30 January 2014

Some Fruity & Veggie Combos To Try

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Now that we have covered the basics it's time to move on to something more adventurous. Once you have safely introduced these different types of vegetables and fruits, then it's time to "mix 'n match". You can mix any number of vegetables/fruits in any combination you choose. You just need to experiment a bit and trust your instincts as to what your baby would or would not like.

Like I always say, home made baby food is so simple and more importantly so much more rewarding as you know exactly what your baby is eating and you have the ultimate satisfaction of becoming a master chef for that very special little customer!

Have fun experimenting with fun and healthy foods to feed your children.  They will become better eaters, and you can rest easy knowing that you are giving your loved ones the best, healthiest, tastiest food possible. Happy Cooking!


Pear, Blueberries & Banana (6+)
*Blueberries do not fall under the "No Berries Until 12 Months Old" rule and may be introduced as early as 7-months of age. But please do consult your baby's pediatrician if your baby has shown any signs of food allergies. You should consider stewing the blueberries if you are introducing them earlier than 7-8 months and also if you have found your baby has any troubles with digesting other foods.
 * You can omit the berries and the pear and banana combo will be suitable for babies from 4 months onward.

Ripe Pear - 1
Blueberries puree - 3tsp
Banana - 1/2 of a very ripe banana

1. Peel and de-seed a fully ripened pear
2. Mash or puree as needed for your baby's preference .You may wish to steam pear chunks for a bit to soften them and enable easier digestion for a younger baby who starts solids at 4 months of age.
3. To make the blueberry puree - Bring water to a boil. Add blueberries and simmer for 15 minutes until soft. Reserve liquid and use a slotted spoon to transfer blueberries to blender/processor/mixer and puree.
If needed, add some of the liquid to blueberries.
4. Mash the very ripe banana
5. Mix all 3 purees and voila yummy puree ready to serve!
6. Add cereal to thicken up if you wish. I found the puree to be of just the right consistency that Chackochi likes so I didn't need to thicken it any more.

Peach, Pear & Banana (6+)
1 peach
1 ripe pear
1 banana

1. Score an “X” into the side of the peach and lie, X-side down, in a small saucepan of water (the water should come no more than halfway up the peach).
2. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the peaches for around five minutes, until soft.
3. Remove from water and, once cool enough, peel away the skin, cut, and discard stone.
4. Peel and deseed the pear and cut into small pieces.
5. Place the peaches, pear and banana into a blender and puree until smooth.

Notes:
*This puree can be frozen for up to six weeks.
*Banana will start to darken when it is left exposed to the air so peel your banana just before you are going to use it. Dark banana still tastes the same but it doesn't look so appetizing!
*You can also substitute the peach with an apple and the puree will be suitable for 4 month old babies

Pumpkin, Sweet Potato & Carrot (4+)
1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 large carrot , peeled and chopped
1 cup pumpkin, peeled and chopped

1. Steam the vegetables for about 20 minutes or until tender.
2. Blend the vegetables to a puree adding a little of the boiled water at the bottom of the steamer (about 75ml) or some of your baby’s usual milk to make a good consistency for your baby.
3. If you don't have a steamer,  put the vegetables into a saucepan and just cover with boiling water.Cover the pan with a lid and cook over a medium heat until tender (about 20 minutes).
4. Drain the vegetables and blend to a puree using a little of the cooking liquid or you could add a little of your baby’s usual milk.

Notes:
*Suitable for freezing
*Makes about 6 -8 serves

Oatmeal with Apple (6+)

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup water
1 apple, peeled and cut into small chunks
milk, optional

1. Put the rolled oats, water, and apple chunks into a saucepan over medium high heat.
2. Bring to a boil and allow to gently boil for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from heat and transfer to a blender.  Blend until the oatmeal is at your baby’s desired consistency.

Notes
*Will keep stored in the refrigerator for  2-3 days.  Simply reheat and add some of your baby’s usual milk (or more water) to thin it again.  
* You can substitute apples for pears or bananas or any other fruit your baby likes. Let your imagination run wild :)


Here are links to some of the older recipe posts I put up when I had Issac. Check them out!
Apple & Banana Surprise - 4+
Fruity Breakfast Porridge - 6+ or 4+ if you omit the raisins
Creamy Zucchini Soup - 7+
Lentils and Apple Puree - 6+

And also coming up next are some toddler friendly recipes as I've been neglecting that part of my blog for a while now to stay tuned. Until then take care and Happy Pureeing everyone! :)


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