July 9, 2008

Chili sauce kids?

When is it time to introduce chili sauce to kids? Some people might gasp at the question and think it insane to do so before 20, 12 or even 8- Why?
I am a total chili addict. I knew I had a problem when I was pregnant with Max. I was working in Scotland at the time. I was a first time mum, delighted to be pregnant (I hadn't read any parenting/baby books at this stage and clearly did everything 'wrong' according to half the books I did end up reading) but I had cravings and desires just like most pregnant mums. 
We had just finished a busy service, it was hot, sweaty and I was exhausted. I opened the walk in cooler for some fresh air and found a small jar of pickled jalapenos that had been put in the wrong place. My attempt to put them back was foiled by a strong desire to gobble down the entire jar! There were times I felt like I was going to pass out from the heat the least I should of done was to have some water- but no I continued until the jar was empty.

I don't know if I set a good or bad example but some how I passed on my love of all things hot to Max. He first wanted to taste chili at the age of 2 and to no surprise of mine he hated it! I asked him why he wanted to try it and he said 'you like it'. At age three he asked to try it again on a bowl of noodles he was eating. I reached for my favorite sweet chili and that is where his love of chili sauce was born. Everything in moderation and small drops grew into teaspoon size portions and now at the age of six, he is dipping everything in it from pork dumplings to steamed vegetables.
Alex has just started his chili sauce stage. So far he hasn't been interested but just the other day over a soba noodle salad Max reached for the sauce and Alex decided to join in, I couldn't of been happier.

1 comment:

Angie said...

Thanks for the comment! Looks like you have an interesting blog. I'm looking forward to reading it!