Absolutely!
Although I think toddlers are alot smarter than those books credit them for
They understand sitting at the table to eat with the family is dinner/lunch time - if they have that example set for them.

Best techniques I used. Child won't eat - I start picking food off their plate - oh some of them hate that! And finish their meal.
The good old "just try it". If they don't - no big deal.
No dessert - I don't know any child who doesn't go for that. You can always get one or two spoonfuls in that way. Again if they don't eat, I never make a big deal, they just don't get dessert.

I involved mine in the entire preparation process, even from the high chair. Peeling potatoes, putting them in the pot, explaining what I'm doing. Letting them have a go at mashing etc. Asking if they think it needs a splash of milk yadda yadda.

Also growing something edible in your garden, with the little ones watering it then picking the produce and preparing it in the kitchen is a great way to establish a good relationship with food. It needn't be confined to the high chair or dinner table!