fast & fresh baby food cookbook - jacqueline burt cote

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ISBN:Print978-1-62315-471-4|eBook978-1-62315-472-1

Contents

Introduction

CHAPTERONE

OnlytheFreshestIngredientsOptingforOrganic

Fresh,Frozen,orCanned?

Superfoods

BuyingLocallyGrown

AllergyAwareness

CleanlinessandSafety

AWordonDessert

CHAPTERTWO

FastandEasyCookingCookingMethodsforAll

ToolsandEquipment

Storing,Thawing,andReheating

PlanningandPreppingAhead

HowtoUseThisBook

CHAPTERTHREE4TO6MONTHS

SmoothIntroductionsSingle-IngredientPurées

CookedFruitPurées

RawFruitPurées

SteamedVegetablePurées

Cereals

FruitandVegetableCombinationPurées

GreenBeansandPearPurée

AppleandMangoPurée

AvocadoandBananaPurée

PeasandCarrotsPurée

PlumandNectarinePurée

CarrotandMangoPurée

SweetPotatoandGreenBeansPurée

AvocadoandPearPurée

ZucchiniandBananaPurée

Apple,Nectarine,andBananaPurée

CHAPTERFOUR7TO8MONTHS

NewFlavorsandTexturesSingle-IngredientPurées

CookedFruitPurées

RawFruitPurées

SteamedVegetablePurées

SautéedGreensPurées

CerealCombinations

QuinoaandBananaPurée

ApplePieOatmealPurée

Avocado,SweetPotato,andBrownRicePurée

BlueberriesandQuinoaPurée

Papaya,Kiwi,andOatmealPurée

FruitandVegetableCombinationPurées

Blueberry-AppleYogurtPurée

KaleandAvocadoPurée

Peas,Pear,andBroccoliPurée

CauliflowerandSweetPotatoPurée

Kiwi,Asparagus,andBananaPurée

Peach,Blueberries,andCarrotPurée

Papaya,Banana,andCantaloupeYogurt

Broccoli,Cauliflower,andCarrotPurée

GreenBeansandPapayaPurée

ButternutSquash,Cauliflower,andPeasPurée

KiwiandZucchiniPurée

Peach,Kale,andTofuPurée

WatermelonandPearPurée

Asparagus,Honeydew,andPeasPurée

Apricot,Cherries,andBananaPurée

MeatCombinationPurées

Chicken,Pears,andQuinoaPurée

ChickenandAvocadoPurée

Chicken,Apricots,andPrunesPurée

ChickenandZucchiniPurée

Turkey,Mango,andCucumberPurée

TurkeyandPlumsPurée

Turkey,Carrots,andBroccoliPurée

PorkandApplesPurée

Pork,Carrots,andBrownRicePurée

Beef,SweetPotatoes,andSwissChardPurée

BeefandParsnipsPurée

BeefandGreenBeansPurée

CHAPTERFIVE9TO11MONTHS

BalancedBitesandFingerFoodsCombinationPurées

Peach,Plum,andStrawberryOatmealPurée

Chickpea,SweetPotato,andCauliflowerPurée

BlackBeans,CollardGreens,andParsnipPurée

Chicken,Apple,andSweetPotatoPurée

Chicken,Peas,andBananaPurée

Chicken,Peach,andPumpkinPurée

Turkey,Kale,andPapayaPurée

Turkey,Cauliflower,andApricotPurée

Turkey,Peas,andApplePurée

Pork,Cherries,andPearsPurée

BeefandCarrotPurée

Beef,Asparagus,andPearPurée

Beef,Zucchini,andCherriesPurée

Beef,GreenBeans,andPrunesPurée

FingerFoods

AvocadoToast

ApplesauceMuffins

RoastedSweetPotatoNibbles

TofuBites

Fun-SizeAsparagusFrittatas

TurkeyandCheeseQuesadillas

BroccoliandCarrotPancakes

SweetPotatoandBeanBalls

BakedPearSlices

AppleDateBars

BabyMeals

CottageCheeseandKiwi

Strawberry-PapayaYogurtMix-Ins

ConfettiCouscous

TastyTurkey,SweetPotato,andBeanStew

ButternutSquash“MacandCheese”

Tofu,Quinoa,andAvocadoBowl

MiniApple-TurkeyMeatballs

LeftoverChickenandBrownRicewithSautéedKale

EasyBlackBeanandZucchiniSoup

MiniMeatLoafMuffins

AlphabetandVeggiePasta

CHAPTERSIX12TO18MONTHS

RealMealsandSnacksRealMeals

Whole-WheatBananaPancakes

BreakfastCouscous

TofuScramble

QuickRedLentilSoup

SimpleButternutSquashSoup

MacandCheeseSoup

MozzarellaPoppers

Quinoa-VeggieFritters

CreamyPolentawithTomatoSauce

Mexican“Pizza”

MiniSpinachPizzas

SpinachPestoPasta

SpeedyPastaPrimavera

GnocchiBolognese

BakedMiniRiceBalls

ChickenFriedRice

HamandCheesePockets

FishFingers

Taco“Salad”

BeefandBroccoli

Snacks

GoodGreensSmoothie

Strawberry-BananaSurpriseSmoothie

AlmondButterCerealBalls

SunflowerSeedButterandBananaPinwheels

ZucchiniMiniMuffins

EdamameHummus

WhiteBeanDip

CheeseFondueDip

HummusandCarrotPinwheels

CheesyCarrotBalls

AppendixA:RecipesfortheOne-YearBirthdayParty

AppendixB:SampleMealPlans

AppendixC:MeasurementConversions

References

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INTRODUCTIONGettingaHealthyStart

elcome to the wonderful world of making solid food for your baby!Whetheryou’re planning ahead or eager to startmaking purées tomorrow, get ready for

countlessmessy,surprising,rewarding,frustrating,andhilariousexperiences.Eatingandsleepingare twoofparents’greatestpreoccupationsduring the firstyearof theirbaby’slife.Whileyourchild’s sleep is largelyoutofyourcontrol,whatyou feedyourbaby isentirely—andusuallyliterally—inyourhands.

Allparentswanttogivetheirbabiesthehealthiestpossiblestart,andthere’snobetterwaytodothatthanbyfeedingthemthemostnutritiousanddeliciousfoodsontheplanet.Butwhilenaturalhomemadefaremaybethemostwholesomeoptionforlittleones(andbigones,too),notallparentsfeeltheyhavethetimeorenergytopreparebabyfoodfromscratch. That’s why so many busy moms and dads find themselves resorting toprepackagedpurées:They’refast,easy,andvirtuallymess-free.

Makingyourchild’smealsinyourveryownkitchenisactuallymucheasierandlesstime-consumingthanyoumightthink.Whetheryou’rejustintroducingyourbabytosolidsor teaching your toddler the joys of feeding himself, this book will help you preparesimple but flavorful everydaymeals that can be prepared and cooked in 30minutes orless,andareasnaptostore.

Atthispointinyourlittleone’slife,allthat’snecessaryaredifferentcombinationsoffreshandflavorfulwholefoods.

As you read, you’ll also learn about basic cooking methods, necessary tools andequipment,theimportanceofoptingfororganicgroceries(andwhattochoosewhenyoucan’t),which foodsarehighest inantioxidants (andwhyantioxidantsare sovaluable toyourbaby’sdiet),howtoavoidallergicreactions,andmuchmore.

Conveniently organized by age, each recipe chapter starts with clear-cut advice onyourchild’sdevelopment,hisnutritionalneeds,andwhichfoodshemaybereadytotry,aswellas tipsondealingwith individual tastepreferencesandphases—likewhat todowhenyourtoddlerismoreinterestedinthrowingdinneronthefloorthanputtingitinhismouth.

Best of all, this book is packedwith recipes for every stage of your baby’s growth,fromfourtoeighteenmonths.If therecipessoundsimple, it’sbecausetheyare.Slavingawayinthekitchendoesnotequalgoodparenting.Atthispointinyourlittleone’slife,allthat’snecessaryaredifferentcombinationsoffresh,wholefoods,whichpackbothflavorandthecompletenutritionalpunchthatnatureintended.Feelfreetomaketherecipesasyouseethem,orletthedifferentfoodpairingsinspireyoutoexperiment.

Beginning with cereals and one-ingredient purées and moving on to combinationmashes and toddler meals such as Apple Pie Oatmeal Purée (see here) and ButternutSquash“MacandCheese”(seehere), thesedishes are sodelectable thatyou justmightfindyourselffinishingyourlittleone’sleftovers—ifhedoesn’tgobbleeverythingupfirst,thatis!

CHAPTERONEOnlytheFreshestIngredients

Asanewparent,yourtoppriorityismakingsureyourbabyhaseverythingsheneedstobehappy,healthy,andsafe.Inthesefirstmonthsofyourchild’slife,awell-balanceddietoffresh,nourishingfoodservesasthefoundationformanyyearstocome,providingthebuildingblocksforbothshort-termandlong-termdevelopment.Bypreparingyourbaby’sfoodathome,youcanhelpensureyourlittleonegetseverythingsheneedsandnothingshe doesn’t—namely, added hydrogenated fats, sugar, and oils, as well as potentiallyharmfulchemicalsintheformofflavorings,dyes,pesticides,andpreservatives.

Plus, you’ll find that homemade meals simply taste better than their store-boughtcounterparts.This isbecausemostcommercialbaby foodsareheated toextremelyhightemperatures in order to extend their shelf life, a process that unfortunately diminishesflavor,texture,andevensomevitalnutrientsalongwithbacteria.Relyingonprepackagedfoods can also deprive your baby of much-needed variety, because highly perishableingredients(avocado,melon,andmanyleafygreens,forexample)arerarelyfoundinthenonrefrigeratedsectionsofthesupermarket.

Finally,preparingyourchild’sfoodathomecanturnouttobefarlessexpensiveinthelongrunthanbuyingendlessjarsatthestore,potentiallysavingyouhundredsofdollarsperyear.

OPTINGFORORGANIC

Ifyou’renotfamiliarwithwhatmakesafood“organic”andwhyorganicfoodsareoftenpreferabletononorganic—particularlyforkids—here’swhatyouneedtoknow.

Organic fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat are produced without the addition ofsynthetic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, orhormones such asbovinegrowthhormone, alsoknownas rBGH. It’sworthnoting thatrBGHhasbeenbannedinEuropeandCanada;majorU.S.companiessuchasStarbucks,Yoplait,andDannonhavealsogonerBGH-free.

AccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency’sguidelinesonpesticidesandfood,pesticidesmayhurtchildrenbyblocking theabsorptionofvitalnutrientsessentialfornormalgrowth.Thesechemicalsareparticularlydangerousduringcriticalperiodsofdevelopment when exposure to toxins can permanently alter the way a human being’sbiologicalsystemoperates.Infantsandtoddlersarethoughttobeespeciallyvulnerabletothesehealthrisksbecausetheirinternalorgansarestill intheprocessofmaturing.Also,kidseatanddrinkmorethanadultsinrelationtotheirbodyweight,possiblymagnifyingtheirexposuretopesticidesandotherchemicals.

In 2012, theAmericanAcademy of Pediatrics released its own report on children’sexposuretopesticides,citingresearchthatlinkedpesticideexposureinearlylifetosomepediatriccancers,decreasedcognitivefunction,andbehavioralproblems.

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Even if youmake the decision to feed your babymostly pesticide-free foods, someorganic products aren’t always available or cost-effective. To help shoppers makeinformeddecisionsaboutwhenit’sabsolutelynecessarytobuyorganicproduceandwhenit’s okay to settle for conventional, the EnvironmentalWorkingGroup (EWG) releasestwolistsannually:“TheDirtyDozen”and“TheCleanFifteen.”

TheDirtyDozenandtheCleanFifteenTheDirtyDozenarefoodsthathavehighlevelsofpesticideresidueswhenconventionallygrown.In2014,theEWGrecommendedbuyingtheorganicversionsofthefollowing(orforegoingthem):

Apples

Celery

Cherrytomatoes

Cucumbers

Grapes

Nectarines

Peaches

Potatoes

Snappeas

Spinach

Strawberries

Sweetbellpeppers

TheCleanFifteen were found to have the lowest amounts of pesticide contamination in 2014, and areconsideredsafetobuyconventionallygrown(thatis,nonorganic):

Asparagus

Avocados

Cabbage

Cantaloupe(domestic)

Cauliflower

Eggplant

Grapefruit

Kiwis

Mangos

Onions

Papayas

Pineapples

Sweetcorn

Sweetpeas(frozen)

Sweetpotatoes

FRESH,FROZEN,ORCANNED?

Wonderinghowtochooseamongfresh,frozen,andcannedfoods?Theoretically,freshisthe best—but not, as previously noted, when produce is picked too early and shipped

acrossseveralstates(orevenoceans)toreachyourtable.Inthosecases,frozenfruitsandveggiesprovideasurprisinglynutritiousalternative.FDAguidelinesreleasedin2002notonlyconfirmedthatfrozenproduceisjustasnourishingasfresh,italsonotedthatfruitsandvegetablesmeantforfreezingarepickedatpeakripeness,blanched,andfrozenwithinmerehoursofharvesting,lockinginoptimallevelsofvitaminsandminerals.

Canned produce is processed differently from frozen, and the canning process cansometimesdeplete nutritional value.Foods are still picked at peak ripeness, but tend tolose some of their vitamin C due to the high temperatures used for canning. Still,according to the American Dietetic Association, some canned vegetables (such astomatoes,corn,andcarrots)actuallyprovidehigherlevelsofantioxidantsthantheirfreshcounterparts.

Whenpurchasingcannedproduce,besuretoavoidvarietieswithaddedsaltandstickto non-GMO (genetically modified organism) brands when possible. GMOs arecombinations of different species of plants or animals that can’t occur in nature or bytraditional crossbreeding.WhileGMOconsumptionhasbeendeemed safeby theFDA,groups such as the Organic Consumers Association, the American Academy ofEnvironmentalMedicine, and the Institute forResponsible Technologywarn that it hasbeenlinkedtosideeffectsincludingallergiesandinfertility.Bybuyingorganic,youcanbesurethatyourpurchasedoesnotcontainGMOs.

AlsosteerclearofcanscontainingbisphenolA(BPA)wheneverpossible.Acommonchemicalfoundintheliningofmetalfoodcansandnumerousotherhouseholdproducts,BPA can disrupt the hormone system, particularly when exposure occurs in infancy orearlychildhood.

SUPERFOODS

Chancesare,you’veheardthebuzzabout“superfoods”andhowtheyshouldbeapartofeveryone’s diet, but what makes these foods so super—especially for kids? Think ofsuperfoods as turbo-powered produce: fruits and vegetables that not only provide yourbabywiththenutritionheneedstogrow,butalsowiththedisease-preventingantioxidantsandhealthyfatsheneedstothrive.Hereare10superfoodstoincludeinyourlittleone’sdailymeals.

Avocados:Highinproteinandmonounsaturatedfat,avocadosmayhelpreducetheriskofheartdisease,diabetes,andcancer.They’realsohighintheantioxidantlutein,whichplaysanimportantroleinskinandeyehealth.

Bananas: A great source of potassium, carbohydrates, and fiber, bananas help easedigestionandmaintainhealthybloodpressure.

Beans:Anexcellentwaytoaddproteintoyourchild’sdiet,beansalsoprovidefiberandcalciumandmayhelpcontrolcholesterollevels.

Berries: Packed with fiber and vitamins A and C, blueberries, raspberries, andstrawberriesallboasthighlevelsofimmunesystem–boostingantioxidants.

Broccoli: A cruciferous vegetable known for its cancer-preventing properties, broccolialsodeliversgenerousamountsofbeta-carotene,calcium,fiber,folate,andvitaminC.

Butternutsquash: Like broccoli, butternut squash is high in beta-carotene, vitaminC,fiber,andfolate,pluspotassiumandcertainBvitamins.

Carrots:Yourgrandmawasn’tkiddingwhenshesaideatingyourcarrotswouldhelpyoureyes!Theserootveggiesareburstingwithbeta-carotene,whichconvertstovitaminAandsupportsvision.

Kiwi fruit: In addition to containing vitamin E, thought to protect against the damagecaused by free radicals, a single kiwi provides a generous amount of vitamin C, plusplentyofpotassiumandfiber.

Quinoa: This is one of themost nutritiouswhole foods available; it’s high in protein,fiber,andiron,aswellaszinc,selenium,andvitaminE.

Spinach: In addition to vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lutein, this leafy green containsalmosttwicethedailyrequirementofvitaminK,whichpromotescardiovascularandbonehealth.

BUYINGLOCALLYGROWN

Anothergreatwaytomakesureyou’regettingthemostoutofyourgroceriesistosearchfor locally grown and produced foods.When you shop at farmers’ markets and in the“local”sectionofyoursupermarket,you’rebuyingthefreshestproduceavailable,pickedhours before delivery instead of days. When fruits and vegetables are shipped longdistances, they’re exposed to extreme temperatures, light, and other conditions that cancause important nutrients such as vitamins A and C and thiamine (vitamin B1) to bedepleted.Plus,producemeantfortravelingisoftenpickedbeforeithasachancetoripencompletely and develop full nutritional potency. Depending on the time of year andweatherconditions,however,thefreshfruitsandvegetablesyou’relookingformightnotalways be available. In those cases, frozen or canned produce can be perfectly suitablesubstitutions.

PotentialChokingHazardsIfyourbabyshowsaninterestinfingerfoodsbeforetheageofone,feelfreetobeginthisfun(andmessy)phase—butbesuretostayawayfromthesepotentialchokinghazards:

Hotdogsorsausages(unlesscutintonoodle-likestripsandthenagaininto½-inchchunks)

Wholegrapes(okayifchoppedinhalf)

Cherrytomatoes(tomatoesofanysizeusuallyaren’tintroduceduntilafterbaby’sfirstbirthdaybecauseoftheiracidity)

Popcorn

Chunksofhardcheese(okayifchoppedintoverysmallpieces)

Whitebread(unlikewhole-grainbread,whitebreadcanbeverymushyandcansticktotheroofofbaby’smouthandbackofhisthroat,makingitdifficulttoswallow)

Raisinsandothersticky,driedfruits

Hard,rawvegetablessuchascarrots,apples,celery,broccoli,andcauliflower

ALLERGYAWARENESS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Food Allergies inSchools”report,4.6percentofchildrenyoungerthan18yearsofagehaveafoodallergy.Anallergicreactioniswhathappenswhenyourchild’sbodyperceivesacertainfoodasa“threat”andher immunesystemlaunchesan“attack.”Symptomsofanallergic reactioncan range from watery, itchy eyes to hives to vomiting to difficulty breathing. Thesesymptomsusuallyappearwithinminutes to twohoursofeatinga foodandcanbe life-threatening. Other food allergy symptoms, such as gastrointestinal disturbances andrashes,canbechronic.

CommonAllergenicandGassyFoodsWhetherornotyouhaveafamilyhistoryofallergies,it’salwaysagoodideatointroducenewfoodsslowly,waiting four to seven days between the introduction of each unfamiliar item and watching for signs ofallergy (such as a runny nose, rash, hives, diarrhea, or trouble breathing).The following eight foods aremostlikelytocauseallergicreactions:

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Cow’smilk

Eggs

Fish

Peanuts

Shellfish

Soy

Treenuts

Wheat

Sometimesit’stoughtotellwhetheryourbaby’stummytroublesaretheresultofanallergyorsimplyanunfortunatesideeffectofacertaindish.These10foods,whilenothighlyallergenic,havebeenknowntocausegasinbabies:

Apricots

Beans

Broccoli

Brusselssprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Citrusfruits

Garlic

Onions

Prunes

DelayingFoodsDoesNotPreventAllergies

Fordecades,expertsrecommendedwaitinguntilatleastageonetointroducecommonlyallergenic foods such as eggs, nuts, and fish—but in 2008 the American Academy ofPediatrics released a report (“Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on theDevelopmentofAtopicDisease in Infants andChildren”) that showednoevidence thatdelaying the introduction of these foods past four to six months of age prevents foodallergies.Infact,guidelinesreleasedbytheAmericanAcademyofAsthma,AllergyandImmunology (AAAI) in 2013 stated that delaying the introduction of foods likewheat,cow’s-milk dairy, eggs, nuts, and fishmay actually result in an increased risk of foodallergies.AccordingtotheAAAIrecommendations,onceababyoverfourmonthsofagetolerates a few nonallergenic solids such as rice cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, andapples,parentscanmoveon to feeding foods thatarecommonlyconsidered tobemoreallergenic. (Exclusivebreastfeeding for the first fourmonthsmayprotectagainstcow’s-milkallergy.)

However,ifyouhaveafamilyhistoryoffoodallergiesoryourbabyexhibitssignsofan allergy, such as eczema, it’s best to talk to your family doctor beforemoving aheadwithpotentiallyproblematicfare.

FoodstoAvoidBeforeYearOneWhileparentsmightchoosetoholdoffonsomefoodsduetoallergyfears,thereisashortlistoffoodsthatallbabiesshouldavoidforthefirstyearbecausetheyposeserioushealthrisks.

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Honey: Honey may contain spores ofClostridiumbotulinum, which causes botulism. While an adult’sintestinaltractcanhandlethesesporesinsmallamounts,inbabies,thesporescangrowandproducefataltoxins.

Cow’smilk: According to the American academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Nutrition (“The Use ofCow’sMilkinInfancy”),theconsumptionofcow’smilkunderoneyearofagecanleadtoallergiesand/oriron-deficientanemia.Forthesereasons,youshouldsticktobreastmilkorformulaforatleastthefirstyear.

Low-fatdairyproducts:Unlikegrown-ups,childrenundertheageoftwoneedthefatfromdairyproductsforhealthybraindevelopment,accordingtotheUniversityofMinnesota’sAcademicHealthCenter.Whenyouintroducedairytoyourbaby,makesureit’sfullfat,evenifyoutypicallyoptforalower-fatversionforyourself.Justbemindfulthatalthoughdairyasacategoryshouldn’tbeavoidedbeforeyourbabyturnsone,cow’smilkshould.

Undercookedmeatandeggs:Babiesaremorevulnerablethanadultstobacteriasuchassalmonella,whichcanbepresentinrawandraremeat,poultry,andeggs.Makesuretocookmeatandeggswellbeforeservingthemtobabies.

FoodstoAvoidAddingSalt:Babiesgetthesalttheyneednaturallyfromfoods;thereisnoneedtoaddmore,asadultstendtodofor themselves to flavormeals.According to the global groupWorldAction onSalt&Health (WASH),babiesrequireverysmallamountsofsodium;infact,theirkidneysaretooimmaturetocopewithanyaddedsalt.After12months,WASHrecommendsamaximumof2gramsperday.

Sugar: Added sugar can wreak havoc on brand-new teeth. Plus, it fills up little tummies with emptycalories,leavinglessroomforthenutritiousfoodbabiesreallyneed.

CLEANLINESSANDSAFETY

Infantsareparticularly susceptible to foodborne illnesses, so it’s especially important totaketheproperprecautionarymeasureswhencookingforyourchild.Babiesandtoddlersare alsoknown toput toomuch food in theirmouths at one time and try to swallow itbeforechewing thoroughly (if at all!).Hereare somebasic tips tohelpkeepyourbabysafeandhealthyatmealtime:

Alwaysbesuretowashyourhandsandanyequipmentusedforcookingthoroughlywithhot,soapywater.Takeapartgrinders,blenders,andbabyfoodcookersaftereachuseandwashthemwell,makingsureallthepiecesaredrybeforereassembling.

Useseparatecuttingboardsformeatandnonmeatfoods.

Cookmeat,poultry,andfishthoroughlytokillbacteria.TheFDA’sOfficeofFoodSafetyrecommendscookingredmeatstoaninternaltemperatureofatleast160°F,porkandfishtoatleast145°F,andallwhitemeatpoultrytoaninternaltemperatureofatleast165°F.

Wash,scrub,orpeelallfruitsandvegetables,andremoveseedsorpits.

Alwaysgrindseedsandnuts.

Throwawayanyuneatenleftoversfromyourbaby’sdish.Bacteriacangrowonuneatenfoodandposearisk.

Topreventchoking,makesureyourchildisseatedandsupervisedduringeverymeal.

Cutfingerfoodsintopiecesnolargerthan¼inch,andserveonlyafewpiecesatatime.

SignupforfirstaidandCPRclasses(offeredbymosthospitals)sothatyouknowhow

tohelpyourchildinanemergencysituation.

AWORDONDESSERT

There’snoquestionthatkidsofallageslovedessert.Butasmuchasyourlittleonemightdelight in a bowl of ice cream or a cupcake after dinner, kids benefitmostwhen theirsweettoothissatisfiedbynaturallysweetfoodssuchasfruit.Thesedays,it’seasytofindbagsoforganic,frozenchunksoffruitsuchasmangoorpineappleinthegrocerystore.Itonlytakesafewmomentstoletthemthawbeforeyoucanslicethemupandservethemtoyour child. These raw fruits burst with flavor, and little ones tend to appreciate theircoldness,too,duringtheteethingmonths.

Ofcourse,anoccasionalcupoficecreamorcookieisfine—littleindulgencesarenotgoingtocompromisealifetimeofgoodhealth.Butyouwon’tfindachapterdedicatedtodesserts for littleones in thisbook.However, there isanAppendixA that includes fivehomemadeanddelicioustreatsmeantforcelebratingyourbaby’sfirstbirthday—aneventsospecialit’sworthbreakingtherules!Remember,it’sallaboutinstillinghealthyhabits,andmoderationisthekeytosuccess.

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CHAPTERTWOFastandEasyCooking

hile it’s true that there’sno fasterway togetamealon the table (orhighchairtray) than by merely opening a jar, preparing your baby’s food from scratch

doesn’t have to take much longer. In roughly the time it takes to make yourself asandwich,youcanwhipupa fresh,healthy treat foryour littleone that tastesamilliontimesbetterthananyprepackagedoptionevercould—andthisbookwillshowyouhow.

Unfortunately,someabsolutelywonderfulfoodsforbabiesare impossible tocookinjustahandfulofminutes(unlessyouusethemicrowave).Becausethisbookfocusesonbothfreshandfastmeals,youwon’tfindrecipesinthesepagesthatincludestove-cookedoroven-roastedingredientssuchasfreshbeets,whitepotatoes,orwintersquash(thoughsomeofthesefoodsmakeanappearanceintheircannedorfrozenforms).Insomecases,there are tips and tricks provided for cooking these itemsmore quickly than usual, forexample,bycuttingthemintoverysmallpiecesbeforesteamingorroasting.

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced chef—you can still be an efficient one,particularlywhen it comes to cooking foryour little one.After all, infants and toddlersdon’trequirefour-coursegourmetfeasts!Onceyougetintothehabitofmakingyourownbabyfood,you’llbecomemoreandmorecompetentinthekitchen.

COOKINGMETHODSFORALL

There’s no need tomaster the art of deglazing or find out how to properly flambé; thetechniques you’ll need to learn in order to prepare the recipes in these chapters arerelativelysimple.Infact,you’reprobablyalreadyfamiliarwiththem.

Steaming:Steamingcooksfoodbyexposingittosteamfromcontinuouslyboilingwaterwhilekeepingthefoodseparatefromthewaterinabambooormetalsteamer(sometimesametalbasketplacedinapotfilledwithaninchortwoofwaterandsealedwithalid).Preparingfoodthiswaypreservesthenutrientslostwithboilingor,toalesserdegree,simmering.

Roasting:Roastingcooksfoods(inthisbook,vegetables)throughanindirectheatsourcesuchasanoven.Ahighlevelofnutrientsisusuallyretained,aslongasthevegetablesaren’tovercooked,androastingtendstoenhancetheflavorsofcertainfoods(sweetpotatoes,zucchini,andcauliflower,forexample).Roastingvegetablestypicallyinvolvesaddingasmallamountofsometypeoffat,suchasoliveoil,tokeepfoodfromstickingtothepanand/ordryingout.

Baking:Bakingworksinmuchthesamewayasroasting,buttherecipesthatcallforbakinginthisbookdon’trequiretheadditionofoilsbecausethefoodsbeingcookedalreadycontainfat(meat,eggs,dairy).

Sautéing:Sautéingusesasmallamountofoilorfattocookfoodovermediumtohighheat.

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TOOLSANDEQUIPMENT

Luckily,mostoftheutensilsandcookwarerequiredtoprepareyourbaby’sfoodarelikelyalreadyinyourkitchen.Herearetheabsoluteessentialtoolsyou’llneedtogetstarted.

Stainless-steelsteamerbasket:Usedforsteamingfruitsandvegetables,asteamerbasketisbothinexpensiveandindispensable.

Blenderorfoodprocessor:Whilebothfoodprocessorsandblenderscanbeusedtomakebabyfoodpuréesandmashes,foodprocessorscanalsochop,shred,grate,andslice,andarebetteratmixingandblendinghardfoods.Thatsaid,foodprocessorsarealsomoreexpensive,andmostblendersserveasperfectlyadequatebabyfoodmakers.

Strainer/colander:You’llneedthisforrinsingfruitsandveggies,aswellasdrainingpastasandotherboiledfoods.

Four-sidedboxgrater:Thisisusefulnotjustforgratingcheese,butfruitsandvegetables,too.

Peeler:Apeelerisgreatforpeelinghardvegetablesandfruits,includingcarrots,sweetpotatoes,apples,andpears.

Icecubetray:Whetherplastic,stainlesssteel,orsilicone,thesetrayscomeinhandyforfreezingindividualportionsofbabyfood.

STORING,THAWING,ANDREHEATING

Sinceyourbabywilleatonlyafewtablespoonsoffoodatatime,atleastinthebeginning,you’llbepreparingfoodthatwilllastyousometime.That’swhyit’ssoimportanttoknowhow to correctly store the meals you’ve prepared—improper storage, thawing, orreheatingcancausebacteria togrowthatcouldmakeyourbabysick.Leftoversonyourbaby’splateshouldbethrownaway.

Storing

Herearesomeessential tips tobecomeamasterofbabyfoodstorage,maximizingyourtimeandyourbudget.

Letpreparedfoodcooltoroomtemperaturebeforerefrigeratingorfreezing.

Neverallowcookedfoodtostandatroomtemperatureformorethantwohours(ormorethanonehourifroomtemperatureisabove90°F).

Icecubetraysaretheultimateinconvenienceforfreezingindividualportions.Manyparentsbuynewicecubetraysintentionallyandsolelyforthispurpose.Afterfillingthecompartments,coverthetraywithplasticwrapandfreezeuntilfirm,usuallyabouttwohours.Youcanthenpopoutthefrozenportionsintoaziptopplasticbag.Makesuretonotewhatthefoodis(it’snotalwaysobvious!)andmarkthedate,too.

ThawingandReheating

Herearesomesmartstrategiesforthawingandreheatingfood.

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Thawfrozenfoodovernightintherefrigerator—neveratroomtemperature.Ifyouchoosetothawfoodinthemicrowave,besuretostiroftenandusethedefrostsetting.

Reheatfoodinapanonthestove,ratherthaninamicrowave,toavoidhotspots.

Alwaystestthetemperatureofbaby’sfoodsbeforeserving.

Onceyou’vethawedfoods,don’trefreezethem.Instead,storethemintherefrigerator(foruptotwodays).

PLANNINGANDPREPPINGAHEAD

Withalittlecarefulplanning,youcaneasilyprepareyourbaby’sentiremenufortheweekinjustanhourortwo.

Startbydeterminingwhichfoodsyou’llbeserving.

Makeagrocerylistthatincludesalltheingredientsineachrecipe.

Onceyouhaveeverythingyouneed,sorttheitemsintocategories:whichneedtobesteamed,whichneedtobebakedorroasted,andwhichneedtobepuréedorchoppedwithoutcooking.

Gettoworkmakingthefoodassembly-linestyle:Washandchopalltheingredients.Steamthefirstitem,removeitfromthesteamer,andplaceitintheblender.Puttheseconditemtobesteamedinthesteamer,andsteamwhilethefirstitemisbeingpuréed,andsoon.

Coolandfreezeallthefoodsaccordingtotheinstructionshere.

Thisisalsoanideal timetomakefoodsthat takelongerthan30minutestoprepare.Are youmaking a Sunday roast with sweet potatoes for the family? Toss some of thecookedmeatandpotatoes into theblenderor foodprocessor, andstore thepurée in thefreezerfor later in theweek.Areyoumakingbrownrice?Cookabigbatch; thenpuréeandfreezeindividualportionstobeservedontheirownormixedwithotherfoods.

Byapproachingmealplanningthisway,virtuallyanythingcanbepreparedonthespotin30minutesorless.

HOWTOUSETHISBOOK

Throughouttherestof thisbook, thechaptersfollowasimilarformat.Eachbeginswithintroductory information covering your child’s readiness for various solid foods andtexturesatthatparticularage,appropriateservingsizes,howmuchmilkorformulashouldstillbeconsumed,aswellassomemoregeneraladvice.Eachchapteralsoincludesachartofnewfoodsthatcanbeintroducedandatwhichmonth.

Following the introductory information, each chapter offers numerous recipes.Witheveryrecipe,you’llfindvariouslabelsandicons.Theselabelswillhelpyoutofindcertaintypesofrecipesmorequickly:

Freezer:Thisrecipecanbefrozenforasignificantlengthoftime.

Superfood:Thisrecipecontainsasuperfood.

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Dietarylabels:Thesewilltellyouwhetherrecipesareoneormoreofthefollowing:

gluten-free

nut-free

dairy-free

vegetarian

vegan

Thisbookdoesnotspecify“organic”initsingredientlists,butit’srecommendedthatyoudobuypesticide-free,hormone-free fruits,vegetables,dairyproducts, andmeatsasoftenasyoucanforyourgrowinglittleone.Foreasyreference,seehereforalistoftheDirtyDozenandCleanFifteenfruitsandvegetables.

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CHAPTERTHREEFourtoSixMonths

SmoothIntroductions

o longer a newborn, your babywillmakehugedevelopmental leapsbetween theages of four and sixmonths. Instead of just flailing his arms and legs aimlessly,

he’llbeginkickingandsquirmingmorepurposefully(tofliphimselfoverfromhistummytohisback, for example), andhis growingmuscle strengthwill givehimbetter controloverhisheadandneck.Atsixmonthsold,manybabiesareabletositupunassistedandsome are even starting to creep or crawl. Vision and hand–eye coordination are alsoimproving,making it possible for babies to reachout andgrasp toys andwhatever elsetheysee.

ISBABYREADY?

Aftermonths of exclusively bottle feeding or breastfeeding your baby, you’re probablyeagertointroducesolidfoods—buthowdoyouknowifhe’sreadytomaketheswitch?Thesesignsofreadinesswillhelpyoumaketherightdecisionattherighttime:

Yourbabycankeephisheadinanuprightpositionwithoutwobblingandcansituprightwhilesupported.

He’sabletomovefoodtothebackofhismouthandswallowit,anddoesn’tusehistonguetopushfoodoutofhismouth.

Heseemshungryeventhoughhe’sgettingtherequiredamountofbreastmilkorformulaperday.

Heshowsinterestinwhatyou’reeating,maybeevenreachingoutforyourfork.

RECOMMENDEDSERVINGSIZES

Thekeytosuccessfullyintroducingyourbabytosolidsisstartingslowly—nomorethan1teaspoonofpuréedfoodmixedwith4to5teaspoonsofbreastmilkorformulaperdayatfirst,increasingtotwiceaday.Bythesixmonthsmark,youcanbegintoaddinoatmealorricecereal;graduallyincreasethethicknessofthecerealbymixingitwithlessliquid.

BREASTMILKORFORMULA

Remember, your baby still depends on breast milk or formula for almost all of hisnutritionalneeds, soyoushouldcontinue to feedhim24 to32ouncesofbreastmilkorformula in a 24-hour period (usually between eight and ten feedings a day ifbreastfeeding).

SPILLSANDSETBACKS

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JustbecausebabiesonTVcommercialseagerlyslurpupwhatever’sofferedtothemonaspoondoesn’tmeanreal-lifemealtimeswillbequitesopicture-perfect.Don’tbesurprisedifthefirstfew—orfewdozen—timesyouoffersolids,yourbaby’sreactionistopromptlyspitthemout.Somebabiesevenshudderattheforeigntastesandtextures!Theserefusals(and the resultingmesses) are perfectly normal. Throughout this sloppy and sometimessillyprocess,keepthefollowingadviceinmind:

Don’tautomaticallyassumeyourbabywillneverlikeacertaindishjustbecausehedoesn’tseemtoatfirst.Someinfantsandtoddlersneedtotryanewfoodupto10timesbeforeacceptingit.

Whilesomepediatriciansrecommendintroducingveggiesbeforefruitsothatababy’spalatewon’tbe“spoiled”formorebittertastes,thisruleisn’tsetinstone.Somebabiesneedtheirveggiesmixedwithfruitatfirstinordertogetusedtotheflavor.

Remembertolaugh.Sure,you’retiredandfrustratedandhaveahugemessonyourhands,butsomedayyou’llrememberthatlittleapplesauce-coveredfaceandsmile.

NEWFOODSTOINTRODUCE

Atfourmonths:

Apples

Apricots

Asparagus

Avocados

Bananas

Butternutsquash

Greenbeans

Pears

Sweetpotatoes

Atsixmonths:

Carrots

Mangos

Oatmeal

Nectarines

Parsnips

Peas

Plums

Prunes

Pumpkin

Quinoa

Rice

Zucchini

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CookedFruitPuréesPREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:5TO10MINUTES

Puréesmade fromcooked fruitsareamongalmosteverybaby’svery first tastesofsolidfood.Cooking fruit before puréeing itwill give it a smoother consistency and, in somecases,helpmakeiteasierforbabytodigest.Plus,havingavarietyofcookedfruitpuréesinthefreezermeansyou’llalwaysbeabletosweetenupcereals,veggies,andevenmeatsatamoment’snotice.

Mostofthefruitsonthislistshouldbepeeledbeforecooking,particularlyapples,pears,andpeaches; in thebeginning,youmightwant topeelallofyourbaby’s fruits,asskinscanbedifficultfornovicetummiestoprocess.Coresandpitsshouldberemoved,andthefruit’sfleshshouldbecutintochunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.

Placethefruitinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithafork,5to10minutes,dependingonthetypeoffruit.

Removethepanfromtheheatandletthefruitcool,reservingthesteamingliquid.

Whenthefruithascooled,transferittoeitherablenderorfoodprocessorandpurée(ortransferthefruittoabowlandpuréeusinganimmersionblender).Forathinnerconsistency,addsomeofthereservedsteamingliquid,water,breastmilk,orformula.Cookedfruitcanalsobemashedwithaforkwhenbabyisreadyforthicker,chunkiertextures.

PREPARINGPRUNES.Unliketheotherfruitsonthislist,prunesshouldbestewedinsteadofsteamed.Put½cupofchoppedprunesintoasaucepanwith1½cupsofwaterandbringtoaboilovermedium-highheat.Simmerforabout10minutes,oruntiltender.Removefromtheheatandpourthroughafine-meshstrainer,reservingthecookingliquid.Setasidetocool.Puréethecooledprunesinablenderorfoodprocessor,addingthereservedcookingliquidasnecessarytoreachthedesiredconsistency.

STORAGE:Refrigerateleftoverpuréeinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfreezeforupto3months.

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RawFruitPuréesPREPTIME:5MINUTES

Preparingraw fruitpuréescouldn’tbeeasier. If the fruityou’vechosen is ripeandsoftenough,youwon’tevenneedablender—aforkwillsuffice!Thissimplemethodmakesrawfruitpuréeaperfectchoicewhenyou’reonthego(orjustbusyathome).Atsixmonths,feelfreetoaddpeachesandnectarinestothefollowinglist.

Peelthefruit.Ifyou’reusingmango,cutthefruitinhalflengthwiseasclosetothepitaspossibleandpullapart.Slicethefleshofthemangointosmallsquares(don’tcutallthewaythroughtheskin).Popthesquaresoutbypushingfromtheskinside,andcutthecubesoff.

Ifyou’reusingavocado,slicethefruitinhalflengthwisethesamewayyouwouldamango,pullthehalvesapart,removethepitwithaknifeorspoon,andthenscoopthefleshout.Puréethefruitinablenderorfoodprocessor(ormashitwithafork,ifit’ssoftenough).Mixwithwater,breastmilk,orformulaifnecessary.


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SteamedVegetablePuréesPREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:5TO15MINUTES

Steaming is the easiest, quickestway to bring out the flavor of fresh—or even frozen—vegetables. It may seem strange at first to serve your baby veggies without any salt,dressings, or sauces, sincemost adults prefer their vegetableswith these additions, butyou’ll soon discover that baby’s palate is perfectly primed for these straight-from-the-gardentreats.

Wash,peel,andtrimthevegetablesasneeded.Ifusingasparagusorgreenbeans,besuretotrimanddiscardtheends;carrots,sweetpotatoes,andzucchinishouldbepeeled.Cutlargevegetablesintosmallerpieces;thesmallerthepieces,theshorterthecookingtime.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethevegetablesinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithafork,5to10minutes,dependingonthetypeofvegetable;sweetpotatoesmighttake12to15minutes.

Removethepanfromtheheatandlettheveggiescool,reservingthesteamingliquid.Whenthevegetableshavecooled,puréeineitherablenderorfoodprocessor(ortransfertoabowlandpuréeusinganimmersionblender).Forathinnerconsistency,addsomeofthereservedsteamingliquid,water,breastmilk,orformula.


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CerealsPREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:10MINUTES

Traditionally, most pediatricians recommended rice cereal as a first food for babies,before evenbananasorapplesauce.Theadvice in recent yearshas changed, liberatingparentstobeginwithmoreflavorfulvegetablesandfruits.Whilefirstcerealscanbeprettybland, babies tend to be fans, especially of oatmeal. Oats do not contain the glutenprotein,buttheycanbecross-contaminatedwithglutenwhenprocessedinfactorieswithothergluten-containingfoods.Optforoatslabeledgluten-free.

Asareminder,cerealsshouldnotbeintroducedbeforetheageof6months.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,grindthegrainuntilitreachesapowderyconsistency.(Thiswilltakelongerforbrownriceandquinoathanforoats.)

Inasaucepan,bring1cupofwatertoaboiloverhighheat.Addthegrainandreducetheheattolow.Simmerfor10minutes,whiskingcontinuously,untilalloftheliquidhasbeenabsorbed.

Pourthecerealintoabowlandserveasis,ormixwithfruit,veggie,or(whenyourbabyisolder)meatpurée.

STORAGE:Refrigerateleftovercerealinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfreezeforupto3months.

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GreenBeansandPearPuréeMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:8MINUTES•COOKTIME:8MINUTES

HighincalciumandvitaminK,greenbeansareagreatnutrient-densefirstvegetableforyour baby—andmixing themwith sweet, tasty pearsmakes a spoonful go down easily.Plus,pearsarepackedwithfiberandvitaminCandareknownforbeingespeciallygentleon little tummies,making themaperfect choice forbabieswhomightbe suffering fromreflux.

Tip:Ifyou’repressedfortimeandwanttoskipthetrimmingstep,frozengreenbeanscanbeusedinapinch.Infact,frozenbeans,whichtendtobelesstough,willmakethetextureofthispuréeevensmoother.

1largepear,peeledandcored

1cuptrimmedfreshgreenbeans

Chopthepearinto1-inchcubes.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethegreenbeansandpearinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntilthegreenbeansandpeararetenderwhenpiercedwithafork,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethegreenbeansandpearuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.

STORAGE:Leftoverpuréecanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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AppleandMangoPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Sure,everybabylovesapplesauce,butwhynotmakeitmoreexcitingwiththeadditionoftropicalmangos?Higherincarotenoids(saidtofightcancer,heartdisease,andeventhecommon cold) than almost any other fruit, mangos give plain old applesauce anirresistiblytangytaste.Nearlyanytypeofappleworkswellinthisrecipe,thoughbabiestendtopreferthesweetnessofRedorGoldenDelicious,Gala,andEmpireapples.

Tip:Lookformangosthatareslightlysoftandsmellsweet,withnobruisesorbrowndots.Theyshouldbereddish-orangeorgoldenreddish-orangeincolor.Avoidmangosthataretoosoft,astheycanbestringyintexturewhenoverlyripe.

1largeapple,peeledandcored

1largemango,peeledandcubed(seehere)

Choptheappleinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheappleinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledappleandthemangountilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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AvocadoandBananaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Thecombinedcreaminessofavocadosandbananasmakesthispuréeaparticularlyrichtreat. High in potassium, bananas also provide vitamins B2, B6, and C. Avocados areloadedwith healthy fats and folic acid, and help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrientssuch as beta-carotene and lutein. Both avocados and bananas are especially mild inflavor,makingthisagoodfirstchoiceforsensitivepalates.

Tip:Lookforavocadosthatareextremelydarkgreen(almostblack)incolorandslightlysoft.Ifalloftheavocadosatthestorearehard,unripeavocadoscanbelefttoripenonyourkitchencounterforadayorso.

1largeavocado,halvedandpitted(seehere)

1largebanana,peeled

Cuttheavocadoandbananainto1-inchchunks.

Usingafork,mashthechunkstogetheruntilyoureacharelativelysmoothconsistency.Addwaterasnecessarytothinthemash.

Alternatively,toensureaverysmoothconsistency,puttheavocadoandbananainablenderorfoodprocessor,andpuréeuntilsmooth.

STORAGE:Leftoverpuréecanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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PeasandCarrotsPuréeMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

COOKTIME:5MINUTES

Nothinggoestogetherbetterthanpeasandcarrots,andbothbringavarietyofessentialnutrients to the table.Carrots are high in vitaminA, vitaminC, and calcium; peas arepackedwithfolateandiron.Bothhavemellow,sweetflavorsthatarepopularwithmostbabies.But thebestpartabout thisrecipe is that itcalls for frozenveggies,makingitasnaptoprepare.

Variation:Makethismixevensweeterbyaddingfreshbananachunks.Otherfruitpurées,suchasappleorpear,alsoworkwell, butbananasaddawelcomecreaminess to theseveggies.

1(10-ounce)bagfrozenmixedpeasandcarrots

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethevegetablesinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpeasandcarrotsuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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PlumandNectarinePuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Sincebothofthesetangy,tastyfruitsarehighinfiber,thiscombomakesagreatdigestiveaidforyourbaby.PlumsandnectarinesarealsogreatsourcesofvitaminsCandA.Afteryourbabyreachessevenmonthsofage, leavetheskinsonforextra fiberandnutrition;youngerbabiesmighthaveahardtimedigestingthewholefruit.

Tip:Blackorredplumsworkequallywellinthisrecipe.Lookforblackplumsthathavedarkskinswithaflushofpurpleorred;redplumsshouldbefirmanduniformincolor.Avoidplumswithabrownishtingetotheirskin,astheseareoftenmealyintexture.

1largeplum,pittedandpeeled

1mediumnectarine,pittedandpeeled

Cuttheplumandnectarineinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheplumandnectarineinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledplumandnectarineuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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CarrotandMangoPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Thelovelyorangehueofthismellowmixissuretocatchbaby’seyeandthebeta-carotenewillhelpmakehiseyesstrong.Thinkofthisasatropicalsmoothieonaspoon.Bananasmakeagreataddition if youhappen tohaveoneonhand;oncebaby reaches sevenoreight months, consider tossing in some fresh kiwi or papaya. When you’re ready tointroducedairy,mixthispuréewithplain,full-fatyogurt.

Tip:Frozencarrotscanbeusedinplaceoffreshcarrotsinthisrecipeifyoudon’thavetimeforpeelingandchopping.Anaddedbonustousingfrozencarrotsistheirslightlylesspungentflavor,whichbabiessometimesprefer.

1mediumcarrot,peeled

1largemango,peeledandcutintocubes(seehere)

Cutthecarrotintosmallrounds.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecarrotinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledcarrotandthemangountilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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SweetPotatoandGreenBeansPuréeMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:8MINUTES•COOKTIME:10TO15MINUTES

Sweetpotatoes(oryams,whichareverysimilarbutnotthesamevegetable—thoughyourbabywon’tknow!)areasurefirehitwithalmostallbabiesandaregreatformixingwith(andmasking the tasteof)almostanyothervegetable.They’realsoparticularlyhigh invitaminsA andC, folate, iron, copper, and calcium.While baking sweet potatoes takeslongerthan30minutes,cuttingtheserootveggies intosmallpiecesmakes itpossible tosteamtheminlessthan15minutes.

Tip: Fresh green beans can be replaced with frozen, and fresh sweet potato can bereplacedwithunsweetenedcannedsweetpotatopuréeorcanned/frozenbutternutsquashpurée.

1mediumsweetpotato,peeled


Cutthesweetpotatointo½-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethesweetpotatoandgreenbeansinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,10to15minutes.Thegreenbeansmaycookmorequicklyandcanberemovedfirst.Allowthevegetablestocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledsweetpotatoandgreenbeansuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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AvocadoandPearPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Twoofthemostpalatableearlyfoodsfor“picky”eaters,avocadosandpearsmakeiteasybeinggreen.Sweetandrefreshing,thisdishhasuniversalappealandisagreatbaseformixingwith cereals and other puréed veggies, fruits, and cereals (particularly rice andquinoa).Tryitwithpeasorapples.

Tip:When choosing pears, keep inmind thatAnjou andBartlett tend to be lessmealythan Bosc (though Bosc are usually the sweetest). After a few “experiments,” you’lldefinitelybeabletofigureoutwhichvarietyyourbabyprefers!

1ripeavocado,halvedandpitted(seehere)


Choptheavocadoandpearinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepearinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpearandtheavocadountilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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ZucchiniandBananaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Duetotheirmildtasteandsofttexture,zucchiniandyellowsquashblendwellwithmostother fruitsandveggies.They’realsohigh inpotassiumandvitaminsA,C,andK,andevenhave small amounts of selenium, copper, andmanganese.Due to their highwatercontent, purées made with these summer squash tend not to need any added liquids.Bananasdoanicejobofbalancingoutthewateryqualityofsummersquash.

Tip:Lookforzucchinithataresmallerindiameter,astheseareusuallysweeter.Lookforyellow squash without brown spots or blemishes, which can indicate an unpleasantlyspongyconsistency.

1mediumzucchinioryellowsquash,peeled

1largebanana,peeled

Cutthezucchiniinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethezucchiniinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethezucchiniissteaming,cutthebananainto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethebananaandcooledzucchiniuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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Apple,Nectarine,andBananaPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


This fruit salad inpurée formoffers suchapleasingbalanceof flavors, older kidsandgrown-upswillbetemptedtosneaksomefrombaby’splate!Thebananaaddsapleasantthicknesstothemorewaterytexturesoftheappleandnectarine,andthenectarinebringsan intriguing tang to the mix. At seven or eight months, or whenever you decide tointroducedairytoyourbaby’sdiet,tryaddingfull-fatyogurt.

Tip:Whenchoosingnectarines,lookforfruitthat’sslightlysoftandfragrant,withoutanyhint of green on the skin. Also try to avoid nectarines that appear overly waxy. Ifnectarinesareoutofseason,tryreplacingthemwithfrozenpeaches,whichwillgivethispuréeafluffiertexture.


1mediumnectarine,pittedandpeeled

1largebanana,peeled

Cuttheappleandnectarineinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheappleandnectarineinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Whiletheappleandnectarinearesteaming,cutthebananainto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethebananawiththecooledappleandnectarineuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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CHAPTERFOURSeventoEightMonths

NewFlavorsandTextures

t seven and eight months of age, your baby’s motor skills and hand-eyecoordinationareimprovingrapidly.Notonlycanshemostlikelyrolloverinboth

directions,butyourlittleonemayalsobesittinguponherown,rockingbackandforthonherhandsandknees,crawling,orevenpullingherselftoastandingposition.She’sgettingbetterattransferringobjectsfromonehandtotheother,aswellasfromherhandtohermouth—so if you haven’t baby-proofed the house already, now’s the time. She’sbeginningtofigureouthowtopickthingsupusingjustherthumbandforefinger(calledthepincergrasp).Babyisalsolearningtochewbymovingherjawupanddown,whichreplacesthesuckingmotion.

ISBABYREADY?

Most seven- to eight-month-old babies are ready to move on from single-ingredient,smoothpuréestocombinationpuréesandthicker,mashedmeals.Youcanstartcombiningfoodswhenyou’vealreadyintroducedatleastoneoftheitemsseparatelyandcheckedforfood allergies. Wait until your baby is sitting up in a high chair unassisted, and tryintroducingthesenewmenuoptionsatatimewhenshe’snotextremelyhungry,possiblyalternatingbetweenbitesofafamiliarpuréeandsmalltastesofthetexturedfood.Ifshehasaproblemtoleratingthelumpsinthetexturedfood(evidencedbygaggingorspittingoutthefood),gobacktosmootherpurées(whethercombinationorsingleingredient)andtryagainanothertime.


Betweensevenandeightmonthsofage,yourbabyshouldbeeatingsolid foods twoorthreetimesaday.Eachservingshouldbeaboutthesizeofyourbaby’sfist.Theseservingscouldinclude:

¼to½cupfruit,spreadoutovertwoorthreefeedings

¼to½cupvegetables,spreadoutovertwoorthreefeedings

3to9tablespoonscerealsuchasoatmeal,brownrice,quinoa,ormillet,spreadoutovertwoorthreefeedings

BREASTMILKORFORMULA

Even though solid foods are playing an increasingly larger role in your baby’s diet,breastfeedingor bottle feeding still provide the bulk of her nutrition. In addition to hermeals, she should be drinking 24 to 32 ounces of breastmilk or formula in a 24-hourperiod.

TRANSITIONINGTOASIPPYCUP

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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP’s) Healthychildren.org, mostbabiesarereadytostartdrinkingfromasippycupbetweensixandninemonthsofage.Whilesomebabiesmaketheswitchfrombreastorbottletosippycupseamlessly,othersneed a little encouragement (AAP’s “Infant Food andFeeding”).Here are some tips tohelpmakethetransitioneasier:

Sticktofillingsippycupswithbreastmilk,formula,orwater,andtrytoavoidjuice,whichcanleadtotoothdecay.

Startoutwithasoftspoutthatfeelsmorelikeanipple,asopposedtothehardplasticvariety.

Beforeofferingasippycuptoyourbabyforthefirsttime,trydippingthetipofthespoutintobreastmilkorformula.

Physicallydemonstratetoyourbabyhowtoliftthecupuptohismouthandtipitbacktodrink.

Tryavarietyofmodelsuntilyoufindtherightfit.Some“no-spill”valvesmakeitverydifficultforbabiestogetadrink;otherscomewithbuilt-instraws,whichcertainbabiesseemtoprefer.

NEWFOODSTOINTRODUCE

Atsevenmonths:

Beef

Chicken

Cinnamon

Pork

Tofu

Turkey

Yogurt(full-fat)

Ateightmonths:

Beets

Blueberries

Broccoli

Buckwheat

Cherries

Collardgreens

Cranberries

Cucumber

Eggplant

http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/HALF-Implementation-Guide/Age-Specific-Content/Pages/Infant-Food-and-Feeding.aspx

Flax

Kale

Kamut

Kiwi

Melons

Millet

Raspberries

Swisschard

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CookedFruitPuréesPREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:5MINUTES

Whilecherriesandblueberriesdon’tabsolutelyneedtobecookedbeforepuréeing,it’sagoodideatosteamthemfirstifthey’renotparticularlyripeorsweet.Bothshouldbewashedthoroughly.Ifyou’reusingcherries,removethestemsandslicethefruitinhalf,workingyourknifearoundthepittoremoveit.

Forcherriesorblueberries,fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethefruitinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender(usually5minutes).Removethepanfromtheheatandletthefruitcool,reservingthesteamingliquid.

Whenthefruithascooled,puréeitineitherablenderorfoodprocessor(ortransferittoabowlandpuréeusinganimmersionblender).Addthereservedsteamingliquidasnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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RawFruitPuréesPREPTIME:5MINUTES

Washthefruit.Kiwisshouldbepeeled;ifyou’reusingpapayaormelon,cutthefruitinhalfandscoopouttheseeds,cutthefruitintoslices,removetherindorskinusingasharpknife,andchopthefleshintocubesorchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethefruit;inthecaseofkiwiorwatermelon,mashwithaforkinsteadforathickerconsistency.Addwater,breastmilk,orformulaifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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SteamedVegetablePuréesPREPTIME:2MINUTES•COOKTIME:5TO10MINUTES

Soakthebroccoliorcauliflowerfloretsincoldwaterfor2minutes,thenrinseandpatdry.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethevegetablesinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithafork,5to10minutes.Removethepanfromtheheatandlettheveggiescool,reservingthesteamingliquid.

Whentheveggieshavecooled,puréethemineitherablenderorfoodprocessor(ortransferthemtoabowlandpuréeusinganimmersionblender).Forathinnerconsistency,addsomeofthereservedsteamingliquid,water,breastmilk,orformula.


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SautéedGreensPuréesPREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:5TO10MINUTES

Removetheleavesfromthestalks,discardingthestalks,andwashtheleavesextremelywell(sand,grit,andinsectsoftenclingtoleafygreens),swishingthemincoldwaterandrinsingthoroughly.Choptheleavesroughly.

Inalargesautépanorskillet,heat1teaspoonoliveoilovermedium-highheat.Addthegreensandsauté,stirringoften,untiltheleavesbecometender,about5minutesforchard,10minutesforkaleandcollardgreens.Removethepanfromtheheatandlettheveggiescool,reservinganyliquidinthepan.

Whenthegreenshavecooled,puréethemineitherablenderorfoodprocessor(ortransfertoabowlandpuréeusinganimmersionblender).Forathinnerconsistency,addsomeofthereservedcookingliquidorwater.


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QuinoaandBananaPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Notonlyisquinoaasuperfoodloadedwithproteinandfiber,butitalsocontainshigherlevels of essential amino acids than other cereals and gives fruit purées—in this case,banana—adeliciousdoseof texture.Forbabieseightmonthsandup, tryaddingalittleground flax meal, which provides omega-3 fatty acids. This dish will likely become amorningstapleinyourhouse!

Tip:Largeramountsofquinoacanbepreparedinadvanceandstoredintherefrigeratorforupto48hours,thenblendedwithbananaorothersoftfruits,orpremadepureés.Onebenefit of quinoa is that it barely needs to be pureéd—the texture is already relativelysmooth.

1cupwater

½cupquinoa

1largebanana,peeled

Inasmallpotwithalid,bringthewatertoaboilovermediumheat.

Addthequinoa,coverthepot,reducetheheattolow,andsimmerforabout15minutes,oruntilthewaterhasbeenabsorbed.Allowtocool.

Slicethebananainto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecooledquinoaandbanana,andpuréeuntilitreachesthedesiredconsistency.


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ApplePieOatmealPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Filledwith fiber, calcium,protein, and even someBvitamins, oatsareanutritiousanddeliciousfirstfood,especiallywhenmixedwithapplesorotherfruit.Youandyourbabywilllovethecomforting,familiarscentthatfillsyourkitchenwhilethisiscooking.

Variation:Cinnamonaddsanauthentic“pie” flavor to thisrecipe.Whilesomeparentsare afraid to add herbs and spices to their baby’s food, there’s usually no reason forconcern.Consultyourpediatrician,andwatchforreactionsasyouwouldwithanyotherfood.And if gluten isanyconcern for your familyor yourbaby,make sure tobuyoatslabeledgluten-freetoensuretherewasnocross-contaminationduringprocessing.

¼cupsteel-cutorold-fashionedoats


¾cupwater

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,grindtheoatsuntiltheyreachapowderyconsistency.

Dicetheappleinto½-inchcubes.

Inasmallpotwithalid,combinetheapple,oats,andwaterandbringtoaslowboilovermediumheat.Coverandsimmer,stirringfrequently,untiltheappleissoft,about10minutes.Allowtocool.

Ifasmoothertextureisdesired,puréethemixtureinablenderorfoodprocessor.


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Avocado,SweetPotato,andBrownRicePurée

MAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Brown rice provides more fiber, protein, and B vitamins than white rice (which arestrippedoutduringtherefiningprocess).Heartyandsatisfying,withaninterestingblendoftextures,thiswholesomemealwillbejustasappealingtooldermembersofthefamily—beforeitgoesintheblender,thatis.

Tip:Commerciallypreparedbrownricebabycerealcanbeusedinplaceofcookedbrownrice.Babycerealislessflavorfulandwillgivethemixtureasmootherconsistency.

½mediumsweetpotato,peeled

½mediumavocado,halved,pitted,andpeeled

½cupcookedbrownrice

Cutthesweetpotatointo½-inchdice.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethesweetpotatoinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethesweetpotatoiscooking,cuttheavocadointo1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinetheavocado,cooledsweetpotato,andrice,andpuréeuntilthemixturereachesthedesiredconsistency.


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BlueberriesandQuinoaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Mixingprotein-packedquinoawithblueberriescreatesadeliciousandnutritioustreatforyourbaby.BlueberriesaddvitaminC,potassium,andfiber,makingthiscerealayummybreakfastorsupersnackanytimeofday.

¼cupquinoa

1cupwater

¼cupblueberries

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,grindthequinoauntilitreachesapowderyconsistency.

Inasaucepan,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.Addthequinoaandsimmer,whiskingcontinuously,for10minutes.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheblueberriesinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledblueberriesuntilsmooth,addingwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.

Stirtheblueberrypuréeintothecereal.


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Papaya,Kiwi,andOatmealPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


OriginallyknownasChinesegooseberry,kiwiisrichinvitaminsA,C,andE;potassium;andfolate,andit’shighinfiber,too.Papaya,whichcontainsbeneficialdigestiveenzymes,canbehelpfulforbabieswithrefluxandothertummytroubles.

Variation: Nearly any fruit purée can be mixed with oatmeal to great success. Trybananas,apples,pears,peaches,plums,prunes,berries,orcantaloupe.Ifusingbananas,peaches,apples,orpears,tryaddingasprinkleofcinnamon(about⅛teaspoon).

¼cupsteel-cutorold-fashionedoats

1largekiwi,peeled

¾cupwater

¼cupdicedfreshpapaya

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,grindtheoatsuntiltheyreachapowderyconsistency.

Cutthekiwiinto1-inchchunks.

Inasaucepan,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.Addtheoatsandsimmer,whiskingfrequently,for10minutes.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethepapayaandkiwiuntilsmooth(orslightlylumpy).

Stirthefruitpuréeintothecereal.


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Blueberry-AppleYogurtPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Asyou’veprobablyalreadydiscovered,cookedandpuréedapplesareafavoritefirstfoodwith most babies. The addition of antioxidant-rich blueberries makes this classic evenmorenutritiousanddelicious.Theblueberriescookalongwiththeapplesinthisrecipe,sodon’tworrytoomuchaboutfindingperfectlysweetberries.Justdon’tforgetthatbib—blueberrystainsareveryhardtowashoutofclothes!

Variation: If you’d like tomake this dish when blueberries aren’t in season, the sameamountoffrozenblueberrieswillworkjustaswellasfresh;there’snoneedtothawbeforecooking. Frozen blueberries will give this purée a richer, slightly sweeter flavor (thinkblueberrypie).

3mediumapples,peeledandcored

½cupblueberries

½cupwater

½cupfull-fatplainyogurt

Cuttheapplesinto½-inchcubes.

Inamediumsaucepan,combinetheapples,blueberries,andwater.Simmerovermedium-lowheatuntiltheapplesaretenderandtheblueberriesburst,about12minutes.Removefromtheheatandallowtocool.Donotdrain.

Transferthecooledfruitmixture,includinganyliquidinthepan,toablenderorfoodprocessor,andpuréeuntilitreachesthedesiredconsistency.

Stirthepuréedfruitmixtureintotheyogurt.


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KaleandAvocadoPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Packedwithcalcium, folate,andantioxidants,kale is thekingof leafygreenvegetablesand can be either sautéed or steamed before puréeing. When mixed with superfoodavocado, itbecomesacreamier,morekid-friendlydish.Thisbasicmixturecanserveasthebaseforavarietyofcombinations—tryaddingchicken,rice,quinoa,orbananas.

Warning:Kaleleavesareverythickandneverbreakdownintoaperfectlysmoothliquid.Expectanypuréemadewith kale tobe slightly speckledwith emeraldgreen flecks, butdon’tworry—theseareeasyforbabiestochewanddigest.

2cupstornfreshkaleleaves

1mediumavocado,halved,pitted,andpeeled

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethekaleinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Cuttheavocadointo1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledkaleandavocadountilthemixturereachesthedesiredconsistency.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Peas,Pear,andBroccoliPuréeMAKES3SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Loaded with plenty of vitamin C and soluble fiber, broccoli makes a great addition toalmostanybabyfoodrecipe—butitsslightlybittertastecanbeatoughsellforsomelittleones.Blendingbroccoliwithmellowpeasandmildpearsisagentlewaytointroduceyourbabytothisnutritionalpowerhouse.Also,besurethatthebroccoliissteamedthoroughly,asthiswillremovesomeofitspungency.

Variation:Swapout thepears forbananas if youwanta thicker, creamier consistency.The sweetness of the bananas also helpsmask the flavor of the broccolimore than thepearsdo,thoughit’sagoodideatogetbabiesusedtothetasteofgreenveggiesasearlyaspossible.


¼cupbroccoliflorets

2tablespoonsfreshorfrozenpeas

Cutthepearinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepearandbroccoliinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookforabout5minutes.

Addthepeasandsteamfor5minutesmore.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpear,broccoli,andpeasuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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CauliflowerandSweetPotatoPuréeMAKES5SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Likeitscruciferouscousinbroccoli,cauliflowercontainsphytochemicals(whicharesaidto help prevent cancer) and lots of vitaminA.When steamedand puréed, cauliflower’slight,creamytextureblendswellwithalmostanything.Frozencauliflowerworkswellinthisrecipe,too.Slightlynuttyinflavor,milletmakesthisaheartymealperfectforwinternights.

Tip: Cauliflower is also available in orange and even purple; these varieties offerintriguinglybrightcolors,andprettymuchthesametaste.


1cupcauliflowerflorets

¼cupmillet

½cupwater

Cutthesweetpotatointo½-inchcubes.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethesweetpotatoandcauliflowerinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about15minutes.

Meanwhile,inasmallsaucepanwithalid,combinethemilletandwater,andbringtoaboilovermediumheat.Reducetheheattolow,coverthepot,andsimmeruntilallthewaterhasbeenabsorbed,about15minutes.Stiroccasionally.

Removethemilletfromtheheatandallowtocool,covered,forabout5minutes.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethesweetpotato,cauliflower,andmillet,andpuréeuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Kiwi,Asparagus,andBananaPuréeMAKES5SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Asparagus is not only relatively high in protein for a vegetable (2 grams in just fivespears),butalsoprovidesiron,fiber,folicacid,andevensomecalcium.Whenpickingoutasparagus, lookforabunchwithstalksofuniformsizeandfirm,notmushy, tips.Whileasparagusmixeswellwithmany fruits, thesmoothbananain thiscombocanhelpbabygetusedtothevegetable’ssometimesslightlystringytexture.

Warning:Whilekiwisarenothighlyallergenic,theyareanacidicfruit,whichmaycauserashesaroundthemouth(ordiaperarea).Ifkiwicausesthistypeofreactioninyourbaby,tryremovingitfromherdietforaweekortwo,thenreintroducingit.

1cuptrimmedasparagusspears

1mediumkiwi,peeled

1largebanana,peeled

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheasparagusinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Cutthekiwiandbananainto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecooledasparagus,kiwi,andbanana,andpuréeuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Peach,Blueberries,andCarrotPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Mostbabieslovethemild,tangysweetnessofpeaches,whicharehighinvitaminsAandC,aswellas fiber,andcanhelpkeepyourbabyregular.Blueberriesaddan intriguingtexture to themix,while the carrots bring a pleasant earthiness.Frozen blueberries orpeaches can be usedwhen fresh are out of season; youmay need to steam these for aminuteortwolonger.

Tip:Ripepeachesshouldbe firmbutslightlysoft to the touchandvery fragrant.Avoidpeacheswithbruisesor flatareas,andwatchout forwrinklyskin—thiscouldbeasignthatthepeachwaskeptchilledafterharvestfortoolongandbecamedehydrated.


1mediumpeach,pittedandpeeled

¼cupblueberries

Cutthecarrotinto½-inchrounds.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecarrotinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Cutthepeachinto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecooledcarrot,peaches,andblueberries,andpuréeuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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Papaya,Banana,andCantaloupeYogurtMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Soothingandcool, cantaloupe isa refreshingwarm-weather treat forallages.Becauseyouwon’tfindcannedorfrozenversionsinthegrocerystore,thisisonefruitthatcanonlybeenjoyed fresh. It’shigh invitaminA,beta-carotene,andcalcium.In thisdish,mixingcantaloupe with papaya and bananas gives the watery melon a creamier consistency.Choosecantaloupeswithalightbeigerindthatareslightlysoftonthe“blossom”end.

Warning: Because cantaloupes can sometimes carry salmonella on their rinds, it’simportant tohandleandprepare themeloncarefully.Makesure topurchasecantaloupethat isn’t bruisedordamaged, and refrigerate it promptly.Wash yourhandswithwarmsoapywater after handling, and scrub the entiremelonwith coolwater and a producebrushimmediatelybeforecuttingandeating.

1largebanana,peeled

1cupcantaloupechunks

1cuppapayachunks

¼cupfull-fatplainyogurt

Cutthebananainto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethebanana,cantaloupe,andpapaya,andpuréeuntilsmooth.

Stirthefruitpuréeintotheyogurt.


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Broccoli,Cauliflower,andCarrotPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


There’sareasonwhythesethreeveggiesaretraditionallypresentedasaside-dishmedley.Thesweetcarrotsandmildcauliflowernicelyoffsetthesharperflavorofthebroccoli,andthecombinationofnutrientscan’tbebeat.Thismixworksespeciallywellasachunkiermashonceyourbabycantoleratethickerpurées,asthebroccoliandcauliflowergivethecarrotsamoreinterestingtexture.

Tip:Usefrozenbroccoli,cauliflower,and/orcarrotsinplaceoffreshsoyoudon’thavetodo any peeling or chopping. These three veggies are often sold in the same bag in thefreezersection.Ifyoudochoosefrozen,expectamoreuniformtextureandmilderflavor;frozenbroccolialsotendstosteammorequicklythanfresh.


½cupbroccoliflorets

½cupcauliflowerflorets

Cutthecarrotinto½-inchslices.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecarrot,broccoli,andcauliflowerinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,10to12minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledcarrot,broccoli,andcaulifloweruntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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GreenBeansandPapayaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Oneofthemilder-tastingvegetables,greenbeansareusuallyafavoritewithbabies,andthey’reboundtobeanevenbiggerhitwhenmixedwithdelicate,velvetypapaya.Thefruitlends a welcome creaminess to the green beans, which can sometimes have a stringytexturewhenpuréed.Tryaddingoatmealorriceforaheartiermeal.

Tip: A papaya is fully ripe when it’s bright yellow with smooth skin. Slightly greenpapayas can be ripened at home on your counter.When preparing a papaya, you caneitherscoopthefleshoutusingamelonballerorremovetheskinusingavegetablepeeler(papayaskinsarerelativelysoftandthin)andthenslicethefruit.


1cuppapayachunks

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethegreenbeansinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledgreenbeansandthepapayauntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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ButternutSquash,Cauliflower,andPeasPurée



It takes about 50 minutes to bake or roast butternut squash. Luckily, frozen butternutsquashpuréeisjustasnutritiousasfreshandcanbepreparedinnotimethroughouttheyear.Itsdelicate,slightlynuttyflavorcomplementsalmostanyvegetable,fruit,ormeat.

Variation:Roastedbutternutsquashorbakedsweetpotatoescanbeusedinplaceofthefrozensquashpuree.Justaddittotheblenderwiththepeasandcauliflower.Ifusingfreshvegetables,thepuréecanbefrozenforupto3months.

½cupfrozencookedbutternutsquashpurée

½cupfreshorfrozenpeas


Preparethebutternutsquashpuréeaccordingtothepackagedirectionsandplaceitinamediumbowl.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepeasinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Removethepeasfromthesteamerbasketandaddthecauliflower.Coverandcookuntiltender,about10minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledcauliflowerandpeasuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.

Stirthecauliflower-peapuréeintothebutternutsquashpurée.


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KiwiandZucchiniPuréeMAKES3SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


ThisrecipedoublesthegreenwithadynamicduorichinvitaminsA,C,andE.Thebright,citrusy kiwi adds a zesty note to themild, buttery zucchini, and babies love the almostjellyliketexturethesetwofoodshavewhencombined.Tryleavingtheskinonthezucchiniforbabieseightmonthsandolder.

Tip:Justincaseyou’rewondering,there’snoneedtostraintheblackseedsoutofyourkiwipurée.They’reperfectly edible!Anotheruseful tip:Youdon’t actuallyhave topeelkiwi—youcansimplycutitinhalfandscoopoutthegreeninsides.

1mediumzucchini,peeled

1mediumkiwi,peeled



Whilethezucchiniissteaming,cutthekiwiinto1-inchslices.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledzucchiniandkiwiuntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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Peach,Kale,andTofuPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Introducing baby to leafy greens as early as possible is a great idea, as they are thefoundation for a healthy lifelong diet. Mixing these veggies with no-fail favorites likepeaches is a clever way to get your baby used to their flavor while adding still morevitaminsandminerals.Forbabieseightmonthsandup, leave theskinon thepeach forextrafiber.

Tip:Ifyourpeachisn’tespeciallyripeorsweet,tossitinthesteamerbasketwiththekale—butonlyforabout5minutes.Cookingfruit,evenforashortperiodoftime,helpsdrawoutthefruit’snaturalsugars;cookingitfortoolongwillbegintodestroythenutrientsitcontains.

2cupstornfreshkaleleaves


¼cupdicedfirmtofu

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethekaleinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Slicethepeachinto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledkale,peach,andtofuuntilthemixturereachesthedesiredconsistency.Addwaterifnecessary.


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WatermelonandPearPuréeMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


More than just a standard dessert at barbecues and picnics,watermelon is actually anextremelynutritioustreat:Highinlycopene(anantioxidantlinkedtocancerprevention)andarginine(thoughttopromotehearthealth),it’salsopackedwithvitaminsAandCandis rich in electrolytes, which will do a better job of keeping baby hydrated than anyartificiallyflavoredsportsdrinkevercould!

Tip:Contrary topopularbelief,“tapping”awatermelon tosee if it’sripe isn’t thebestmethod.Instead,lookforwatermelonsthathavedarkgreenrindsfreeofcutsandbruisesandhavea creamyyellow spoton thebottom.They shouldalsobe relativelyheavy fortheirsize.Storeinacool,well-ventilatedplace;oncecut,keepintherefrigerator.

1largepear,coredandpeeled

1cupseedlesswatermelonchunks


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepearinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpearandwatermelonuntilthemixturereachesthedesiredconsistency.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Asparagus,Honeydew,andPeasPuréeMAKES5SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


LowincaloriesandhighinvitaminsAandC,honeydewhasadistinctivetasteandjuicytexture loved by kids of all ages. In this recipe, the almost flowery flavor of themelonbrings out the just-picked taste of fresh asparagus spears and sweet green peas; thewateryconsistencyalsogivesthestarchierpeasapleasantlift.

Tip:Whenchoosinghoneydew, look forawaxy(not fuzzy)rind thatspringsbackwhenpressed.Avoidrindswithcuts,cracks,dryareas,orsoftspotslargerthan2inchesacross.Themelonshouldalsofeelheavyforitssize.



½cuphoneydewchunks

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheasparagusinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookforabout5minutes.

Addthepeastothesteamerbasket,cover,andcookforabout5minutesmore.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledasparagusandpeasandthehoneydewuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Apricot,Cherries,andBananaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


One of the most eagerly anticipated treats of the summer, cherries are more than justdelicious. They’re also surprisingly high in calcium as well as vitamins A and C. Ifcherriesareripeandsweetenough,there’snoneedtosteamthem;ifnot,steamingforjustafewminutescanhelpbringouttheirflavor.Thesamegoesfortheapricotsinthisrecipe.Anddon’tworryaboutpeelingthecherries;theskinswillpuréeeasily.

Tip:Ripeapricotsshouldbe firmbutslightlysoft to the touchandvividorange inhue.Whenchoosingcherries,lookforadeepsaturationofcolorandfirmskins.

1mediumapricot,pitted

½cupcherries,pittedandhalved

1largebanana,peeled

Cuttheapricotinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecherriesandapricotinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Cutthebananainto1-inchslices.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledcherriesandapricotandthebananauntilsmooth.Addwaterifnecessarytoachievethedesiredconsistency.


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Chicken,Pears,andQuinoaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Twomild foods that taste great together, chicken and pears provide baby with a solidservingofprotein,vitaminC,fiber,magnesium,andselenium.Ifyourchickenhappenstobe a bit on the dry side, don’t worry—the refreshing pear purée will add just enoughmoisturetomakethisdishgodowneasy!Quinoaaddsproteinandfiber,andsometexturedependinguponhowsmoothlyit’spureed.

Variation:Applescanbesubstitutedforpearsinthisrecipe;useonelargeapple,cored,peeled, and steamed in the same way. Try Golden Delicious if available. One of thesweetest,mostmellowvarietiesofapple,itworksbetterwithchickenthanGrannySmithorMcIntosh,forexample,whicharemoretart.


½cupdicedcookedchickenbreast

½cupcookedquinoa(seehere)


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepearsinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpears,chicken,andquinoauntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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ChickenandAvocadoPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:5MINUTES

If you’ve ever eaten chicken enchiladas with guacamole or a grilled chicken breastsandwichtoppedwithavocado,youknowexactlyhowscrumptiousthecombinationinthisrecipecanbe—andtheflavorsworkjustaswelltogetherinpuréeform.Infact,youmightbetemptedtodipatortillachipintheleftovers!

Variation:Thecreamytextureofavocadomixesjustaswellwithturkeyorbeefasitdoeswithchicken.CombiningbeefandavocadowillresultinaMexican“seven-layerdip”sortofflavor,whileaddingavocadototurkeycanhelpoffsetthesometimesdryconsistencyofthewhitemeat.

1mediumavocado,halved,pitted,andpeeled


Cuttheavocadointo1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréetheavocadoandchickenuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Chicken,Apricots,andPrunesPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Whilemanypeoplearetemptedtooverlookfreshapricotsbecausetheycansometimesbemealyanddry,theselittlefruitspackabignutritionalpunch—andwhenpickedproperly,they’requiteatreat!Perfectinchutneysandjam,apricotsmakeasuitablecompaniontothe chicken in this recipe, as neither taste overwhelms the other. No need to peel theapricots;steamingwillmaketheirskinssoft.

Variation:Ifyoucan’tfindfresh,ripeapricotsatthestore,considerusingdriedinstead—driedapricotsarealwayssweet!Sticktounsulphuredvarieties,andpuréethesamewayyouwouldprunes.



¼cupprunepurée(seehere)

Cuttheapricotinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheapricotinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledapricotandchickenuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary,andmixwithprunepurée.


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ChickenandZucchiniPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Mellowandalmostbutteryinflavor,zucchinitendstopickuptheflavorofwhateverit’spaired with. In this recipe, the summer squash adds a creamy sweetness to the savorychicken; its highwater contentwill also keep thepurée fromgetting toomealy. If yourbaby’sdigestivesystemcantoleratetheextrafiber,leavetheskinonthezucchini—justbesuretowashitwell.

Tip: Like parsnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and even asparagus, zucchinidevelopsadeeper,morecomplexflavorwhenroasted.Touseroastedzucchiniinsteadofsteamedinthisrecipe,preheattheovento400°F.Chopthezucchiniinto¼-inchcubesandtossthemwith1teaspoonofoliveoil inamediumbowl.Spreadthezucchinicubesinasingle layerona9-by-13-inchbakingpan, leavingabout1 inchofspacebetweenthem.Bakefor15to20minutes,oruntiltender.

1mediumzucchini,peeled




Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethezucchiniandchickenuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Turkey,Mango,andCucumberPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Give turkey a tropical twist with the addition of ripe, juicy mango, which is high inantioxidants,beta-carotene,andvitaminK.Funfact:Mangosarepartofthedrupefamily,a typeof fruit inwhichanouter fleshypartsurroundsapit;olives,coconuts,anddatesarealsodrupes.

Variation:Ifyoufindthatgroundturkeyistoodry,tryusingamixtureofhalfturkeyandhalf ground beef. Some peoplewho are trying to eat less redmeat find thismakes thetransitionfrombeeftoturkeyeasier.Thoughyourbabylikelywon’tknowthedifference,hemayappreciatethemoresucculenttexture!

1teaspoonoliveoil

½poundgroundturkey

½cupcubedmango(seehere)

½cupcucumber,peeledandcubed

Inamediumsautépanorskillet,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.

Addthegroundturkeyandreducetheheattomedium-low.Cook,stirringfrequentlyandbreakinguptheturkeyintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.

Draintheexcessfatfromthepanandallowtheturkeytocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecooledturkey,mango,andcucumber,andpuréeuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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TurkeyandPlumsPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Didyouknowtherearenearly40differenttypesofplums?Thestonefruitcomesincolorsfromblacktoredtogreentoyellow,thoughyou’llprobablyfindonlyafewoftheseshadesat your local grocery store—themost common varieties are black and red.While someplumsaresweeterthanothers,they’reallhighinvitaminC,calcium,andfiber.

Tip:Ifyou’restuckwithaplumthat’snotparticularlysweet,steamthefruitforabout5minutes before puréeing it with the turkey. This will help bring out the plum’s naturalsugars.Steamingwillmaketheplumsofter,too.

1teaspoonoliveoil

½poundgroundturkey

1largeplum,pittedandpeeled



Whiletheturkeyiscooking,cutthepluminto½-inchchunks.

Draintheexcessfatfromthepanwiththeturkeyandallowtheturkeytocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledturkeyandplumuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Turkey,Carrots,andBroccoliPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Someday, you’llpacka turkey sandwichwithcarrot sticks inyour littleone’s lunchbox.Fornow,youcangivehimthesamenutritiousmealonaspoon(withthesneakyadditionofsuper-nutritiousbroccoli!).

Variation: Try mixing turkey with other steamed or roasted veggies, such as sweetpotatoesorbutternutsquash.

1largecarrot,peeled

½cupbroccoliflorets

1teaspoonoliveoil

½poundgroundturkey


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecarrotsandbroccoliinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithaforkorknife,8to10minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethecarrotsandbroccoliaresteaming,heattheoliveoilovermediumheatinamediumsautépanorskillet.



Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledturkey,carrots,andbroccoliuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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PorkandApplesPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


There’s a reason why pairing pork chops and applesauce has become a time-honoredtradition:thecombinationisdelicious!Ofcourse,there’snoreasontosticktochopswhenitcomestore-creatingthismealforyourbaby.Infact,werecommendusingcookedporkloin,whichisleanbuttendstobejuicierthanchops.PackedwithproteinandhigherinBvitamins thananyother typeofmeat,pork’smild flavormakes itaversatileaddition tomanybabypuréesandmashes.

Tip:When looking forpork, try to stickwith free-rangeand/orantibiotic-freevarieties,justasyouwouldwithbeeforchicken.Andmakesureyourporkiscookedthoroughly,toatleast145°F,theUSDA’srecommendedinternaltemperatureforpork.

1largeapple,coredandpeeled

½cupdiced,cookedporkloin

Cuttheappleinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheappleinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledappleandporkuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Pork,Carrots,andBrownRicePuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Aperfectrecipeforusingupdinnertimeleftovers,thiscombinationofmellowtastesmakesforayummymeal.Freshcarrotsbringout thepork’snaturalsweetness,whilearomaticbrownriceroundsouttheflavorsnicely.Foraddedcolorandtexture,tossinsomefreshsteamedpeas.

Variation: Insteadof steamingcarrots for this recipe, try roastinga largerbatchwhenyoupreparetheporkloinandrice(whichthewholefamilycanenjoy).Preheattheovento400°F.Chop4peeledcarrotsinto¼-inchchunksandplacetheminamediumbowl.Tosswith1teaspoonoliveoil.Spreadthecarrotsoutinasinglelayeronabakingpan.Bakefor25minutes,oruntilthecarrotsaretender.

1largecarrot,peeled

½cupdicedcookedporkloin

½cupcookedbrownrice(seehere)


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecarrotinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithaforkorknife,8to10minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethecooledcarrot,pork,andriceandpuréeuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Beef,SweetPotatoes,andSwissChardPurée



Creamy,starchysweetpotatoesaddtotherichnessofthebeefandhelpsoakupthejuices—thinkofayummypotroastsurroundedbyroastedrootveggieswithasideofdelicious,iron-rich greens. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins A and B, this meal is asnourishingasitisdelectable.


½cupchoppedSwisschardleaves

½poundgroundbeef


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethesweetpotatoesandchardinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about15minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethesweetpotatoesandchardaresteaming,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheatinamediumfryingpan,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.

Draintheexcessfatfromthepanandallowthebeeftocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeef,sweetpotatoes,andcharduntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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BeefandParsnipsPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Parsnips looklikeawhiteversionofcarrots,but theyhavea tasteall theirown:sweet,slightly nutty, and completely delicious. They also contain potassium, fiber, and Bvitamins.Lookforparsnipsthatarepaleincolorandfirm.

Tip:Ifyouhavetime,roasttheparsnipsbeforepuréeingforwonderfulflavor.Preheattheovento400°F.Choptheparsnipinto¼-inchcubes,andtosswith1teaspoonoliveoilinamediumbowl.Spreadthemout inasingle layeronabakingpanandbake for35to40minutes,oruntiltheparsnipsaretender.

1mediumparsnip,peeled

½poundgroundbeef

Cuttheparsnipinto½-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheparsnipinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,8to10minutes.Allowtocool.

Whiletheparsnipissteaming,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheatinamediumsautépanorskillet,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.

Draintheexcessfatfromthepan,andallowthebeeftocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeefandparsnipsuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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BeefandGreenBeansPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


While green beans in jarred baby food tend to be somewhat bitter, the beans in thishomemade blend retain their just-picked sweetness. The beef is juicy and flavorful, notgelatinousandbland,asisthecasewithsomecommercialbabyfoods.

Variation:Ifyou’reusingfrozengreenbeans,whynottryfrozenmixedveggiesinstead,fora stewlikepurée?Simply substitute the sameamountof frozengreenbeans, carrots,andpeas(orwhateverveggiesyouwanttoexperimentwith)forthefreshbeans.

½cuptrimmedgreenbeans

½poundgroundbeef

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethegreenbeansinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithaforkorknife,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethegreenbeansaresteaming,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheatinamediumsautépanorskillet,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeefandgreenbeansuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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CHAPTERFIVENinetoElevenMonths

BalancedBitesandFingerFoods

hancesareyou’respendingmostofyourtimejusttryingtokeepupwithyourlittleonethesedays.He’smostlikelycrawling(possiblyatquiteafastpace)andcruising

around thehousewhileholdingon to furniture—hemightevenbewalkingonhisown!He’sprobablymasteredtheartofsittingupforlongperiodsoftimeunassisted,andyou’llnotice thathe’sstarting tounderstand language, responding tocertainwordsandmaybeshakinghishead to indicate “no”or “yes.”Plus, thepincergrasp (usinghis thumbandforefingertopickupobjects)he’sbeendevelopingoverthepastfewmonthsisjustaboutperfectedatthispoint,whichmakesthisagoodtimetotackletheskillofself-feeding.

ISBABYREADY?

Ingeneral,babiesaren’tverysubtlewhenitcomestolettingyouknowthey’rereadyforamoreindependentapproachtomealtime—bytheageofninemonths,yourchildwillmostlikelybegrabbingfor thespoonasyou’re trying tofeedherorevenattempting tostealdinnerfromyourplate!

Baby’sfirstfingerfoodsdon’thavetobecomplicated—infact,thesimplertoprepare,the better, especially considering not all of thesemorsels are going tomake it into hermouth. Stick to soft foods—as your little one probably doesn’t have toomany teeth toworkwithjustyet—withasmuchnutritionaspossiblepackedintoeverybite.

Introducefingerfoodsslowly,servingnomorethanfourorfivepiecesatatime,andmonitoryourbabycarefullywhilesheeats.Don’tworryifmorefoodendsuponthefloorthan in her mouth at first. Learning to self-feed is all about experimentation, so it’sperfectlynormalforyourbabyto“play”withherfoodatthispoint.

In addition to providing recipes for simple finger foods, this chapter also includesrecipes formeals that lookmore likewhat you’re eating.With their introduction here,they’re categorized as baby meals. With a few modifications, you might find that therecipesinthissectionworkasfamilymeals,notjustbabymeals.


Between nine and elevenmonths of age, your baby should graduallymove up to threesolidmealsaday,witheachmealconsistingofonetothreeservingsofcombinationsofthe food groups below. Servings should still be about the size of your baby’s fist,including:

¼to½cupfruit

¼to½cupvegetables

⅛to¼cupprotein-richfoods

⅓cupdairy(or½ouncecheese)

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¼to½cupcereal

BREASTMILKORFORMULA

Nowthatyourbabyiseatingsolidfoodsmoreregularly,youmaybetemptedtocutbackon breastfeeding or bottle feeding—but don’t rush it. Through about his first birthday,he’llstillneed24to32ouncesofbreastmilkorformulainevery24-hourperiod.

DEALINGWITHAPICKYEATER

If yourbaby turnsuphis nose at all of your carefullypreparedpurées and consistentlyhideshisfingerfoodsintheseatofhishighchair,don’tdespair.Whenitcomestofeedingbabies and toddlers, thebest-laidmealsoftengo towaste.Somekids seem fussy aboutfood because they have especially sensitive taste buds; others are just naturally morecautiouswhenitcomestotryingnewthings.Aslongasyourpediatriciansaysweightgainand growth are normal, there’s most likely no reason to worry. Andwhile you shouldnever forceyourbaby to eat a certain food, there are some tips that canhelpmake thetransitiontosolidseasier:

KeepdistractionstoaminimumduringmealtimebyturningofftheTVandkeepingtoysandbooksawayfromhishighchairtray.

Experimentwithdifferenttexturesandtemperatures.Somebabieslikeithot(butnottoohot!);othersprefercoolorroom-temperaturefoods.Somebabieslikeslippery,wetmealsonaspoon;otherslikefirmchunkstheycanfeedthemselves.

Makesureyourbabyisn’ttoofullofbreastmilkorformulawhenhesitsdowntoeat.Trynursingorgivingabottleaftermealtime.

NEWFOODSTOINTRODUCE

Atninemonths:

Beans

Cheese

Chickpeas

Cottagecheese

Creamcheese

Lentils

Onions

Peppers

Potatoes(white)

Turnips

Wheat

Attenmonths:

Corn

Fish

Strawberries

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Peach,Plum,andStrawberryOatmealPurée



Old-fashioned rolled oats cook in nearly half the time as steel cut, and are virtuallyidenticalnutritionally.Ifyou’relookingtospendevenlesstimeinthekitchen,try“quickrolledoats,”whichcookinabout1minute.

Variation:Skipthesweetenedpacketsofinstant“peachesandcream”or“strawberriesandcream”oatmeal,andmakeyourownversionbyomittingtheplumandadding½cupfull-fatplainyogurtand½teaspooncinnamontothecerealafterpuréeing.

1cupwater

½cupold-fashionedrolledoats


1mediumplum,pittedandpeeled

¼cupslicedstrawberries

Inasmallsaucepanwithalid,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.

Reducetheheattolowandstirintheoats.Simmer,uncovered,stirringoccasionally,forabout10minutes,untiltheliquidhasbeenabsorbed(theoatsshouldn’tbetoodry,however).Removethepanfromtheheatandallowtheoatstocool.

Cutthepeachandpluminto½-inchchunks.

Placethepeach,plum,strawberries,andcooledoatsinablenderorfoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth(orslightlylumpy).


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Chickpea,SweetPotato,andCauliflowerPurée



A staple in vegetarian diets across the globe, chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, zinc,manganese, folate, and even iron!While these nifty little legumes have been known tocausegas inbabies, thiscanbeavoidedbyrinsingcannedchickpeasbeforeusingthem(or soakingdried chickpeasbefore cooking).The chickpeas in this recipe lendamuch-neededsavorynotetothesweetpotatoesandcauliflower.

Tip:Tryaddingchickpeas toavarietyofotherpurées, too.Notonlywill thechickpeasgiveyourbabymuch-neededprotein,they’llhelpkeepcertainfruitandvegetablepuréesfrombecomingtoorunny(particularlythosefeaturingwateryitemssuchaszucchini).


1cupcauliflowerflorets

¼cupcannedchickpeas,drainedandrinsed


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethesweetpotatoandcauliflowerinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about15minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledsweetpotatoandcauliflowerandthechickpeasuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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BlackBeans,CollardGreens,andParsnipPurée



Inexpensive, flavorful,andafabuloussourceofprotein,blackbeansresult insofterandsmootherpuréesthansomeothervarietiesofbeans.Thesweetnessoftheparsnipsoffsetsthe slightly bitter quality of the collard greens, while all three ingredients combinedprovideaninterestingarrayoftextures.

Tip:Whenshoppingforcollards,alwayslookforvivid,deepgreenleaves.Smallerleaveswill be sweeter and more tender than larger leaves. Store collards, bagged, in therefrigeratorfor3to5days.

1mediumparsnip,peeled

1cupchoppedcollardgreenleaves

¼cuprinsedcannedblackbeans,drainedandrinsed

Cuttheparsnipinto½-inchrounds.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheparsnipandcollardgreensinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookforabout5minutes.Removethegreensandsteamuntiltheparsnipistender,about5minutesmore.Allowbothvegetablestocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledcollardgreensandparsnipandtheblackbeansuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Chicken,Apple,andSweetPotatoPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


High inproteinand iron, chicken is oneof themost easily digestiblemeats.When firstintroducingyourbabytochicken,trypairingthemeatwithsweetfruitsandveggieslikeapplesandsweetpotatoes.Thiscombinationprovidesa tastybalanceof fiber,vitamins,andminerals,andworksaseitherasmoothorchunkypurée.




Cuttheappleandsweetpotatointo½-inchcubes.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwater,andbringtoasimmer.Placethesweetpotatoinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookforabout5minutes.

Addtheappleandsteamfor5minutesmore,oruntilbotharetender.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledsweetpotatoandappleandthechickenuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Chicken,Peas,andBananaPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Perfectforanybabywithasweettooth—whichmeansjustabouteverybaby—thisrecipeblends themildest of all meats, veggies, and fruits into onemega-mellowmash.Whenbabyisreadytotryfeedinghimself,tryservingafewbitesofeachofthesefoodsonhishighchairtraywithoutpuréeing;theyallmakegreatfirstfingerfoods.

Variation:Thanks to the creamy sweetness of the bananas, you can easily replace thepeasinthisrecipewithamorebitter-tastinggreenveggiesuchaskale,collardgreens,orSwisschard.Anyofthesewillgivethepuréeathinner,grittierconsistency.


1largebanana,peeled


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepeasinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Cutthebananainto1-inchchunks.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpeas,banana,andchickenuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Chicken,Peach,andPumpkinPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Pumpkins aren’t just for holiday pies and jack-o’-lanterns. They’re actually extremelynutritious, boasting plenty of vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, and even iron andprotein.Cookingpumpkin fromscratchcanbe time-consuming—andpumpkinseason isbrief—butcannedpuréesarejustasbeneficialandtasty.Makesuretobuypurepumpkinpurée instead of pumpkin pie filling, which has added sweeteners and flavorings. Tryusinganyleftovercannedpuréeinpancakes.

Variation:Aswithpeachcobblerorpumpkinpie,adashofcinnamoncomplementsthisdish nicely. Cinnamon is also a common ingredient in Greek and Moroccan chickendishes.Trythecombinationingrown-upmeals,too!

1mediumpeach,pitted

½cupcannedpurepumpkinpurée


Peelthepeach,ifbabycan’ttoleratetheskin,andcutthefleshinto1-inchchunks.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepeachinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledpeach,pumpkinpurée,andchickenuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Turkey,Kale,andPapayaPuréeMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Similarinflavortochicken,butlesslikelytodryoutwhencookedingroundform,turkeyisanothergreatsourceofproteinandiron.Unlikewithbeef,youmayfindthatyouneedaboutateaspoonofoliveoilinthebottomofthepanwhilesautéing.Theenzymesinthepapayawillhelpyourbabydigestthemeatandtheantioxidant-andfiber-richkale.

Variation:Tryaddingbrownriceorquinoaforamorecompletemeal,orpreparepastastars(alsoknownaspastina)andstirthemintotheturkeymixture.Babieslovepastina,whichcooksquicklyandisextremelyeasytodigest.

1teaspoonoliveoil

½poundgroundturkey

1cuptornkaleleaves

½cupdicedpapaya

Inamediumsautépanorskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.


Whiletheturkeyiscooking,fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethekaleinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledturkeyandkaleandthepapayauntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Turkey,Cauliflower,andApricotPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Mellower than a peach or nectarine, but with a slight mouth-puckering tang, apricotsmake a lively accompaniment to most poultry dishes. Cauliflower, meanwhile, is asversatileaveggieastheycome—anddidyouknowthatthe“flowers”areactuallycalledcurds?Neithertoostrongnortoobland,thismedleyofflavorsissuretobeahitwitheventhepickiestofeaters.

Variation: Since turkey and cauliflower are mild in flavor, almost any fruit can besubstituted for the apricots. If apricots are out of season, try using steamed apples,steamed or very ripe pears, or ripe bananas. Around Thanksgiving, you can even tryblendinginalittleall-natural,low-sugarcranberrysauce!

1teaspoonoliveoil

½poundgroundturkey



Inamediumsautépanorskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.


Whiletheturkeyiscooking,cuttheapricotintoslices.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecauliflowerinasteamerbasket,setitoversimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about12minutes.Addtheapricotduringthelast5minutesofcookingifit’snotquiteripe.Allowtocool.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledturkey,cauliflower,andapricotuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Turkey,Peas,andApplePuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


ThinkofthisasapuréedversionofThanksgivingdinner:turkey,veggies,andapplepie,minusthecrust!Lighterthangroundbeefbutjustasquickcookingandeasytoprepare,groundturkeyishighinBvitaminsandprotein,andorganicvarietiesarerichinomega-3fattyacids.Whenyourbabyisreadyforachewierexperience,thismedleycanbemashedwith a fork instead of blended. Just be sure to steam the apple and peas until they’readequatelysoft.

Variation:Trypear,mango,orpapayainsteadoftheappleinthisrecipe.Pearswilladdamild flavor similar to apples, while mango or papaya will give the turkey and peas atropicaltwist.Steampearsasyouwouldtheapples,butthere’snoneedtocookmangoorpapaya.

1teaspoonoliveoil

½poundgroundturkey





Whiletheturkeyiscooking,cuttheappleinto1-inchcubes.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placetheappleandpeasinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,5to8minutes.Allowtocool.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledturkey,apple,andpeasuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Pork,Cherries,andPearsPuréeMAKES5SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


A tantalizingmix of tart and sweet, this recipemight remind you of a gourmet chutneyservedalongsideporkchopsoraroast.Yourlittleonewilllovethesweet,jamliketaste,whileyou’ll love thehealthydoseofprotein,antioxidants, fiber,andvitaminCthisdishprovides.(Ifyouhaveparticularlyripe,juicycherriesintherefrigerator,feelfreetoskipthesteamingstep.)

Variation: Fruit-sweetened, premade cranberry sauce makes a tangy, super-nutritioussubstituteforthecherriesinthisrecipe.Useabout¼cupinplaceofthecherries.Becausetheycantakeupto25minutestocook(andbecausethey’resomewhatbitterontheirown)cranberries can be tricky to incorporate into baby’s diet—but since they’re high inantioxidantsandpromoteurinarytracthealth,it’sworthtryingtosneaktheminwheneveryoucan.

1mediumpear,coredandpeeled


½cupdicedcookedporkloin

Cutthepearinto½-inchcubes.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepearandcherriesinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltenderwhenpiercedwithaforkorknife,8to10minutes.Allowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledcherriesandpearandtheporkuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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BeefandCarrotPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Likechicken,beefishighinprotein—andevenhigheriniron—aswellascalcium,folate,andBvitamins.Stickwithgroundbeefthat’satleast80percentlean,andlookfororganicorgrass-fedvarieties,whicharehigherinomega-3fattyacidsthancorn-fedbeef.

Variation:Ifyourbabyhastriedonionswithoutanydigestivedifficulties(read:gas),trysautéingabout¼cupdicedyellowonionwiththebeef.Asmallamountofonionpacksahugehelpingofflavor.

1largecarrot,peeled

½poundgroundbeef

Cutthecarrotinto½-inchrounds.

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethecarrotsinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethecarrotsaresteaming,inamediumsautépanorskillet,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheat,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeefandcarrotsuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Beef,Asparagus,andPearPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


This sweet and savorymeal has all of your flavor bases covered—not tomention yourbaby’snutrientneeds:protein,iron,fiber,folate,andvitaminsA,B,andC.Asparagusalsocontains the “prebiotic” inulin, a type of carbohydrate that helps maintain a healthybalance of bacteria in the digestive system, particularly when paired with foodscontainingprobiotics,suchasyogurt.

1largepear,peeled


½poundgroundbeef


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepearandasparagusinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Whiletheasparagusandpearsaresteaming,inamediumsautépanorskillet,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheat,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeef,pears,andasparagusuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Beef,Zucchini,andCherriesPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Believe it or not, cherries and beef make for a very successful pairing; youmay haveexperienced the combination in the formof cherry-glazedbrisket or burgerswith blackcherrycompote.Inthisrecipe,steamedzucchiniaddsavelvetyaccenttothemix.

Tip:Use frozen cherries if youdon’t have time to takeout thepits, or if fresh cherriesaren’tinseason.Frozencherrieswillgivethepuréeamorewateryconsistency;theymayneedtobesteamedforaminuteortwolonger,too.

1mediumzucchini


½poundgroundbeef


Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethezucchiniandcherriesinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethezucchiniandcherriesaresteaming,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheatinamediumsautépanorskillet,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeef,cherries,andzucchiniuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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Beef,GreenBeans,andPrunesPuréeMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


While prunes are really just dried plums, they have a much richer flavor and densertexture than their freshcounterparts.They’realsoknown foraidingbabies (andadults)whoaresufferingfromslowdigestion.Savesometimebylookingforpittedprunes,andstick with varieties that haven’t been preserved with sulfites, if possible. The stickysweetness of this dried fruit brings out the savory quality of the browned beef in thisrecipe;thegreenbeansaddextravitaminsandfiber.

1cuptrimmedgreenbeans

½poundgroundbeef

¼cupprunepurée(seehere)

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethegreenbeansinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about8minutes.Allowtocool.

Whilethegreenbeansaresteaming,cookthegroundbeefovermedium-lowheatinamediumsautépanorskillet,stirringfrequentlyandbreakingthebeefintosmallpieceswithaspoonasitbrowns,forabout15minutes,untilbrownedevenlyandcookedthrough.


Inablenderorfoodprocessor,puréethecooledbeefandgreenbeansandtheprunepuréeuntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.Addwaterifnecessary.


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AvocadoToastMAKES1SERVING


Whilethisrecipeisaboutassimpleastheycome,there’ssomethingincrediblydeliciousabout avocado on toast—try it and youmight even find yourself skipping that butteredbagelmostmornings in favor of this super-healthy combo. Your avocadomust be ripeenough to easilymashwith a fork for this recipe towork; a puréewould bemuch toorunny.

Variation:Trysprinklinggroundflaxmeal,wheatgerm,oralittlegratedcheeseontopofthemashedavocado.A layerofcannedrefriedbeansalsoworkswell.Youcaneven tryaddingabitofrawtofumashedinwiththeavocadoforextraprotein!

1slicewhole-grainbread

½mediumavocado,halved,pitted,andpeeled

Lightlytoastthebread.

Inasmallbowl,mashtheavocadowithafork.

Spreadtheavocadoonthetoastandcutintobite-sizepieces.

STORAGE:Avocadotoastshouldbeeatenimmediately.

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ApplesauceMuffinsMAKES12MINIMUFFINS


If you make these light and naturally sweet applesauce muffins for your child, just beprepared—shemight notwant to eat anything else! The key to their airy quality is thewhole-wheat pastry flour, which is finer than regular whole-wheat flour, but morenutritiousthanwhiteflour.

Variation: If your child has an egg allergy or you’re a vegan, substitute one large,mashedbananafortheegg.Itmakesthemuffinsslightlymorespongyintexture,butwon’taffectthecookingtime.

¼cupplus1teaspoonoliveoil

1largeegg

½cupapplesauceorapplepurée(seehere)

1cupwhole-wheatpastryflour

2teaspoonsbakingpowder

Dashgroundcinnamon

Preheattheovento400°F.Grease12wellsofaminimuffintinwith1teaspoonoftheoliveoil.

Inamediumbowl,whisktogethertheremaining¼cupoliveoil,theegg,andtheapplesauce.Stirintheflour,bakingpowder,andcinnamon.

Pourthemixtureintothemuffincupsuntileachisabouttwo-thirdsfullBakefor15minutes.

Cuteachmuffinintosmallerpiecesbeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftovermuffinscanbestoredatroomtemperatureinanairtightcontainerforupto2days,refrigeratedforupto1week,orfrozenforupto3months.

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RoastedSweetPotatoNibblesMAKES5SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Asclosetoadessertasanyvegetablecanget,thisnaturallysugaryrootvegetableisevenmore enticingwhen it’s roasted, becoming caramelized and almost syrupy sweet.Whilemostroastedveggierecipescantakeclosetoanhourtocomplete,thisonetakeslessthanhalfthetime;thesweetpotatoesarecutintobite-sizechunksbeforebaking,sotheycookfaster and more evenly. These nibbles are equally appetizing warm, cold, or at roomtemperature.

Variation:Tryreplacingthesweetpotatoeswithdicedpeeledbutternutsquashwhenit’sin season. Squash is a wonderful substitute because it’s just as tasty and nutritious assweet potatoes and cooks in the same amount of time, so you don’t need to make anyrecipeadjustments.

2mediumsweetpotatoes,peeled

1tablespoonoliveoil

Preheattheovento400°F.

Chopthesweetpotatoesinto¼-inchcubesandplacetheminamediumbowl.Addtheoliveoilandstirtocoat.

Spreadthesweetpotatoesinasinglelayerina9-by-13-inchbakingpan,leavingabout1inchofspacebetweenthem.

Bakefor25minutes,oruntilthesweetpotatoesaretender.

STORAGE:Leftovernibblescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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TofuBitesMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Easytochewandhighincalcium,fiber,andfattyacids,tofumakesafabulousfirstfingerfood.It’salsoconsideredtobea“completeprotein,”orafoodthatcontainsanadequateproportion of all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for a healthy diet. Thegroundflaxmealoffersitsownheart-healthy,antioxidizingnutrients—plus,thetextureofthemealmakestheslipperytofueasierforlittlefingerstopickup.

Variation:Thetextureofrawtofumightbeoff-putting tosomebabies—oreven toyou!Forasweettreatthat’slikelytobegobbledup,replacethetofuinthisrecipewithslicesofbanana;justmakesurethey’renottoomushy.

1(14-ounce)packagefirmtofu,drained

2tablespoonsgroundflaxmeal

Cutthetofuinto1-inchcubes.

Inasmallbowloralargezip-topbag,combinethetofuwiththeflaxmeal.Mixorshakeuntilthecubesareevenlycoated.

STORAGE:Leftoverbitescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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Fun-SizeAsparagusFrittatasMAKES12MINIMUFFINFRITTATAS


Whilepediatriciansonceadvisedholdingoffonintroducingeggstoyourchilduntiluptotwo years of age, according to the most recent recommendations from the AmericanAcademyofPediatrics, offering eggsas earlyas sixmonths is not onlyacceptable, butmightevenhelppreventfoodallergiesfromdeveloping.Eggsareagoodsourceofeasilydigestibleproteinandcontainmanyotheressentialnutrientssuchascholine,vitaminD,andfolate.Lookforcage-freeororganicvarieties.

Cooking Tip: The best muffin liners around are made of parchment paper not onlybecausetheypopeasilyoutofmuffintins,butalsofoodpopseasilyoutoftheliners.

1teaspoonoliveoil

3largeeggs

2tablespoonsgratedcheddarcheese

¼cupdicedasparagus

Preheattheovento375°F.Grease12wellsofaminimuffintinwiththeoliveoil.

Cracktheeggsintoamediumbowlandwhisk.Whiskinthecheese.Addtheasparagusandstir.

Pourthemixtureintothemuffincupsuntileachisabouttwo-thirdsfull.

Bakefor12to14minutes.

Cuteachfrittataintosmallerpiecesbeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftoverfrittatascanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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TurkeyandCheeseQuesadillasMAKES2SERVINGS


While traditional coldcutsare loadedwithnitratesandotherunhealthy fillers,organicdelimeatsareausefulshortcutforbusyparentsinsearchofaquick,kid-friendlyproteinfix. They’re also easy for little toothless ones to chew, particularlywhen cut into smallbitesasinstructedinthisrecipe.Lookfororganicturkeybreast,aswellasorganiccorntortillas,tomakesuretherearenoGMOsinyourfood.

Variation:This is a versatile, if simple, recipe that works well with various meats. Inplaceoftheturkey,tryorganicslicedhamforasweeterflavororroastbeefforarichertaste.

2slicesturkeybreastmeat

¼cupshreddedcheddarcheese

2smallcorntortillas

Layertheturkeyononeofthetortillasandsprinklewiththecheese.Placetheothertortillaoverittocover.

Inamediumsautépanorskillet,cookthequesadillaovermediumheatuntilthecheesehasmelted,about2minutesoneachside.

Allowthequesadillatocoolalittle,thencutintobite-sizepieces.

STORAGE:Leftoverquesadillacanbewrappedinplasticwrapandrefrigeratedforupto1day.

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BroccoliandCarrotPancakesMAKES8TO10SILVERDOLLAR–SIZEPANCAKES


Kids love pancakes, and these veggie-filled flapjacks are no exception.Hold the butterandmaplesyrup—thankstothecarrotsandapplesauce,thesepancakesaresweetenoughwithoutanyaddedsugar.

Variation:Nearlyanyveggiescanbeused inplaceof thebroccoliandcarrots; justbesuretosteamthemtothepointwherethey’resoftenoughtomasheasilywithafork.

¼cupbroccoliflorets

¼cupdicedpeeledcarrot


1cupwater

1tablespoonapplesauce

1teaspoonoliveoil

Fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwater,andbringtoasimmer.Placethebroccoliandcarrotinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntilverytender,about15minutes.Allowtocool.

Transferthebroccoliandcarrottoamediumbowl,andmashwithafork.

Addtheflour,water,andapplesauce,andstirtocombine.

Inalargesautépanorskillet,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.

Poursmallcirclesofthebatter(about3inchesindiameter)intothepan.Whenbubblesappearononeside,flipthepancakeswithaspatulaandcookuntilgoldenbrownonbothsides.

Cutthepancakesintosmallpiecestoserve.

STORAGE:Leftoverpancakescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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SweetPotatoandBeanBallsMAKESABOUT10BALLS

PREPTIME:5MINUTES

Kids loveputtingsmall, fun-shaped items in theirmouths.Luckily, these little treatsaremuchtastierandmorenutritiousthanmostthingsyourbabywilltrytoeat!They’realsosoftandeasytochew,withatexturethat’snottoomushyandnottoochunky.Savoryandsweet,thesebeanballsaregreatontheirownorservedwithapplesauceoranotherfruitpuréefordipping.

Tip:High in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, cannellini beans have a buttery, mellowflavorandskinsthataren’tquiteastoughasothervarietiesofbeans,suchasredkidneybeans.Rinsingcannedbeansafterdrainingthemcanhelpprevent thegassysideeffectsassociatedwithlegumes.

1cupcannedcannellinibeans,drainedandrinsed

½cupsweetpotatopurée(seehere)

¼cupgroundflaxmeal

Placethebeansinamediumbowlandmashwellwithafork.

Addthesweetpotatopuréeandflaxmealtothebowlandmixwelltocombine.

Usingaspoon,scoopabout1tablespoonofthemixtureandformitintoaballwithyourhands.Repeatuntilyouhaveusedallofthemixture.

STORAGE:Leftoverbeanballscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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BakedPearSlicesMAKES6TO8SLICES


Bakingpearslicesnotonlybringsout thenaturalsweetnessof thefruit,butalsomakesthesliceseasiertochew.Thismethodworkswellforturningotherhardfruitsintofingerfoods,too,suchasapplesorstonefruits(peaches,nectarines,andplums)thataren’tsoftenough.Ifbakingstonefruits,however,leavetheskinsonandremovethemafterthey’recooked.

Variation:Tryaddingasprinkleofcinnamonornutmegbeforebaking.Thisisalsogreatonapples,peaches,nectarines,andplums.


2½tablespoonswater


Cutthepearintoslicesandspreadtheminasinglelayerina9-by-11-inchglassbakingdish,leavingabout1inchbetweentheslices.

Pourthewateroverthepears.

Bakeuntilthepearsaretender,about15minutes.

Cuteachsliceintosmallerpiecesbeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftoverslicescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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AppleDateBarsMAKES6TO8SLICES


Justasdecadentandrichasoatmealcookiesbutwithouttheaddedsugarorrefinedflour,theseyummybarsarepackedwithfiberandprotein.Theymakeanexcellentbreakfastorsnackandareparticularlyportable;tossafewinaninsulatedbagandbringthemtotheplaygroundforwhenyourlittleoneneedsaquickenergyfix—andbringafewextraforyourself!

Tip:Highinfiber, iron,andpotassium,datesareassweetascandy—andjustassticky,too!Tokeepthisgooeyqualityfrommakingthemtoodifficulttochop,trycoatingapairofkitchenshearsorasharpknifewithcookingsprayoroliveoil.

Cookingspray

1½cupsquick-cookingrolledoats

¼cupwhole-wheatpastryflour

⅔cupchoppedpitteddates

1½cupsgratedapple

¼cupapplejuice

Preheattheovento400°F.Coatan8-by-8-inchglassbakingdishwithcookingspray.

Inalargebowl,combinetheoats,flour,dates,apple,andapplejuice,andstirwelltocombine.

Pressthemixtureintothebakingdishinanevenlayer.Bakeuntillightlybrowned,about20minutes.

Allowthebarstocoolslightlybeforecuttingintobite-sizepieces.

STORAGE:Leftoverbarscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1weekorfrozenforupto3months.

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CottageCheeseandKiwiMAKES1SERVING,½CUP

PREPTIME:5MINUTES

Oncepopularasadietfood,cottagecheese—thefull-fatvariety—isactuallyaconvenientand deliciousway to sneak extra calcium and protein into your baby’s diet.Most littleones like the taste and texture all by itself, but combining cottage cheese with a juicy,colorfulfruitlikekiwiaddstoitsappealandnutritionalcontent.

Variation:Youcantryasmanydifferentspinsonthisvariationastherearefruitsinthesupermarket; theyallmake forquickand tasty snacksor evenbreakfasts. Soft, tropicalfruitslikepapaya,honeydew,cantaloupe,andwatermelonmixespeciallywellwithcottagecheese.

1mediumkiwi,peeled

¼cupfull-fatcottagecheese

Chopthekiwiinto½-inchcubes.

Inasmallbowl,combinethecottagecheeseandkiwi.

STORAGE:Cottagecheeseandkiwishouldbeeatenrightaway.

Strawberry-PapayaYogurtMix-InsMAKES5SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:5MINUTES

Highincalciumandprotein,yogurtcontainslive,activeculturesthatcanhelpmaintainhealthybacteriainbaby’sdigestivetract.Besuretoavoidyogurtsthatsay“heattreated”on the label, as is the case with many commercially prepared yogurts; this processdestroys the beneficial cultures. Rather than buying fruit-flavored yogurts, which oftencontainaddedsugars,makeyourownbyaddingfresh,dicedfruitorfruitpuréestofull-fatplainyogurt.

Variation:Addanydicedsoftfruittoyourbaby’syogurt.Bananas,peaches,mangos,andkiwiworkespeciallywell.

¼cupdicedstrawberries

¼cupdicedpapaya

1(6-ounce)containerfull-fatplainyogurt

Inamediumbowl,mixthestrawberries,papaya,andyogurttogether.

STORAGE:Leftoveryogurtcanbestoredintherefrigeratorinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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ConfettiCouscousMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Oftenmistakenforagrain,couscousisactuallyatypeofpasta.Still,thesmall,grain-liketexturemakesiteasierforbabiestochewthaneventhetiniestpastashape.Choosewhole-wheatcouscouswhenyoucan;it’shigherinfiberandproteinthantheregularvariety,andbabywilllovethenutty(butnut-free!)flavor.Bothtypesofcouscouscookquickly.Eitherfresh or frozen veggies can be used in this recipe, but using frozen saves peeling andchoppingtimeandguaranteesthatthecarrotswillallbethesamesize.

1cupwater

1cupwhole-wheatcouscous

½cupfrozenmixedpeasandcarrots

2tablespoonsgratedParmesancheese(optional)

Inasmallpotwithalid,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.

Removethepotfromtheheat,pourinthecouscous,andstir.

Coverthepotandletitsitfor10minutesoruntilallthewaterhasbeenabsorbed.

Whilethecouscousiscooking,fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethepeasandcarrotsinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,about5minutes.

Inamediumbowl,combinethecouscous,peasandcarrots,andParmesancheese,ifdesired.

STORAGE:Leftovercouscouscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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TastyTurkey,SweetPotato,andBeanStew


PREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKINGTIME:25MINUTES

Superhighinbothproteinandfiber, thisheartystewisperfectonchilly fallandwinterevenings—thoughit’sjustasyummyinthemiddleofspringorsummer.Ifyouhavesomefresh tarragon on hand, sprinkle in about a tablespoon while the stew is simmering.Delicateandfragrant,tarragontastesabitlikefennelandgoeswellwithwhitemeatsandall kinds of vegetables. For “dessert,” try a little pure pumpkin purée spiked withcinnamonandnutmeg.

Tip:Dependingonhowmuchtextureyourbabycanhandle,thisstewcanbepuréedforasmoother consistency. While cannellini beans are soft, they do have skins that can betrickyforbabieswithnoteethtochew.Justaquickpulseintheblenderorfoodprocessorwillmakethismealeasiertomanagewhilestillretaininganicechunkyfeel.

1tablespoonoliveoil

1poundgroundturkey


1cancannellinibeans,drainedandrinsed

2cupslow-sodiumchickenorvegetablebroth,orwater

Inalargestockpot,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.Lineaplatewithapapertowel.

Addthegroundturkeyandsautéuntilbrowned,about5minutes.

Transfertheturkeytothepapertowel–linedplatetodrain.

Cutthesweetpotatointo½-inchcubesandaddthemtothepotinwhichyoubrownedtheturkey.Cookovermediumheatforabout5minutes.

Returntheturkeytothepotandaddthebeansandbroth.Bringtoaboiloverhighheat.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerforabout10minutes.Allowtocoolslightlybeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftoverstewcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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ButternutSquash“MacandCheese”MAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


If your baby is allergic to cow’s-milk products or your family is vegan, this dairy-freeversion of the classic comfort food providesmore vitamin A, fiber, and folate than theoriginal.Thankstothemellowappealofthebutternutsquashandfullflavorofthewhole-wheatpasta,yourbabywon’tevenknowwhathe’smissing.Ofcourse,cheesecaneasilybe added to this recipe if you’d prefer; simply stir in about a tablespoon of gratedParmesancheeseaftertherecipe’sfinalstep.

Variation:Make this pasta a more complete meal by adding steamed peas or dicedcooked chicken breast. The peaswill bring texture, color, andnutrition to the dish; thechicken’ssavoryqualitywillcutthesweetnessofthebutternutsquashnicelywhileaddingprotein.

3cupswater

1cupwhole-wheatelbowmacaroni

½cupfrozencookedbutternutsquashpurée,thawed

Inalargepot,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.

Addthepasta,reducetheheattomedium,andcookfor8to10minutes,oruntiltender.Drainthepastainacolander.

Inamediumbowl,combinethewarmpastawiththethawedsquashpurée.

STORAGE:Leftover“MacandCheese”canberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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Tofu,Quinoa,andAvocadoBowlMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


This total nutrition trifecta combines three of the healthiest foods for your baby, all ofwhichhappentobeespeciallyeasytochew.Makeanextraportionforyourselfandaddatouchoflow-sodiumsoysauceortamari.Seakelpflakesalsomakeadeliciousadditionandprovideiron,calcium,andmagnesium;youcanshakeafewoftheseontoyourbaby’sbowl,too.

Variation:Cookedbrownricecanbesubstituted for thequinoa in thisdish ifyouhaveextra time on your hands or leftover rice in the refrigerator. Ricewill give this dish acreamierconsistencyandpairswellwithbothtofuandavocado.Thinkofitasvegetariansushiinabowl!

1cupwater

½cupquinoa

½cupdicedavocado

½cupdicedfirmtofu

Inapotwithalid,bringthewatertoboiloverhighheat.

Addthequinoaandcoverthepot.Reducetheheattolowandsimmerforabout15minutes,oruntilthewaterhasbeenabsorbed.Removefromtheheatandallowthequinoatocool.

Inamediumbowl,combinethecooledquinoa,avocado,andtofu,andstirgently.

STORAGE:Leftoverscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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MiniApple-TurkeyMeatballsMAKESABOUT20MINIMEATBALLS


Thesewonderfullysimplemeatballshideanutritioussurprise—apples!Deliciousontheirownorservedoverpasta(trythemwithButternutSquash“MacandCheese,”seehere),theseversatiletreatsarealsoyummydippedintofull-fatplainyogurtblendedwithatouchof cinnamon.Or foramore savoryexperience,adda teaspoonofdriedoregano to themeat-and-applemixture.

Tip:Trygratingtheappleitforbabieswhoprefertheirfoodtohaveasmoothertexture.Other grated fruits and veggies can easily be hidden inmeatballs, too; try pears for amellowflavorsimilartoapples,orzucchiniforamealthat’snotsosweet.

Oliveoilorcookingspray(optional)

1smallapple,coredandpeeled

1cupwhole-wheatbreadcrumbs

1½poundsgroundturkey

2largeeggs

Preheattheovento425°F.Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithparchmentpaper,orgreaseitwitholiveoilorcookingspray.

Dicetheappleandplaceitinalargebowl.Addthebreadcrumbs,turkey,andeggs,andstirtocombine—donotovermix.

Usingyourhands,rollthemixtureintotablespoonballsandplacethem1inchapartfromeachotheronthepreparedbakingsheet.Bakefor15minutes,oruntilcookedthrough.

Allowtocool.Cutintosmallerpiecesbeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftovermeatballscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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LeftoverChickenandBrownRicewithSautéedKale

MAKES3SERVINGS,⅓CUPEACH


Having leftovers in the refrigerator (or freezer) pays off when it comes to this recipe,which uses several separately cooked ingredients to make one full meal. While somebabiesbetweennineandelevenmonthsmightbereadytotacklethesetexturesbeforethisdishisblended,othersmightneedasmootherconsistency.Useyourjudgmentandstartwithsmallspoonfuls.

Variation:Experimentwithothercombinationsofcookedmeats,grains,andgreens.Beef,barley,andcollardgreensmakeahearty, iron-richmeal,whileturkey,Swisschard,andquinoacombineforalighterbutstillnutrient-densedinner.

½cupcookedbrownrice

¼cupsautéedkalepurée(seehere)


Inasmallsaucepan,combinethecookedbrownriceandkalepurée.

Cookovermediumheatuntilbothingredientsarewarmedthroughandmixedwell,4to5minutes.

Addthedicedchickenandcookforabout2minutesmore.

Transferthemixturetoablenderorfoodprocessor,andblenduntilthedesiredconsistencyisreached.

STORAGE:Leftoverscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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EasyBlackBeanandZucchiniSoupMAKES3SERVINGS,⅓CUPEACH


AMexicanrestaurantmenufavorite,blackbeansoupishighinprotein,folate,fiber,andantioxidants—not to mention flavor! The buttery zucchini in this recipe is a perfectcomplementtothesmokyqualityofthebeans.

Variation:Fora sweeter soup, the zucchini canbe replacedwithdicedcarrots. In thiscase,however,you’llneedtosautéthecarrotsalittlelonger,8to10minutes.Ifyourbabytolerates dairy, just add a bit of sour cream, yogurt, or grated cheese at the end for aricherflavor.

1mediumzucchini

1teaspoonoliveoil

1(15-ounce)canblackbeans,drainedandrinsed

1½cupslow-sodiumvegetablebroth

Chopthezucchiniinto¼-inchchunks.

Inalargesaucepan,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.

Sautéthezucchiniuntiltender,about5minutes.

Addthebeansandbrothtothepanandbringtoaboil.Reducetheheattolowandsimmerforabout15minutes.

Usinganimmersionblender,puréethesoupdirectlyinthepot,orworkinginbatches,transferthesouptoastandingblenderandpurée.

STORAGE:Leftoverblackbeansoupcanbestoredintherefrigeratorinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorforupto3monthsinthefreezer.

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MiniMeatLoafMuffinsMAKESABOUT24MINIMEATLOAFMUFFINS


Makingthismeatloafinaminimuffinversionmeansitcooksinlessthanhalfthetimeofyourgrandma’sfamousloaf.Ifyourbabyhasatendencytoshovehugebitesoffoodintohismouth,quarter thesemuffinsbeforeserving.Boost thenutritionalvalueof thisdinerstaplebyaddingbeta-carotene-packedgratedcarrotstograss-fedorganicbeef.

Variation:Becauseofthetomato’sacidicandallergenicproperties,someparentsprefertowaituntiltheageofoneyeartointroduceittotheirbaby.Whenyourlittleoneisready,however,atablespoonoftomatosaucemixedintothemeatgivesthisrecipeamoreclassicmeatloafflavor,plusextralycopeneandvitaminC.

2teaspoonsoliveoil


1poundgroundbeef

½cupwhole-wheatbreadcrumbs

1largeegg

Preheattheovento425°F.Greaseastandardminimuffintinwiththeoliveoil.

Onthelargeholesofaboxgrater,shredthecarrot.

Inalargebowl,combinethecarrot,beef,breadcrumbs,andegg,andstirwelltocombine—donotovermix.

Droptablespoonsofthemeatmixtureintothewellsofthemuffintin.

Bakeuntilthemeatloafmuffinsarebrownedandcookedthrough,about15minutes.

STORAGE:Leftovermeatloafmuffinscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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AlphabetandVeggiePastaMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Yourbabymightbetooyoungtoread,butshe’snottooyoungtoappreciatecolorful,tinylettersandnumbers!Alphabetpastaisalsoeasytochew;mixedwiththearrayofveggiesin this recipe, it makes for a healthy, well-rounded meal that can be on the table inminutes.

Variation:Once your baby has been introduced to tomatoes—usually around her firstbirthday—you may want to try tossing the cooked pasta and veggies in ¼ cup warmmarinarasauce.Sprinkleacoupleof teaspoonsofgratedParmesancheeseon top,andyou’llhaveanItalian-styledinnerforthewholefamily!

3cupswater

1cupalphabetshapespasta

½cupdicedzucchini

½cupdicedcarrot


Inalargepot,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.

Addthepastaandreducetheheattomedium.Cookuntilthepastaistender,about8minutes.Drainthepastainacolander.

Whilethepastaiscooking,fillamediumsaucepanwithabout1inchofwaterandbringtoasimmer.Placethezucchini,carrot,andpeasinasteamerbasket,setitoverthesimmeringwater,cover,andcookuntiltender,8to10minutes.Allowtocool.

Placethepastaandveggiesinalargebowlandtosstocombine.

STORAGE:Leftoverpastacanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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CHAPTERSIXTwelvetoEighteenMonths

RealMealsandSnacks

our baby is officially a toddler now—and they don’t call them “toddlers” fornothing. Whether she’s walking, cruising, crawling, or some combination of all

three,yourlittleoneprobablyspendsmostofhertimetoddlingthesedays,whichmeansitmightbetoughtogethertosettledownformeals.Andthankstoherdevelopinglanguageskills,don’tbesurprisedifsheturnsdownyouroffersofbreakfastor lunchwithafirm“No!” Of course, she’s just as likely to ask for her favorite foods, too. Luckily, she’sgetting much better at chewing and transferring food from her high chair tray to hermouth.

ISBABYREADY?

She’salreadybeengrabbingforthespoonwhileyoutrytofeedher;nowshe’sprobablyreadyforaspoonofherveryown.True,she’llgetmorefoodonherfaceandinherhairthaninhermouthatfirst,butit’simportanttoletherpracticeherself-feedingskills.Workaroundherinitialclumsinessbystartingoutwithtwospoons:oneforherandoneforyou.Alsoconsiderinvestinginasuction-bottomedbowl,whichislesslikelytoenduptopplingoffthehighchairtray.

The“realmeals”andsnackrecipesinthischapterwillsoundverymuchlikethetypesoffoodsyou’dfindyourselfeatingthroughouttheday,frompancakestosoupstopizzas.Theonly real difference is in how small an amount goes intoyourbaby’smouth.Yourbabyalsomightbe ready for someverygrown-up tastes.As longas she’s tolerated thefoodsyou’veintroducedsofarandhasn’tshownanysignsofallergy,proceed,withyourpediatrician’sblessing.


Between12and18monthsofage,yourbabywillprobablybeeatingthreesolidmealsadayplus a coupleof snacks.Servings should still be about the sizeof yourbaby’s fist,including:

1cupfruit

1cupvegetables

2cupsdairy(1cupwholemilkorfull-fatplainyogurtplus1½ounceshardcheeseor⅓cupshreddedcheese)

2ouncesprotein-richfoods(2slicesdelimeat;¼cupcookedmeatsuchasdicedchickenbreast;1egg;¼cupbeans)

3ouncesgrains(1cupcereal;¼cuppasta,rice,quinoa,orcouscous;1slicebread)

BREASTMILKORFORMULA

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Everytoddlerisdifferent,butyou’llprobablynoticeadecreaseinyourlittleone’sbreastmilkorformulaconsumptionafterhisfirstbirthday(ifyouhaven’talready).That’snottosayhewon’tstillbenefitfromthenutrientsinyourbreastmilk,ifyouchoosetocontinuenursing;theAmericanAcademyofPediatricsrecommendsbreastfeedingforat leastoneyear (“AAPReaffirmsBreastfeedingGuidelines”),while theWorldHealthOrganizationadvisesnursingfor twoyearsorevenmore.Whetheryourbabyisdrinkingbreastmilk,formula,orcow’smilk,heshouldbegetting16to24ouncesaday.

INCREASINGINDEPENDENCE

Don’tbealarmedifyourtoddlereatsahugeplateoffoodonedayandbarelyanythingthenext, or if he adores peas for aweek straight, then suddenlywants nothing to dowiththem. These inconsistencies are perfectly normal and are part of your little one’sambivalenceoverhisincreasingindependence.Ononehand,hewantstodothingsallbyhimself;ontheother,hestillwantshisparentstodoeverythingforhim.Thereareotherdevelopmental reasons for your baby’s eating habits. After a year of incredibly rapidgrowthandweightgain,toddlersbegintogainweightmoreslowly;consequently,theygothroughperiodswherethey’renotallthathungry.Herearesometipstohelpyounavigatemealtimesduringthisphase:

Allowyourtoddlerto“graze”onavarietyoffoodsbyofferingbite-sizeportionsofvariouscolorfulitemsinanicecubetrayoramuffintin.

Mosttoddlerslovedippingtheirfood.Offerhealthydipssuchasyogurt,cottagecheese,ormashedavocado(ortryEdamameHummus,WhiteBeanDip,orCheeseFondueDip)withsoftfruitsorvegetablesorpiecesofwhole-grainbread,pita,orricecakes.

Playwithpresentationbyofferingfoodsinfunandunexpectedways,likeusingcolorfulplatesormeasuringcups.

Experimentwithsmoothies.Fortrulyon-the-gotoddlers,occasionallyamealinasippycupistheonlywaytosneakalittlenutritionintohisday.Nearlyanyfruitorveggiecanbeblendedintoanappetizingshake(seerecipeshere).

NEWFOODSTOINTRODUCE

At12months:

Citrusfruits

Cow’smilk

Honey

Nuts/nutbutters(ifnofamilyhistoryofallergy)

Spinach

Tomatoes

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Whole-WheatBananaPancakesMAKES8TO10PANCAKES


Perfectforaweekendbreakfast,thesepancakescanbeservedtotheentirefamily.Highinfiber,protein,andpotassium,thisdishgoeswellwithscrambledeggsandbacon,butit’salsoacompletemealallbyitself.

Tip:Ifyourskilletorpanisn’tnonstick,addalittleoilorbuttertothepanbeforemakingthepancakes.

½cupwhole-wheatpastryflour

2teaspoonsbakingsoda

½teaspoonsalt

2largeripebananas,peeled

1cupwholemilkorwater

1tablespoonoliveoil

1largeegg

Inalargebowl,combinetheflour,bakingsoda,andsalt.

Inasmallbowl,mashthebananas;thenstirinthemilk,oil,andegg.

Addthebananamixturetothebowlwiththeflourmixtureandstiruntiljustblended.

Heatalargenonsticksautépanorskilletovermediumheat.

Pour¼-cupportionsofthepancakemixtureintothepan,makingafewpancakesatatime.Whenbubblesappearononeside,flipthepancakesoverwithaspatula.Cookuntilgoldenbrownonbothsides.

Cutthepancakesintosmallerpiecesandserve.

STORAGE:Leftoverpancakescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1dayorplacedbetweensheetsofparchmentpaperandfrozeninafreezerbagforupto3months.

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BreakfastCouscousMAKES4SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


Oatmeal and grits aren’t the only warm cereals to eat right after waking up. Rise andshinewiththissoothingcouscousbreakfast,whichtakesjustafewminuteslongertomakethaninstantoatmealandprovidesfiberandiron,courtesyofthedriedapricots.Choppeddriedapricotsarealsoafavoritetastyfingerfoodservedontheirown.

Variation:Tomakethisnaturallysweetbreakfasttreatglutenfree,protein-packedquinoacaneasilystandinforthecouscous.

2cupswater

1cupwholemilk,orsoyoralmondmilk

1cupwhole-wheatcouscous

½cupchoppeddriedapricots

½teaspoongroundcinnamon

Inamediumsaucepan,combinethewaterandmilkandbringtoaboilovermediumheat.

Stirinthecouscous,apricots,andcinnamon.Cover,removefromtheheat,andletstandfor5minutes.

STORAGE:Leftovercouscouscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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TofuScrambleMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


This vegan version of scrambled eggs is higher in calciumand fiber than the original,thanks to themain ingredient, tofu.Meanwhile, thespinachandtomatoesaddlycopene,vitaminC, and somemuch-needed color. You can toss nearly any steamed veggies youhappen tohaveonhand into thismix;vegetablepuréescanalsobestirred inwhen thetofuisadded.

Tip:Makesurethatyourtofuiswelldrainedbeforecookingtopreventthescramblefromgettingtoowatery.Onewaytodothisisbypressingthetofu:Placetheblockoftofuinasmallbowl.Layertwopapertowelsontopofthetofu,thenputaheavyplateorbowloverthepapertowels.Letthetofusitforabout15minutes,thendrainanyliquidfromthebowl,crumblethetofu,andproceedwiththerecipe.

1tablespoonoliveoil

½cupdicedtomato

1cupchoppedspinach

1packagefirmorextra-firmtofu,drainedandcrumbled

Inalargeskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.Addthetomatoesandcookfor2to3minutes.

Reducetheheattomedium-lowandaddthespinachandcrumbledtofu.

Coverandcookfor5to7minutes,oruntiltheliquidhasmostlyevaporated.

STORAGE:Leftovertofuscramblecanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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QuickRedLentilSoupMAKES9SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


High in fiber,protein,andBvitamins, red lentilscookmorequickly thanmostvarietiesandare thought tobemore easilydigested, too.This recipe is asadult-friendlyas it ispleasing to toddler palates, andmakes a large batch so the entire family can dig in atdinnertime.Italsofreezeswell,soleftoverswon’tgotowaste.

Variation: For added vitamins and minerals, try adding a few cups of washed babyspinachleavestothesoupasafinalstep;juststirtheminduringthefinal2minutesofcooking. If you do add the spinach, you may need to lightly purée the soup with animmersion blender so your little one doesn’t choke on the stems. Even if you don’t usespinach,blendingthesoupwillgiveitacreamierconsistency—butit’snotnecessary.

1tablespoonoliveoil

4mediumcarrots,peeledanddiced

1smallonion,diced

1(14½-ounce)candicedtomatoes


1cupdriedredlentils

2cupswater

Inamediumsaucepan,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.Addthecarrotsandonion,andcookuntillightlybrownedandsoft,about8minutes.

Addthetomatoes,broth,lentils,andwater.Coverandraisetheheattohigh.Bringtoaboil.

Reducetheheattolowandsimmer,covered,for8to10minutes,untilthelentilsaretender.

STORAGE:Leftoversoupcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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SimpleButternutSquashSoupMAKES6SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


Mostbutternutsquashsoupstakeatleastanhourtoprepare,butthisbrightorangemealinabowltakesmereminutestogetonthetable,thankstotheuseoffrozenpurée.Whilethe recipe calls for the use of half-and-half, you can easily make it dairy-free bysubstitutingunsweetenedsoy,rice,oralmondmilk.

Tip:An immersion blender is a great tool for puréeing soup because you can place itdirectly in the cooking pot,whichmeans no tricky transfer of hot liquids from stove toblenderorfoodprocessor.Ifyoudon’thaveanimmersionblender,besuretoletthesoupcoolslightlybeforepouringitintoyourblender,andtryblendinginsmallbatchessoyoudon’tendupsplashingyourselfwithscaldingsoup!

1tablespoonoliveoil

1smallonion,diced

1tablespoonall-purposeflour

½cuphalf-and-half


1(12-ounce)packagefrozencooked

butternutsquashpurée,thawed

Inalargesaucepan,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.Addtheonionandflour,andcook,stirringoccasionally,for3minutes.

Stirinthehalf-and-halfandbroth,andcookfor2minutesmore.

Addthethawedsquashandcookforabout2minutes.

Puréethesoupdirectlyinthepotusinganimmersionblender,orworkinginbatches,transferthesouptoablenderorfoodprocessorandpurée.

STORAGE:Leftoversoupcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3days.

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MacandCheeseSoupMAKES6SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


Youcan’tbeatmacaroniandcheeseforsheerkid-friendliness,butyoucantrytomakethisfavoritedishabitmorenutritious—byturningitintosoup,forexample!Thismeal-in-a-bowlfeaturesfiber,vitamins,andmineralsintheformofacolorfularrayofveggies,andthesmallpastashellsareperfectlybite-size.Ifyourlittleonelikestodip,tryservingthiswithasideofwhole-grainbread.

Variation:Try thesameamountof frozenpeas,greenbeans,carrots,andcorn(usuallysoldasamixture)inplaceof thebroccoli,cauliflower,andcarrots,oradd½cupdicedcookedchickenbreastattheendforextraprotein.

1(32-ounce)containerlow-sodiumchickenbroth

6ouncessmallpastashells

1(16-ounce)bagfrozenmixedbroccoli,cauliflower,andcarrots

1½cupswholemilk

1tablespoonall-purposeflour

1½cupsshreddedcheddarcheese

Inalargesaucepan,bringthebrothtoaboiloverhighheat.Addthepastaandreturntoaboil.Reducetheheatandsimmer,uncovered,for5minutes.

Addthebroccoli,cauliflower,andcarrots.Cookuntilthepastaandvegetablesaretender,about5minutesmore.

Stirinthemilkandflour.Cook,stirring,untilthickenedandbubbly,about2minutes.

Graduallyaddthecheese,stirringuntilthecheesemelts.

STORAGE:Leftoversoupcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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MozzarellaPoppersMAKES12POPPERS


Amuchhealthierversionoffast-foodmozzarellasticks,thesepoppersarebaked,notfried.Pankobreadcrumbs,whicharemadefromcrustlessbread,arealsolighterandcrispierthanthetraditionalkindandtendtoabsorblessgrease(trythemasacoatingforchickennuggets).Servethesepopperswithasideofmarinarasaucefordipping,ifdesired.

Variation: If you’re aiming for a more traditional “mozzarella stick” taste, look forItalian-seasonedpankobreadcrumbs.Ormakeyourownbyadding¼teaspooneachofdriedoregano,driedthyme,anddriedparsleytoyourbreadcrumbs.

Cookingspray

1largeegg

⅓cuppankobreadcrumbs

3(1-ounce)mozzarellacheesesticks(stringcheese)

Preheattheovento425°F.Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithaluminumfoil.Coatthefoilwithcookingspray.

Breaktheeggintoasmallbowlandbeatwell.Placethepankoinaseparateshallowbowl.

Cutthemozzarellasticksinto1-inchpieces.Diponepieceatatimeintothebeatenegg,thendredgeinthepanko.Placethebreadedcheesepiecesonthebakingsheet,settingthemabout1inchapart.

Bakeforabout3minutes,oruntilthecheeseissoft.

STORAGE:Leftoverbitescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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Quinoa-VeggieFrittersMAKES10FRITTERS


Colorful, tasty,andsurprisingly simple toprepare, these festive little frittersaresure tocatchyourbusytoddler’seye.Cutthemupintosmallerpiecesandpresentthemalongsidediced strawberries and kiwi for a real rainbow of amealwith an intriguing variety oftexturesandflavors.Servetheminamuffintinforafunpresentation!

Variation: Try replacing the zucchini with the same amount of diced broccoli orcauliflowerflorets.Thesewillgivethefrittersachewiertextureandsharperflavor.Keepinmind,however,thatyou’llhavetosautéthebroccoliorcauliflowerfor3to4minuteslongerthanthezucchini.

1tablespoonoliveoil

⅔cupdicedzucchini

½cupdicedyellowonion

½cupgratedcarrot

¼cupfreshorfrozenpeas

1largeegg

1cupgratedcheddarorMontereyJackcheese

1cupcookedquinoa(seehere)

Preheattheovento375°F.Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.


Addthezucchini,onion,andcarrottothepan,andsautéforabout5minutes.

Addthepeasandcookfor2to5minutesmore.Allowtocool.

Inalargebowl,whisktheeggandcheesetogether.Stirinthezucchini,onion,carrot,peas,andquinoa.

Usingabout¼cupofthemixtureatatime,formpattieswithyourhandsandplacethemonthepreparedbakingsheet.

Bakefor10minutesononeside,thenflipandbakefor5minutesmore.

STORAGE:Leftoverfritterscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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CreamyPolentawithTomatoSauceMAKES4SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


Adaptableandeasytomake,softpolentahasatexturesimilartoCreamofWheatorgrits.Polentacanalsobebaked—andevencutintoshapes!—andworkswellinsavoryrecipes,likethisItalian-stylefavorite,aswellassweetdishes.Usecannedorjarredtomatosaucetosavetime,oruseyourownhomemadeversion,ifyouhavesomehandy.Toddlersandgrown-upsalikewillaskforseconds!

Variation:Pumpupthenutritionalvalueofyourtomatosaucebyaddingatablespoonofvegetablepuréeofyourchoice.Spinach,kale,andSwisschardaregoodchoices,astheacidityofthetomatosaucecutsthesomewhatbittertasteoftheleafygreens.

4cupswater

1cupquick-cookingpolenta

2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter

½cupcreamcheese

¼cupgratedParmesancheese

2tablespoonspreparedtomatosauce

Inamediumsaucepan,bringthewatertoaboilovermediumheat.

Slowlywhiskinthepolenta,stirringcontinuouslyforabout2to3minutesoruntilitstartstothicken.Reducetheheattomaintainasimmer.

Whiskinthebutter,creamcheese,andParmesan,andcontinuetostiruntilthemixturehasthickened,3to5minutesmore.

Stirinthetomatosauceandcookuntilthesauceiswarmedthrough,1to2minutesmore.

STORAGE:Leftoverpolentacanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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Mexican“Pizza”MAKES2SERVINGS


Pizzadoesn’thave tobe the standard takeoutvariety.ThisMexican-inspiredadaptationdoesn’t even require sauce or dough, opting instead for beans and cheese on awhole-graintortilla.Withacoupleofeasysubstitutions—corntortillasforflour,andavocadoforcheese—you’llhaveagluten-free,dairy-freemeal that’s justasdelicious.High in fiber,protein,andcalcium,thisno-fusspizzacouldbecomeastapleinyourhouse.

Tip: Insteadofaknife, tryusingapizzacutter toslice thepizza.Pizzacuttersarealsogreat forcuttingpancakesandquesadillas.Justbesure tokeep thesesharputensils farawayfromcuriouslittlefingers!

½cupcannedvegetarianrefriedbeans

1largewhole-graintortilla

½cupshreddedcheddarorMontereyJackcheese

Preheattheovento375°F.Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithparchmentpaperoraluminumfoil.

Spreadtherefriedbeansonthetortilla.

Sprinklethecheeseoverthebeans.

Placethetortillaonthepreparedbakingsheet.Bakeforabout5minutesoruntilthecheesehasmelted.

Cutthepizzaintobite-sizepiecesbeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftoverpizzacanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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MiniSpinachPizzasMAKES4MINIPIZZAS


The combination of ricotta cheese and spinach on these pizzas packs a double dose ofcalcium,while thewhole-wheat pita providesmore fiber than regular pizza crust—andrequires virtually no preparation! Freshmozzarella balls, sometimes called bocconcini,alsomakeanexcellenttoddlerfingerfoodontheirownwhenchoppedinhalf.

Variation:Thepitasinthisrecipecanbereplacedwithsplitwhole-grainEnglishmuffins.SinceEnglishmuffins are thicker and chewier, youmightwant to try cutting them intosmallsquaresbeforeserving.AddingatablespoonofmarinarasaucebeforebroilingwillgiveextraflavorandhelpsoftentheEnglishmuffins.

4mini(3-inch)whole-wheatpitas,split

½cupfull-fatricottacheese

½teaspoondriedoregano

1(10-ounce)packagefrozenspinach,

thawedandsqueezedtoremoveexcessmoisture

½pintfreshmozzarellaballs(about20balls),halved

Heatthebroiler,withtheracksetabout4inchesfromtheheatsource.Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithaluminumfoil.

Arrangethepitahalvesonthebakingsheetwiththecutsideup.

Inasmallbowl,combinethericottacheeseandoregano.

Spreadthericottaandoreganomixtureonthepitahalves,andtopevenlywiththespinachandmozzarella.

Broiluntilthecheesehasmeltedandisstartingtobrown,4to6minutes.

STORAGE:Thesepizzasshouldbeeatenimmediately.

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SpinachPestoPastaMAKES4SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


High in calcium, vitamin A, iron, and selenium, spinach deserves its reputation as asuperfood,andthispestopacksplentyof it. Italsoskipsthetraditionaladditionofpinenuts, since some toddlers might not yet be ready to try nuts (pine nuts are a commonallergen). Thanks to the basil and cheese, this pesto is flavorful enough that youwon’tmissthem.

Variation: If you do choose to add nuts to this recipe, try ½ cup toasted pine nuts(actually the edible seeds of pines) or raw walnuts. Both seeds and nuts are high inmineralsandhealthyfatsandwilladdarich,complexflavortothepesto.Ifyouhaveafamilyhistoryofallergies,consultyourpediatricianbefore introducingnutsor seeds toyourtoddler’sdiet.

3cupswater

1cupsmall-shapewhole-wheatpasta(suchasditaliniorelbowmacaroni)

2cupsbabyspinach

1cupchoppedfreshbasil

½tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

2tablespoonsgratedParmesancheese

¼cupoliveoil

Inamediumpot,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.

Addthepastaandreducetheheattomedium.Cookuntilthepastaistender,5to8minutes.Drainthepastainacolander.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethespinach,basil,lemonjuice,Parmesan,andoliveoil,andpuréeuntilsmooth.

Inalargebowl,combinethepastaandpesto.

STORAGE:Leftoverpastacanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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SpeedyPastaPrimaveraMAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Whenyouthinkofpastaprimavera,chancesareyouimaginenoodlesaccompaniedbyjusta few julienned veggies drowning in a rich cream sauce. This recipe is heavier on theveggies thanmost and lighter on the cream; in fact, there’s no cream involved—just asmallamountofbutterandParmesancheeseforflavor.Plus,it’sreadyinminutes!

Variation:Forawheat-freeversionofthisdish,trysubstitutingbrownricepasta.Brownrice pasta is available inmost of the same shapes as regular pasta and has a slightlyfirmer,chewiertexture.Italsotakesslightlylongertocook,onaverage12to15minutes.

3cupswater

1cupwhole-wheatfusilli

1tablespoonoliveoil

½cupshreddedzucchini

½cupshreddedcarrot

½cupchoppedasparagus

1tablespoonunsaltedbutter


Inalargepot,bringthewatertoaboiloverhighheat.Addthepastaandreducetheheattomedium.Cookuntilthepastaistender,about10minutes.Drainthepastainacolander,reserving¼cupofthecookingwater.

Whilethepastaiscooking,inamediumsautépanorskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.Addthezucchini,carrot,andasparagus,andsautéuntilsoft,about8minutes.

Transferthevegetablestoalargebowl.Combinethepasta,reservedpastacookingwater,zucchini,carrot,asparagus,butter,andParmesan,andtoss.

STORAGE:Leftoverpastacanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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GnocchiBologneseMAKES8SERVINGS,½CUPEACH


Italian for “dumplings,” gnocchi are usually made with potatoes and cook faster thanmostpastas.They’resoft,chewy,andfuntoeat,anddoafinejobofholdingtheheartymeatsauce in thisrecipe.Abonus to this tastyBolognese:Thegratedcarrotmakes thesaucebothsweeterandmorenutritious,providingextrafiberandbeta-carotene.

Variation:Depending on the tolerance level of your toddler’s taste buds and digestivesystem,youmightwant to livenup thisBolognesewitha littleonionandgarlic.Add⅓cupdicedyellowonionand1choppedgarlicclovetothebeefalongwiththecarrots.

1tablespoonoliveoil

1½poundsgroundbeef

1cupgratedcarrot

1(14-ounce)cantomatopurée

½poundfreshorfrozengnocchi,cookedaccordingtothepackagedirectionsanddrained


Inalargesaucepan,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.Addthebeefandcook,breakingitupwithaspoon,untilitbeginstobrown,about4minutes.

Addthecarrotandcookuntilthemeatisfullybrownedandthecarrotissoft,about5minutes.

Addthetomatopuréeandbringtoasimmer.Reducetheheattomedium.

Cook,stirringoccasionally,untiltheliquidhasreduced,about15minutes.

ServeoverthecookedgnocchiandtopwithParmesancheese.

STORAGE:Leftovergnocchicanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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BakedMiniRiceBallsMAKES20RICEBALLS


An Italiandelicacybelovedbyadultsandchildrenalike, theseballsare typicallydeep-friedbutcanbebaked.Thisversion isalsomorenutritious than theoriginalbecause itusesbrownriceinplaceofthetraditionalArborioandfeaturesspinach.Choptheseballsinhalfforyoungtoddlers,orservewholeforolderchildrenwithmoreteeth.

Variation:Thesericeballsweremadefordipping!Marinarasauceisatraditional,tastychoice,butSpinachPesto(seehere) is justasdeliciousanddoubles the leafygreens inthisrecipe.Orsimplyservewithasideofveggiepurée.

¼cupwhole-wheatpastryflour

2largeeggs,beaten

½cupbreadcrumbs

1cupcookedbrownrice

⅓cupshreddedmozzarellacheese

¼cupchoppedspinach


Placetheflour,beateneggs,andbreadcrumbsinthreeseparatesmallbowls.

Inamediumbowl,combinetherice,cheese,andspinach.

Scoopupabout1tablespoonofthemixtureandrollitintoaballusingyourhands.Rolltheballintheflour,thendipitintheegg,andthenrollitinthebreadcrumbs.Placetheballonthepreparedbakingsheet.Repeatwiththeremainingricemixture.

Bakefor5to8minutes;turnoverandbakefor5to8minutesmore.

STORAGE:Leftoverballscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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ChickenFriedRiceMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Fresher andmore nutritious than theChinese takeout version, this healthy fried rice iseven quicker to get on the table than delivery, thanks to the use of precooked rice andchicken.Whilethesoysauceortamarigivesthisdishanauthenticflavor,feelfreetoleaveit out if you’re concernedabout sodium intake. If your toddler enjoys eatinggarlic, tryaddingafinelychoppedcloveofgarlicwhilesautéingtheveggies.

Variation: If you’re going for a more traditional fried rice with a chewier texture,substitutepeas for thezucchini.Orforameat-freeversionof thisdish,skip thechickenandusebothzucchiniandpeas(andanyotherveggiesyoulike).

½tablespoonoliveoil

1smallzucchini,diced

1mediumcarrot,shredded

1largeegg,beaten

1cupcookedbrownrice

½cupfinelychoppedcookedchickenbreast

1tablespoonlow-sodiumsoysauceortamari(optional)

Inmediumskillet,heattheoliveoilovermedium-highheat.

Addthezucchiniandcarrot,andsautéuntilsoft,about8minutes.

Pourthebeateneggoverthevegetables,stirringwhiletheycook.

Addthericeandchicken,andstir,mixingalltheingredientstogether.

Addthesoysauce,ifdesired,andstiragain.

STORAGE:Leftoverricecanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3days.

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HamandCheesePocketsMAKES9POCKETS


Little ones love anything in “pocket” or turnover form, particularly the winningcombination of ham and cheese. A lunchbox staple for decades, this recipe makes thecombinationmorescrumptiousbymeltingthecheeseinapizzacrust,andmorenutritiousbyaddingbroccoli florets. Ifyourbudgetallowsyoutopurchaseorganicham,somuchthebetter.Besuretomakeextrasfortherestofthefamily!

Variation:Onceyougetthehangofmakingpocketswithpizzadough,youcanvarythefillingsaccordingtoyourpreferenceorwhateveryouhaveintherefrigeratoratthetime.TrydicedchickenwithMontereyJackcheese,peas,andcarrots,orsliceupmeatballsandcombinewithmozzarellacheeseandmarinarasauce.Thepossibilitiesareendless!

Cookingspray

¾cupbroccoliflorets

1cupdiceddeliham

¾cupshreddedcheddarcheese

1teaspoondriedparsley

3tablespoonsall-purposeflour

1(12-to14-ounce)packagerefrigeratedwhole-wheatpizzadough

2tablespoonswholemilk

Preheattheovento400°F.Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithaluminumfoil.Coatthefoilwithcookingspray.

Inamediumbowl,combinethebroccoli,ham,cheese,andparsley.

Dustalargecuttingboardwiththeflour.Unrollthepizzadoughandplaceitontheboard.Usearollingpintorollitintoa12-inchsquare.Cutitinto9squares.

Spoon¼cupofthefillingontoeachsquare.

Usingyourfingers,moistentheedgesofthedoughwithwater,thenfoldthedoughover,formingatriangle,toenclosethefilling.Sealtheedgeswithafork,andprickafewholesinthetopofeachpocket.

Placethepocketsonthepreparedbakingsheet,andbrusheachwithalittlemilk.

Bakefor13to15minutes,untilgoldenbrown.

STORAGE:Leftoverpocketscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2daysorfrozenforupto3months.

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FishFingersMAKES8FINGERS


Whitefishlikethesoleusedinthisrecipearemildinflavorandflakyintextureandmakeanappealingfirsttasteofthesea.Thiseasilydigestibleproteinsourceishighinomega-3fattyacidsandvitaminsDandB2.

Tip:Savehalfofthemayonnaisemixtureforyourlittleonetouseasadippingsauce;trymixingitwithasqueezeoffreshlemonjuice.

¼cupmayonnaise

1teaspoondriedparsley

¼teaspoonsalt

1cupbreadcrumbs

4freshsolefillets,cutinto½-inch-thickstrips

Cookingspray


Inamediumbowl,stirtogetherthemayonnaise,parsley,andsalt.

Placethebreadcrumbsinashallowdish.

Gentlyrollthefishfingersinthemayonnaisemixtureandthenrolltheminthebreadcrumbstocoat.

Placethecoatedfishonthepreparedbakingsheetandlightlyspraythemwithcookingspray.

Bakefor12to15minutes,oruntilthefishisflakyontheinsideandgoldenbrownontheoutside.

STORAGE:Leftoverfingerscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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Taco“Salad”MAKES8SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


No deep-fried tortilla bowl is needed for this easy-to-prepare Mexican meal. If yourtoddlerhasatasteforspices,tryadding½teaspoonchilipowdertothisrecipewhenyoumixthebeefandbeans;ifnot,themixtureiszestyenoughonitsownduetoabitoflimejuice.Adultsandolderkidswilllikethisservedoverabedofshreddedlettuce.

Variation:Try toppingthiswithshreddedMontereyJackorcheddarcheese.Cannedorfrozen corn kernelsmake a colorful addition, too, if you’ve introduced your toddler tocornwithnoproblems.

¾cupleangroundbeef

1(15-ounce)canpintobeans,rinsedanddrained

½cupchoppedavocado

½cupdicedfreshtomato

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlimejuice

Inalargeskillet,brownthebeefovermedium-highheat,breakingitintosmallpieceswithaspoonandstirringcontinuouslyasitcooks,untilcookedthrough.Drainthebeefwellandreturnittothepan.

Mixinthebeansandcookfor1minutemore.

Transferthemeatandbeanmixturetoalargebowl.Stirintheavocadoandtomato.Topwiththelimejuice.

STORAGE:Leftoversaladcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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BeefandBroccoliPREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:13MINUTES

AnotherhealthyupdateofaChinesetakeoutclassic,thisquicklycookedmealhasalltheiron, fiber,and flavorof theoriginalwithout theaddedsodiumandpreservatives.Plus,makingthisathomemeansyoucanchoosegrass-fedororganicbeefinsteadofthetypical“mysterymeat”sooftensoldat fast-foodchains.Thisdishwillwinovereven themostreluctantbroccolieater!Serveoverrice,ifdesired,orwithasideofnoodles.

Tip:Thebeeffiletwillcookmorequickly(andbeeasiertochew)ifit’sbeentenderized.Askyourbutchertodotheworkforyou,ortenderizeityourselfathomebyplacingthebeef between two slices of wax paper and pounding it with a meat mallet for about 2minutes.

1tablespoonoliveoil

¾poundfiletofbeef,cutintobite-sizepieces

1cupbroccoliflorets

½cupwater

1tablespoonlowsodiumsoysauce(optional)

1teaspoonsesameoil

Inalargeskillet,heattheoliveoilovermediumheat.Addthebeefandcook,stirringoccasionally,untilbrowned,about4minutes.Transfertoaplateusingaslottedspoon.

Addthebroccoliandthewatertothepan,andcookuntilthebroccoliistenderandtheliquidhasevaporated,5to8minutes.

Returnthebeefandanycollectedjuicestothepan,andcook,stirring,untilthebeefiswarmedthrough,about1minute.

Removefromtheheat.Addthesoysauce,ifdesired,andthesesameoil.

STORAGE:Leftoverbeefandbroccolicanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

GoodGreensSmoothieMAKES2SERVINGS

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Refreshing and sweet, this superfood smoothie lets kids drink their vegetables. Freshspinachisagoodchoicewhenitcomestoblendingveggiesinsmoothieform,asitpuréesmuchmoresmoothlythanotherleafygreens.Usingfrozenratherthanfreshberrieswillgivethissmoothiemoreofamilkshakeconsistency.

Variation:Somekidsdon’tlikeberriesinsmoothiesbecauseoftheseeds.Ifthat’sthecasewithyourlittleone,trysubstitutingthesameamountofpapayaorbanana,bothofwhichmakeforsuper-smoothdrinks.

½cupbabyspinach

½cupfreshorfrozenmixedberries


1cupwholemilk(soyoralmondmilkcanbesubstituted)

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethespinach,berries,yogurt,andmilk,andpuréeuntilsmooth.

STORAGE:Smoothiesshouldbeconsumedimmediately.

Strawberry-BananaSurpriseSmoothieMAKES2SERVINGS

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

The“surprise”inthisyummydrinkisalittleaddedproteinintheformofyourfavoritenutorseedbutter.ThinkofthisasafrostyversionofaPB&Jthatyoucandrinkthroughastraw.Yourtoddlerwillslurpitupinnotime.

Variation:Freshbananasandstrawberriescanbesubstitutedforfrozen;ifyoumakethisswitch,addafewicecubestotheblender.Thisisagoodruleofthumbforsmoothiesingeneral:Whenusing fresh fruit insteadof frozen, theadditionof ice cubeswillmake itmorelikeamilkshake.

½cupfrozenbananaslices

½cupfrozenstrawberries

1tablespoonpeanut,almond,cashew,orsunflowerseedbutter


1cupwholemilk(soyoralmondmilkcanbesubstituted)

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethebanana,strawberries,peanutbutter,yogurt,andmilk,andpuréeuntilsmooth.

STORAGE:Smoothiesshouldbeconsumedimmediately.

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AlmondButterCerealBallsMAKESABOUT12BALLS

PREPTIME:5MINUTES•COOKTIME:1TO2MINUTESPLUS15MINUTESREFRIGERATIONTIME

Betterthanabatchofoatmealcookies,thesesweetcerealballsarefilledwithwholesomeingredients. Almond butter, for example, is high in calcium, protein, magnesium, andvitaminE;rolledoatsaddfiber.Thebrownricecerealimpartsasatisfyingcrunch.

⅓cupagavenectarorhoney(forbabiesover12monthsonly)

¼cupalmondbutter


1cupcrispybrownricecereal

1cupold-fashionedrolledoats

¼cupraisins

Linea9-by-13-inchbakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.

Inasmallsaucepan,combinetheagavenectar,almondbutter,andbutterandcookovermediumheat,stirringoccasionally,for1to2minutes.

Removethepanfromtheheatandstirinthecereal,oats,andraisins.

Dropthemixturebytablespoonsontothebakingsheet.

Refrigeratefor15minutesbeforeserving.

STORAGE:Leftovercerealballscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1week.

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SunflowerSeedButterandBananaPinwheels

MAKESABOUT8PINWHEELS

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Lessallergenicthannutbutters,sunflowerseedbutterboaststhesamecreamytextureaspeanut butter and provides vitamin E, protein, magnesium, and selenium. Use it as areplacement in the classic PB&J (now off-limits in many school cafeterias andclassrooms),cookies,oranywhereelseyoumightusepeanutbutter,likethesepinwheels.

Variation:Ifyourtoddlerdoesn’thavenutallergies,almondbutterorcashewbuttercanbe substituted for the sunflower seed butter. Almond butter is slightly creamier thancashewbutter,butthelatterisgenerallysweeter.Bothwillmakeyouwonderwhyyou’vebeeninapeanutbutterrutforsolong!

1tablespoonsunflowerseedbutter

1smallwhole-wheattortilla

⅛cupbananaslices

Spreadthesunflowerseedbutteroverthetortilla.

Placethebananaslicesoverthesunflowerseedbutter,leavingtheedgesononesideuncovered.

Startingonthebanana-coveredside,rollupthetortillaintoatightcylinder.Cutcrosswiseintopinwheels.

STORAGE:Leftoverpinwheelscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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ZucchiniMiniMuffinsMAKESABOUT24MINIMUFFINS


Anaturalsweetenerderivedfromtheagaveplant,agavenectarwon’tcauseabloodsugarspikethewaymostsweetsdo.Ifyou’dprefernottousesweetener,replaceagavenectarwiththesameamountofbananaorapplepurée.

Variation:Trysubstitutingthesameamountofshreddedcarrotsforthezucchini,oruseamixtureofboth.

⅓cupplus2teaspoonsoliveoil

Cookingspray(optional)

2cupswhole-wheatpastryflour

½teaspoonbakingsoda

2teaspoonsbakingpowder

½teaspoonsalt

2largeeggs,beaten

⅔cupagavenectar

1½cupsshreddedzucchini

Preheattheovento350°F.Greasethewellsofastandardminimuffintinwith2teaspoonsoftheoliveoil,orspraythemwithcookingspray.

Inalargebowl,combinetheflour,bakingsoda,bakingpowder,andsalt.

Inasmallbowl,stirtogethertheremaining⅓cupoliveoil,theagavenectar,andthezucchini.

Pourthewetingredientsintothebowlwiththedryingredientsandstiruntiljustmixed.

Pourthebatterintothemuffintinuntileachwellisabout⅔full.

Bakefor15minutes.

STORAGE:Leftovermuffinscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1weekorfrozenforupto3months.

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EdamameHummusMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Edamame,orgreensoybeans,aresuperhighinfiberandprotein,andmakeagreatsnackforolderkidsandadultswhentheedamamearestillinthepods(whichareinedible).Fortoddlers,edamamecanbeservedshelledasafingerfoodorblendedintoahummuslikethisonewithtahini(sesameseedpaste),whichaddscalcium,vitaminE,andmagnesium.Servewithminiwhole-wheatpitasandsteamedveggies,ortryitinHummusandCarrotPinwheels(seehere).

Tip:Addtheoliveoilafter theother ingredientsaremostlymixed together,as itblendsmorequicklythanthechunkyedamameandthick,stickytahini.Pourtheoilinslowly,ifpossible,toensureamoreevendistribution.

3cupswater

1cupfrozenshellededamame

¼cuptahini

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

1tablespoonoliveoil

Inamediumpot,bringthewatertoaboilovermediumheat.

Addtheedamameandcookfor2to3minutes.Draintheedamameinacolanderandallowtocool.

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinetheedamame,tahini,lemonjuice,andoil,andblenduntilsmooth.

STORAGE:Leftoverhummuscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1week.

WhiteBeanDipMAKES6SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Similartohummusbutsmootherintexture,whitebeandip(madewithcannellinibeans)isequallyhighinproteinandfiber.Thisdippairswellwithsteamedvegetablechunksorsoftpiecesofbreadorpitafordipping;italsomakesanexcellentvegetariansandwichspreadforadults.

Variation:Freshherbs suchas thyme, tarragon,ormarjorammakea tastyaddition tothisdip;useabout¼teaspoonofanyofthese.ThymewillgivethedipaslightlyItalianflavor,whiletarragonandmarjoramwillmakeitsweeterandmorefragrant.

1(16-ounce)cancannellinibeans,drainedandrinsed

2tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

¼cuptahini

2tablespoonsoliveoil

Inablenderorfoodprocessor,combinethebeans,lemonjuice,tahini,andoliveoil,andblenduntilsmooth.

STORAGE:Leftoverwhitebeandipcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1week.

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CheeseFondueDipMAKES4SERVINGS,¼CUPEACH


Kidswilleatalmostanythingcoveredordippedincheese.Unlikemostvarietiesofcheesesauces,whicharehighlyprocessed,thisonewon’tmakeyoufeelguiltyaboutsmotheringyour tot’sveggies. Itgoesparticularlywellwithsteamedbroccoliorcauliflower florets,cookedcarrots,greenbeans,andasparagus.

Tip:All-purposeflourisrecommendedforthisrecipeinsteadofwhole-wheatpastryflourbecauseofitsextremelymildtaste(andthesmallamountused).Ifyourtoddlerisallergictowheat,brownriceflourcanbesubstituted.


2tablespoonsall-purposeflour

1cupwholemilk

1cupgratedcheddarorMontereyJackcheese

Inamediumsaucepan,meltthebutterovermedium-lowheat.

Oncethebutterhasmelted,addtheflourlittlebylittle,whiskingtopreventlumps.

Reducetheheattolowandcookforabout3minutes,butdon’tallowthemixturetobrown.

Removethepanfromtheheatandslowlywhiskinthemilk.

Returnthemilkmixturetothestovetopovermediumheatandcookforabout5minutes,untilthesauceisthickenoughtocoatthebackofaspoon.

Addthecheeseandstiruntilithasmeltedcompletely.

STORAGE:Leftovercheesedipcanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3days.

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HummusandCarrotPinwheelsMAKESABOUT8PINWHEELS

PREPTIME:10MINUTES

Fun to lookatand fun to eat, pinwheelsarea cleverway tohide veggies in your littleone’s snack.Theyalsomakeanifty lunchwhen you’reon thego—just be sure to packtheminaninsulatedbagwithanicepacksotheystayfresh.Othergratedveggies,suchascucumbersandbeets,workwell in thesepinwheels inplaceofcarrots;youcanalsotrytossinginafewbabyspinachleaves.

Variation: For extra color, swap out the whole-wheat tortilla for a spinach- or redpepper–flavoredkind.Youcanalsoreplacethehummuswithcreamcheese.

1tablespoonhummus

1smallwhole-wheattortilla

1tablespoonshreddedcarrot

Spreadthehummusoverthetortilla.

Sprinklethecarrotoverthehummus,leavingtheedgesononesideuncovered.

Startingonthecarrot-coveredside,rollupthetortillaintoatightcylinder.Cuttherollcrosswiseintopinwheels.

STORAGE:Leftoverpinwheelscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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CheesyCarrotBallsMAKESABOUT12BALLS

PREPTIME:5MINUTES

Reminiscentofthelargercheeseballsoftenservedasappetizersatparties,thesesmallerspheres are more nutritious, thanks to the carrots, but just as delicious. Kids love thesquishytexture—plus,they’resupereasytochew.Thesecanalsobespreadbetweenslicesofbreadorinapita.

Variation:MixinginatablespoonofwheatgermorgroundflaxmealwillhelpholdtheseballstogetherandaddmorefiberandvitaminE.Orforafruit-and-cheeseplattertypeofflavor,tryreplacingthegratedcarrotwiththesameamountofgratedapple.

½cupcoldcreamcheese

1cupgratedcheddarcheese

½cupfinelygratedcarrot

Inamediumbowl,combinethecreamcheese,cheddar,andcarrot.

Scoopupabout1tablespoonofthemixtureand,usingwethands,gentlyformthemixtureintoaball.Repeatuntilallofthemixturehasbeenused.

STORAGE:Leftovercheeseballscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

APPENDIXARecipesfortheOne-YearBirthdayParty

Congratulations! Your baby’s first birthday is one of the most exciting, monumentaloccasionsofhis life—andyours.Andafter12monthsofmanysleeplessnights, laughs,tears,milestones,andmesses,yourentirefamilydeservesacelebration.

Therecipes in thissectionaremeant tobe funandeasycrowd-pleasers forallages.Remember,yourbaby is still tooyoung to appreciate thedifferencebetweena culinaryworkofartandahumblepie(orcake,asthecasemaybe),andsoaremostoftheyoungguestsinattendance.Cutyourselfsomeslackandenjoythismostwonderfulday.

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2.

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4.

Coconut-PineappleIcePopsMAKESABOUT8–10POPS

PREPTIME:15MINUTES,PLUS6HOURSTOFREEZE

Creamycoconutmilkandsweetpineapplemakethesetropicalicepopsirresistible.Freezetheminicepopmoldsorusepapercups.Coverthecupswithfoil,andtheninserttheicepopstickthroughthefoilintothefruitmixture.Thefoilwillholdthesticksinplacewhiletheicepopsfreeze.

3cupspineapple,cutintosmallpieces

⅔cupsugar

½cupcoconutmilk(fullfat)

Inafoodprocessororblender,combinethepineapple,sugar,andcoconutmilk,andprocessuntilwellcombined,30secondsto1minute.

Pourthemixturethroughafine-meshsieveintoaliquidmeasuringcup.

Pourthestrainedmixtureintoicepopmolds.

Freezetheicepopsuntilfrozen,about6hours,beforeserving.

STORAGE:Remainingicepopscanbestoredinthefreezerforupto3months.

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5.

Banana-BlueberryCakewithCreamCheeseFrosting

MAKES4TO6SERVINGS


Thiscakeislowinsugarandcontainshealthybananas,makingittheidealcakeforafirstbirthdayparty.Yourtoddler isalreadyvery familiarwith the flavorofbananas,sohe’lllovethissweetcake,whichisguaranteedtobeacrowdpleaser.Useveryripebananasforbestresults.Decoratethetopofthecakewithminichocolatechipsorsomeotherfunandfestivetopping.

FORTHECAKE:

1½cupswhole-wheatflour

1teaspoonbakingsoda

1teaspoongroundcinnamon

¼teaspoongroundnutmeg

Pinchofsalt

4ripebananas

¾cupunsweetenedapplesauce

1teaspoonvanillaextract

2eggwhites,beaten

1cupblueberries

FORTHEFROSTING:

8ouncescreamcheese,softened

¼cupunsweetenedapplesauce

½teaspoonvanillaextract

Tomakethecake:


Greaseandflourtwo9-inchroundcakepans.

Inalargebowl,whisktogethertheflour,bakingsoda,cinnamon,nutmeg,andsalt.

Inaseparatelargebowl,mashtogetherthebananasandapplesauce.Stirinthevanillaextractandbeateneggwhites.

Foldthewetingredientsintothedryingredientsuntiltheyarejustincorporated.Foldintheblueberries.

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4.

Pourthebatterintothepreparedcakepans,andbakethemuntilatoothpickinsertedinthecentercomesoutclean,about20minutes.

Coolthecakesonawirerack.

Tomakethefrosting:

Inamediumbowl,mixtogetherthecreamcheese,applesauce,andvanillaextract.

Turnonecakeoutontoacakeplate,andspreaditwithhalfthefrosting.

Turnthesecondcakeoutontopofthefirstcake,andspreaditwiththeremainingfrosting.

Storeinaboxorcoveredcakestanduntilthemomentofpresentation.

STORAGE:Leftoverbirthdaycakecanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto3days,orfrozenforupto3months.

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5.

StrawberryCreamHeartsMAKESABOUT18HEARTS


Thesegorgeouslittlepuffslooklikeanexpertpastrychefspenthourscreatingthem,butthey’reactuallyincrediblysimpletomake.Freshraspberriescanbeusedinplaceofthestrawberriesifyourtoddlerprefersthem,ortryusingacombinationofboth.

1cupheavycream

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract

¼cupconfectioners’sugar

1packagefrozenpuffpastry,defrosted

½cupslicedfreshstrawberries


Inthebowlofastandmixerfittedwiththepaddleattachment,combinethecream,vanilla,andsugarandbeatuntilfluffy,about5minutes.

Unfoldthepuffpastryandcutitintoheartsusingaheart-shapedcookiecutter.

Placetheheartsonthebakingsheetandbakeuntilgoldenbrown,about10minutes.

Allowtheheartstocool,thencuttheminhalfcrosswisetomaketwohearts.Toponehalfwithwhippedcreamandberries,thenplacetheotherhalfontoptoformasandwich.

STORAGE:Leftoverheartscanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto1day.

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2.

Watermelon“Cookies”MAKESABOUT24COOKIES

PREPTIME:5MINUTES

Probablythesimplestdessertyou’llevermake,theseone-ingredient“cookies”areidealfor summer birthdays. Just be sure to use a seedlesswatermelon, as toddlers generallyaren’tskilledatspittingoutseeds.Trytofindafirmmelon—mushymelonwon’tholdtheshapeofthecookiecutteraswell.

1smallseedlesswatermelon

Cutthewatermeloninto½-inch-thickslices.

Usecookiecuttersinavarietyofshapes(stars,letters,numbers,hearts)tocutthewatermelonslicesinto“cookies.”

STORAGE:Leftoverwatermeloncookiescanberefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto2days.

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6.

ChocolateChipCookiePieMAKESABOUT12SERVINGS


Withachocolatechipcookiethat’ssobiganddenseit’sreallyapie,youcanexpectyourguests to lineup forseconds…andmaybeeven thirds!Thispie isbest ifyoudon’t let itbakefortoolong,sobesuretotakeitoutoftheovenassoonasit’sgoldenbrownalloverandatoothpickstuckintothemiddlecomesoutclean.

½cupunsaltedbutter,atroomtemperature,plusmoreforthepan

½cuppackedbrownsugar

¼cupgranulatedsugar

1largeegg

2teaspoonspurevanillaextract


½teaspoonbakingpowder

¼teaspoonsalt

1cupsemisweetchocolatechips

Preheattheovento375°F.Buttera9-inchpieplate.

Inthebowlofastandmixerfittedwiththepaddleattachment,beatthebutter,brownsugar,andgranulatedsugaruntilfluffy,about5minutes.

Addtheeggandvanilla,andbeatfor2minutesmore.Removethebowlfromthemixer.

Inaseparatelargebowl,mixtheflour,bakingpowder,andsalt.Slowlystirthedryingredientsintothebowlwiththewetingredients.

Stirinthechocolatechips.

Pressthedoughintothepreparedpieplate,andbakefor20minutes,oruntilgoldenbrown.

STORAGE:Leftoverpiecanbestoredatroomtemperatureinanairtightcontainerforupto3days.

APPENDIXBSampleMealPlans

Onthefollowingpages,you’llfindsamplemealplansforthevariousagesusingrecipesfrom this book, aswell as simple snack suggestions that require almost nopreparation.Simplesuggestionsthatdonotrequirerecipeswillhavetwoasterisks(**)nexttothem.Keepinmindthatallmealsshouldbesupplementedbyliquids,whetherthat’sbreastmilkorformulainthefirst12months,orcow’smilk,almondmilk,soymilk,orotherliquidsafter that point. Refer back to the recipe chapters for specifics on howmuch of theseliquidsshouldbeconsumedateachage.

4TO6MONTHS

Whenyourbabyfirstbeginssolids,tryofferingjustonepuréeeachday,keepinginmindthe 4-day wait rule before introducing new foods. Once a couple of foods have beenintroducedwithoutareaction,feelfreetomixpuréesformorevariety.

Afteracoupleofweeksofdoingwellwithjustonepurée,youcanstartofferingpuréesacoupleoftimeseachday.

7TO8MONTHS

Babiesmoveatdifferent rateswhen it comes toall things,butespecially in thecaseoffood.Whetheryoustartedfoodsat4monthsor6months,yourbaby’sreactionstofoodwill tell you what she’s capable of handling, and whether she wants more. By 7 to 8months,somebabieswillstilltreatpuréeswithcautiousskepticism,whileotherswillbereadytomovetothreefeedingsaday.Hereisasamplemonththatbeginswithtwopuréesa day and progresses to three each day after the first couple of weeks. Adapt as feelsappropriatewithyourparticularchild,andcontinuetofollowthebreastmilkorformularecommendationsnotedinChapter4.

9TO11MONTHS

Yourbaby is reallyeatingnow!Theone-weekplanpresentedhere includesacoupleofcomplementary recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so your baby gets a full,nutritionallybalancedmeal.Somebabieswilleatupbothoptions;othersmightprefertoeat just one. Follow your baby’s cues. Experiment with blending purées to differenttexturestofindoutwhatyourbabylikesandmaybereadyfor.

Bythispoint,youcanstarttosupplementpuréeswithfingerfoodsandsnacksoneortwotimesaday.Keepsnackssimple.It’sexcitingwhenyourbabybeginstoself-feed,butmessytoo!Aswithpreviousmonths,breastmilkorformularemainsincrediblyimportantforyourbaby’shealthandnutrition.FollowrecommendationsnotedinChapter5.

12TO18MONTHS

It’s almost like children have a sixth sense when it comes to parent desperation, andparticularlysointhecaseoffood.Themorewewantthemtoeathealthilyandheartily,thebetteran idea it seems to them to refuse food.Asyou’venodoubt learnedover thecourseof the lastseveralmonths,babieswillmaketheirowndecisionsaboutwhat theywillandwon’teat(justaswedo).Atthispoint,thegoodnewsisthatyouandyourbabycan largely enjoy the samemeals, sowhatever she doesn’t eat, feel free to put it awayyourself.

Babiesareamazingmanagersoftheirownfoodintake.Inthe12-to18-monthrange,it’scommonforsometoeatabiglunchandgoverylightondinner,orviceversa.Yourbaby’s variable eating habits should not necessarily be a cause for concern, but alwaysconsultyourpediatricianifyou’reworried.Nowthatyoucanstarttointroducecow’smilkandhoneyinyourbaby’sdiet,virtuallynothingisoffthetable.

APPENDIXCMeasurementConversions

VOLUMEEQUIVALENTS(LIQUID)

VOLUMEEQUIVALENTS(DRY)

OVENTEMPERATURES

WEIGHTEQUIVALENTS

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fast & fresh baby food cookbook - jacqueline burt cote

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