Combining two of the internet’s favourite topics – food and astrology (sadly I couldn’t find a way to also include conspiracy theories) – I recently conducted entirely credible research (on Facebook of course) that drew staggering results as to the connection between sun signs and whether or not your child is likely to be a fussy eater.
Got a child born between August 23 and Sept 22? You have a VIRGO and according to me, they are statistically OFF THE CHART and by far the most picky eater in the zodiac. Of course, you could call my research entirely flawed since the question I asked was, “What sun sign is your fussiest little eater? Mine – VIRGO.” With the benefit of hindsight I realise that this was biased qualitative questioning. But hey, I went to art school and spent three years painting, not actually learning anything useful like how to prepare a credible survey.
But if you removed Virgo, there were still some pretty interesting results. Next fussiest was Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22) which is a ‘fixed’ sign – known for a certain level of stubborness. Another fixed sign, Taurus, came in next. As you’d expect there was a mid-result clump that was separated by ‘statistically insignificant’ amounts, but the two easiest signs to feed were Capricorns and Librans.
Moving on to another internet darling – cacao nibs – and I’ve been doing a bit of experimenting. The first is a healthy-as-you-like option, a dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, processed-sugar-free, is-there-anything-left cookie that I enjoyed but only got 50/50 approval my my sample study of 6 children.
The second is a pretty regular cookie, with choc chips swapped out with cacao nibs. Between the two options there should be something for everyone.
Free from everything except flavour.
The healthy cacao nib biscuits
This is based on a recipe from Joyous Health.
1/4 cup maple syrup 3 tbsp tahini
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup combined currants & cacao nibs
Preheat the oven to 170C.
Line a tray with baking paper.
Mix everything together and dollop the mixture on the tray. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Leave to cool on the tray.
Makes 10.
Free from nothing.
Classic cookies (with cacao nibs)
125g butter, softened
1 cup raw sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1 cup self-raising flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup cacao nibs
1 cup sultanas
Preheat the oven to 170C. Line two trays with baking paper.
Use hand held beaters or an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together. Cream them well for several minutes until light and flufffy. Add the egg and beat in well. Also tip in the vanilla and salt.
Sift over the flour and fold it in (slow setting on the beaters will be fine). Then stir in the oats, nibs and sultanas. Dollop amounts onto your trays and bake for 15-18 minutes.
Makes 36ish.
Vegie Smugglers 
Kym said,
April 20, 2015 @ 1:55 pm
Interesting. Might have to try both and see what my sample study of 2 think! My experience with cacao nibs is limited, only times I’ve used them they have always been sprinkled on top of something and they were really bitter. Maybe when they’re incorporated they won’t hit the taste buds first thing!
wendyblume said,
April 20, 2015 @ 2:03 pm
yep, they are really bitter, which is why I surround them with sweetness. The main reason I was experimenting is because I got all enthusiastic at the health food store and bought a big bag! Still got quite a bit left!
Kym said,
April 21, 2015 @ 1:13 pm
I just won’t eat them late at night, cacao keeps me awake!!
wendyblume said,
April 21, 2015 @ 2:57 pm
Yes, good point! Morning tea time then!
Melissa said,
April 20, 2015 @ 9:07 pm
The only Virgo in my house is my husband – and he is extremely fussy. Does that count?
wendyblume said,
April 21, 2015 @ 11:27 am
Absolutely! I think many mums on this site are actually catering for their partners!
margaret allard said,
April 20, 2015 @ 10:43 pm
OMG both my kids are Virgo’s and FUSSY!!! I totally agree with your research!!
wendyblume said,
April 21, 2015 @ 11:28 am
Thanks for validating my totally incorrect research Margaret! 🙂
mbiswell said,
April 28, 2015 @ 4:11 pm
Oh my…. I just jumped onto your website to find some vegie smuggled food to feed my 18mth old daughter who refuses anything that looks healthy and then I see this chart and guess what start sign she is …… yep, a Virgo!!! She is making me pull my hair out, she refuses to eat anything that isn’t a cookie or chocolate cake or sausages. My son, on the other hand will try everything that I give him and eats his veg, even when he was her age. Arghhhhhhh.