I'm happy now mommy!

Tonight 2 1/2-year-old Gregory was having a bit of a tempertantrum. He was mad at me because I told him he couldn't have yet another Monkey bandaid (he had one still in the wrapping in his hands and three stuck to his legs). I was getting dinner ready in the kitchen, and had it on a baking tray waiting for the oven to heat to the proper temperature. But I stopped what I was doing and I picked him up to try to console him.

"I'm sad," he said.

"Why honey?"

"You won't let me have another bandaid."

"I'm sorry honey. You already have plenty."

"Oooooo. Are those fish sticks?"

"Yes honey."

"Are we having FISH STICKS?"

"Yup. I'm getting them ready to put them in the oven for dinner."

"Ooooo! I'm happy now mommy!"

Imagine that. My most picky eater can go from sad to happy in seconds flat over fish sticks, a food I avoided like the plague when I was a kid. I mean, this is a kid who turns his nose up at the all-time toddler favorite mac-n-cheese. But truth is, fish sticks have come a long way in 35+ years.

And I will admit to sometimes throwing frozen fish sticks (or their cousin chicken nuggets, which Gregory also loves) on a cookie sheet and calling it cooking (my favorite are actually the Trident Seafood brand made from wild Alaskan pollock that I can buy in 4 lb. bags at Costco, but in a pinch any brand will do). But the truth is, it doesn't take a lot more effort to make your own.

Fish/chicken sticks or nuggets
1 lb. firm white fish (pollock, cod) or chicken tenders
Flour
1 egg, lightly beaten with a little water
Panko crumbs (Japanese bread crumbs)
Oil for frying
Ketchup, ranch dressing, tarter sauce, cocktail sauce, barbecue sauce (optional), for dipping
Cut fish or chicken into strips or nuggets and pat dry. Heat a small amont of oil in the bottom of a saute pan. Dip fish (or chicken) in flour, egg and panko, dusting off excess each time. Gently place fish (or chicken) in oil and saute until golden on one side (do not move until golden), turn over and repeat. Remove and set on plate covered with paper towels to drain off remaining oil.