I'm a bit of a hardass too.

My kids are 3 and 5, so maybe it's easier for me (so take that into account ok?) but I insist they try to food first.

I was/am a a very fussy eater and when I look back I wish my parents pushed me a little bit harder to at least try stuff. It is very successful for me. I respect if they really don't like something but more often than not they DO like what I ask them to eat.

Also, I make sure they kids watch me enjoy something. If they snub their dinner, I say - yay more for me and start picking of their plates. Lots of times they protest but they DO eat it!

Don't forget the bribes of sweets after dinner (please don't crucify me ) - you can get 3 more spoonfuls into them that way.

When they are little, I do NOT make an issue of food but when they get older I get a little bit harder...