Alison Corey from the vegan food blog Keeping the Peas shares practical tips for cooking when everyone at the table has different tastes. Learn how to prepare meals that please a variety of eaters without stress.
Many of us have faced the challenge of feeding people with very different preferences. In this episode, Alison Corey, who writes the plant-based blog Keeping the Peas, explains how she navigates meal time in a home where she is vegan, her partner eats meat, and their children are picky. Her approach focuses on simplicity, flexibility, and making food approachable for everyone.
Alison uses whole-food, plant-based ingredients to create meals that are satisfying and family-friendly while leaving room for individual adjustments. She aims to make main dishes, salads, snacks, and occasional desserts that she feels good about serving and that her family enjoys. Below are key takeaways from her conversation and practical ideas you can apply at home.
LISTEN IN
Listen to today’s episode on Apple, Stitcher or Spotify for the full conversation and more tips.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
This week’s featured recipe is Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry. It’s a popular, nourishing, and quick vegan dinner — ideal for Meatless Monday or any night when you want a comforting, plant-forward meal that comes together easily.
EPISODE 14 – How to Cook for a Family with Different Tastes
How to create one meal with options
- Choose a core meal that can be customized so each person finds something they like.
- Make build-your-own or DIY-style meals part of the rotation — tacos, stir-fries, bowls, and nachos all work well because people can assemble their plates to suit their preferences.
Encouraging picky eaters to try new foods
- Offer a variety of textures. If a child rejects roasted broccoli, try it steamed, blended into a sauce, or combined into a pasta bake.
- Include kids in food shopping and cooking. Let them help pick a vegetable at a farmers market or choose a recipe to prepare — ownership increases willingness to try new things.
Approaching Thanksgiving in a mixed-diet household
- Divide responsibilities so everyone contributes in a way that fits their diet. For example, one person can handle the turkey while another prepares the rest of the meal with vegan-friendly dishes.
- Ask guests to bring at least one item they can eat if they have strong preferences or dietary restrictions. This ensures everyone has options without overburdening the host.
How to raise your kids when you and your partner have different diets
- Discuss and agree on non-negotiables for your children’s diets, such as whether certain foods will be home staples or occasional treats.
- Be willing to compromise and allow treats or exceptions at times, while maintaining your core values around nutrition.
How to create family-friendly classic meals using healthy ingredients
- Swap refined options for wholesome alternatives, such as chickpea or lentil pasta instead of white pasta to boost fiber and protein.
- For tacos or burgers, use beans, lentils, or textured vegetable proteins as the base to create familiar favourites with a healthy twist.
ALISON’S SUGGESTED RECIPES
The BEST Traditional Meatless Meatloaf
Gluten Free Vegan Thanksgiving Meal Plan
WHERE TO FIND ALISON
Website: Keeping the Peas
Instagram: keepingthepeas
Facebook: keepingthepeas
Pinterest: keepingthepeas
Free E-Book: Plant Based Family Favorites
MORE EPISODES
Visit our show page for more episodes and additional resources to help you cook real food that works for your family.