I will be cooking for a family of very picky eaters twice a week.?

Do they even know what they like? Try making something you usually make and see if they like it anyway. Don't tell them what's in it. Ignore "I don't like vegetables," just add them and they can pick them out if they insist.

There's always baked mac&cheese which you can gourmet up, meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes, lasagna? (you can hide loads of grated veggies in there, I'd ignore the pasta complaint as long as it's not the main ingredient). Crockpots are good for stews and pot roast. Oh and you can do low cal chicken cacciatore in there. Chicken noodle soup, there's no one on earth who hates that, right?

http://shine.yahoo.com/in-the-pantry/ultimate-slow...

http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-chicken-cacci...

http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/10/best-crock...

http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-lemon-oregano...

I think I would go for the 'hidden veg' approach, as their diet sounds pretty unhealthy- you can make crock pot meat and chicken dishes using a veg-rich tomato sauce- you know, just slow cook with onions, passata or chopped tinned tomatoes, add carrots, red pepper, sweet potato, pumpkin etc and blend before serving perhaps with a little cream and a cheese topping, hopefully they won't notice!

You may find they will accept quiches, pies and pasties with hidden veg, and perhaps soup? Just don't tell them what veg is in there! ( having first checked for any allergies).

As well as understanding what they like to eat, also consider your presentation so that it is familiar to them- you don't want to scare them off!

The best attitude is to start where they are, after all food is a loving thing to give and sometimes you have to accept that people may not like certain foods even though you feel it will be good for them. Just start off safe, be patient rather than judgemental and then they will be more likely to try something unfamiliar once you have gained their trust.

If they are interested in cooking at all, maybe have some fun with them in the kitchen, perhaps involve them in some chopping, baking cupcakes- people are more likely to try new things if they have been involved in making them.

Honestly, that does sound really gross. I'm using to make my own meals and since I want to be a baker when I grow up, I do try to be creative with them.

I would give them want they want (meat, potatoes, etc) in the most creative, homestyle way possible.

You could try making them:,

1. Homecooked steak & mashed potatoes

2. French toast

3. Tomato omelets (sneak in the tomatoes)

4. Homemade mac & cheese

Avoid those processed cheeses, though. If you sneak into the omelets or mac & cheese, they won't even notice.

I think I would open a vein before trying to cook for that crowd.

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Hamburgers and tater-tots,

Roast beef and boiled potatoes

Chicken (almost anyway with some plain white rice).

HOWEVER - I would introduce one dish outside of their 'comfort' zone at each meal - and see if they take to it. Some people think they only like bland food until given a chance to taste some tasty foods.

Become what I call a "dump cook" dump it right out of the can or box and into the pan, they will love it.

They will not appreciate home cooked food, so sad that so many people now days are into dump cooking and they think that stuff is the way things are supposed to taste.

Like you I hate canned and processed foods. If you are the primary cook for your family then cook fresh and they either eat or they go hungry. I love fresh vegetables, lean meats - beef, chicken, pork and all seafood which I get fresh from the gulf.

Since my husband loves to eat he has learned to eat fresh foods with lovely sauces and condiments. His alternative is to go hungry. I really have no sympathy for people who criticize wonderful cooking - eat or go hungry.

Cook your wonderful dishes and wear ear plugs so you can just smile and ignore their complaints. They will either learn to love good cooking or lose weight.

Good luck and Merry Christmas

Steak,Mashed potatoes,omelet,pizza?idk Im vegan pretty much

eh...hot dog,grilled cheese made with velvetta cheese,chili,and make an omlet made with velvetta,ham,canned bean,topped with hash brown,topped with more velvetta...