Fear Factor

I have never much cared for the television show "Fear Factor".
It doesn't really bother me too much when they jump off of things, or do other crazy stunts, however, I can't stand it when they eat disgusting things. Nothing grosses me out more than watching someone try to eat rotting, maggot infested cow brains.
I'm just weird that way.
Now, I need to mention that my kids LOVE spinach. They eat it fresh, straight from the bag. They have caused many a grocery store cashier to raise an eyebrow at them fighting over who would get to carry the bag of fresh spinach to the car, where they would rip it open and eat it straight from the bag.
That being said, It's amazing how dinnertime at our house will sometimes turn into an episode of Fear Factor.
Several years ago, we were shopping at Costco, and they were giving out samples of spinach raviolis. The kids tried the sample, and all agreed that we should buy the spinach raviolis because they were SO delicious.
We bought them and several days later, I fixed them for dinner.
YUM!
I thought they were good.
Hubby thought they were good.
Brielle and Aaron thought they were great!
CJ was repulsed by them. He didn't even try them, he just looked at them and gagged.
This is the same child who only days before was begging me to buy them.
We have a rule at our house that everyone must try at least one bite of a certain food before declaring whether or not they like it.

Just one bite.

That's all I ask.

Apparently, one bite was too much. Yes, we did force him to eat a spinach ravioli. (what can I say, we're bad parents)
He fought.
He gagged.
He gagged again.
He ran to the bathroom, and lost the ravioli.

It was just like watching an episode of Fear Factor.
Apparently, spinach is O.K. until it is cooked. Then it is inedible.

Fast forward to today. I found a really yummy looking recipe for spinach salad with hot bacon dressing.
I was in the mood for an adventure, besides, I'm getting really sick of cooking the same old boring meals every night.
I was ready for something new and exciting.
I assumed that since the spinach would still be raw, that the kids would love it.
Seriously, what's not to love?
It had real bacon in it!

Brielle took one look at it, and wrinkled up her nose.
"EWW, this smells yucky. Why can't we just have plain spinach?"
ME: Because we're trying something new. Just try one bite, I think you'll like it"
Brielle: "What did you put in it? It's gross!"
Me: "You only need to try one bite."
Brielle barely touches her fork in the salad dressing, then licks the fork.
"That's yucky! I don't like it!"
Me: "You need to try one leaf of spinach"
Brielle: "I can't"

This went on for several minutes, until under threat of no dessert, Brielle finally picked out the smallest leaf of spinach and put it in her mouth.

Oh the drama.

The tears!

Fear factor all over again.

Brielle: "I'm going to spit it out! I can still taste it!"
Me: "Take a drink of water and wash it down."
Brielle: "I CAN STILL TASTE IT"
ME: "Take a drink of water and wash it down!"

I am happy to report that she swallowed it, and it stayed down.
And she seems to be fine.

My kids all love broccoli. I'm planning on fixing it for dinner tomorrow night.
Any suggestions on what I can do to this fine vegetable to make my kids hate it??

I need to thank Christina at My 5 little monkeys (http://momtomy5.blogspot.com) for giving me an award!
(Sorry, I have trouble linking. I am technologically challenged. I will work on it)
Thanks Christina!!
As soon as I figure out how to put it on my blog I will pass it along.