Real Kids Don't Eat Broccoli

Does anyone remember Tiny Toons? I used to love watching that show every day after school. In one episode, Buster must figure out who is an alien and who isn't. Of course, he does a smashing job based on this maxim: "Real kids don't eat broccoli."

I hadn't thought about that show until last night. Carl and I had the missionaries over for dinner so I actually made a whole dinner(usually it's just the main dish since I am always running behind schedule). We had salad, Parmesan-poppy seed broccoli, garlic bread, and feta stuffed chicken. I timed everything just right so that all the dishes were done at the exact same moment. It was a beautiful thing. Feeling rather pleased with myself, we sat done to enjoy our sumptuous feast. This was our conversation as dinner began:

Ashley: Well, dig in.
Elder R: Looks great!
Ashley: Thanks. Oh, the broccoli has poppy seeds on it. My mom made it for my birthday and I really enjoyed it. We hope you both like it.
Elder R: I've never had poppy seeds on broccoli. I"m excited to try it.
Elder M: I've never had broccoli before.
Everyone at the table: ????Befuddled expressions all around???
Ashley: Oh.
Momentary silence
Carl: And the chicken is stuffed with feta. Yum.

I have never met anyone who has never eaten broccoli before. I was shocked. To Elder M's credit, he tried 3 spears of broccoli yumminess but did not go back for more. I am not sure he liked his first foray into broccoli but I do hope that he tries it again because it is so good. At the end of dinner we also noticed a leftover piece of stuffed chicken (I only made 4). We made several conjectures as to why li'l Elder M passed on that delightful dish. Here are our top 5 reasons:
1. Lactose intolerant
2. Vegetarian
3. Nervous stomach (it was his first day in the field)
4. Prefers red meat
5. Wasn't hungry and didn't want to waste food

Carl and I had a good chuckle after dinner about the whole situation. Who knew broccoli and chicken would be exotic foods!