bumsexatthebingo · 13/02/2017 20:13

I reckon it's probably as liked as nuggets, pizza etc. I would always check with the parents though whatever I was doing if I didn't know what the child liked. I don't think anything is a fail safe - there will always be kids who don't like popular choices like sausages, pizza etc.
Pesto pasta is a good one if the child likes it though because you can put little bowls of some less popular things out like sundried/cherry tomatoes, olives, rocket and spinach, parmesan, pine nuts etc and the kids can take or leave them as they wish. Usually there is something they like. And it feels like you've done a proper meal even though it takes about 10 minutes!

Allthewaves · 13/02/2017 20:13

Have never ever gave pesto pasta to kids. Not something i'd eat tbh. They love bolognese though

NarkyMcDinkyChops · 13/02/2017 20:13

No, nor do I think that italian people just eat pasta!

Nobody suggested they did.

LtGreggs · 13/02/2017 20:16

My Scottish children love it. I think it's ok, but very bland. I do 'pasta & pesto & bits' to fancy it up for adults - tomatoes, veg, cheese, bacon bits etc.

And we also have Waitrose and a private school.

TinselTwins · 13/02/2017 20:16

I think you just pissed off the whole of Italy there.

It's not a full meal anywhere. Its okay now and again, but it's not a proper meal. In italy or here

BantyCustards · 13/02/2017 20:17

Different strokes and all that

MrsKoala · 13/02/2017 20:17

Someone once told me 'ALL kids love pasta' and wouldn't have it that mine wont touch the stuff. Confused

NarkyMcDinkyChops · 13/02/2017 20:17

It really is, that is my point. It is considered a full meal for an Italian child.

Have you lived in Italy, or just been on holiday?

SuperBeagle · 13/02/2017 20:19

One of mine loves pesto, the other two hate it. DH loves pesto, and I hate it. I think it's just one of those things. I can't even stand the smell of it.

Clandestino · 13/02/2017 20:23

Well a lot of pesto is not suitable for vegetarians due to the rennet in the cheese used. So wouldn't be suitable for my younger ones.

You realise the fastest pesto is your own and no cheese needs to be included?

GrassWillBeGreener · 13/02/2017 20:23

I'm another one with an allergic child. Realised that most supermarket pesto contains cashew nuts not pine nuts after she'd had it with her cousins, for whom it is a staple...

Peanutbutterrules · 13/02/2017 20:25

DD loves it, all her friends do too. Easy lunch to keep everyone happy.

Clandestino · 13/02/2017 20:25

And in our house pasta with homemade pesto is a meal for all of us. No cheesefor DD as she doesn't like parmesan so it's served extra.

Purplefrogshoes · 13/02/2017 20:39

Ds 20 months would eat it but he eats anything. Dd 8 is very fussy and would definitely not

pringlecat · 13/02/2017 20:46

Cheap pesto is bulked out with cashew nuts, so it's not that child-friendly considering how prevalent nut allergies are these days.

Proper pesto is lovely and so quick.

OneLumpOrSeven · 13/02/2017 20:47

My children love pesto. They hate tomatoes so pasta with a tomato type sauce would not be welcomed.

cowssheephens · 13/02/2017 20:56

One of mine will eat it, the other would rather go without.

I cook a Sunday dinner for play dates. My DCs and their friends eat most of it, and it's always given the vote when friends are over! Stupid me for giving them the choice years ago!

EdenX · 13/02/2017 21:02

Quick, easy and most kids like it ime.

witsender · 13/02/2017 21:03

We like it. Has to be good pesto though, sacla or home made.

MistyMinge · 13/02/2017 21:03

4yr old DC used to happily eat it and I'd cook it regularly as so quick and easy, but he won't touch it anymore, in fact he's gone right off any pasta. Think it's the texture.

2yr old DC will eat it, but expect that will change too.

Think their tastes change when they reach about 3.

bruffin · 13/02/2017 21:07

both my dc always loved pesto, unfortunately ds is allergic to tree nuts and seeds so we have to be careful which brand we get.

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