When I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd child I was so excited to be able to make baby food again. With my first, I just made her meats. With my second I made all his food except I still bought baby cereal. I thought making baby food would be really hard and time consuming. But I watched some youtube videos and realized it was actually very easy. I really enjoyed making his food and the little guy ended up with a huge selection of food to eat. Here are some examples of how to make baby food.
The book I bought is called Blender Baby Food - Second Edition By Nicole Young.
This book is amazing. There are so many different recipes and instructions on how to make it.
With all the food I make, I spoon it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen I transfer it to a freezer bag and date it with an expiry date of 3 months. When steaming food I use the water from the steamer to blend it and if I'm boiling it I use the water in the pot. Some nutrients from the fruits/veggies go into the water so you want to try and put some of them back into the food. When adding water and milk to blend. Start with a small amount and keep adding until you reach your desired consistency.
OATMEAL WITH STRAWBERRIES OR BLUEBERRIES
-1/2 cup oats
-2 cups water
-1 cup frozen strawberries or blueberries, thawed
Bring the water to a boil and add oats. Let cook for about a minute then remove from heat.
Now I put my frozen berries in the fridge the day before so they thaw and are soft. Blend oatmeal and berries in a blender. Spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
You can also add a banana to it or use any fruit you want.
BANANAS
I do not make bananas ahead of time. When I want to serve some I take a piece of banana and mash it with a fork.
FRUIT
When making fruit, if frozen I put it in the fridge to thaw. There is no set amount just take out how much you think you'll need. If you take out too much or not enough you'll know for next time. If using fresh fruit and the fruit is not very soft yet I put it in my steamer until it gets soft.
Take your fruit and puree in the blender with water. Start with a small amount of water and keep adding until it is the consistency that you want. When blended spoon into ice cube trays.
Some of the fruit I have made are apples, peaches, pears, cherries, mango, papaya, strawberries and blueberries. For apples I use unsweetened apple sauce. I use the brands that contain just apples and water, There are also tons of combinations you can do. The book comes in handy with lots of ideas.
Here is a combination my kids loved.
Peach Pear Banana
-1 1/2 cups diced peeled peaches (about 2)
-1 cup diced peeled pears (about 1)
-1 banana sliced
In blender combine peaches, pears and banana and puree until smooth.
VEGGIES
When making veggies I peel if needed and steam the veggies until cooked and soft. You can also boil or bake them. I use water to blend but you can also use breast milk or formula.
Whichever method you use when they are ready put it in the blender with water and puree until smooth.
Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze.
Some of the veggies I have made are sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, green beans and peas.
MEATS
The book an amazing recipes for all different meats and fish.
Here are a few I have altered or come up with on my own. Some of these I don't have an exact amount of each ingredient. I use the meat I have leftover and add the fruit to taste.
Pork with peaches/apples
-baked pork chop (I use boneless) cut into pieces
-apple sauce or peaches
-water (enough to make smooth)
Put in blender add water and puree until smooth. Spoon into ice cube tray and freeze.
Chicken
-package of ground chicken
-2 egg whites
-1 cup oats
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Form mixture into patties. Place on a greased baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes. When done cut into pieces and put into blender. Add water/breastmilk/formula. Blend until smooth. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze.
uncooked patties and frozen chicken
Turkey with Cranberries
(this recipe I modified from the book)
-1 tbsp oil
-package of thinly sliced turkey breast
-1/2 cup water
-1/4 cup fresh/frozen/dried cranberries (I used dried)
In a frying pan heat oil over medium high heat. Add turkey and brown slightly. Stir in cranberries and water, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of pan. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until cranberries are very tender and turkey is no longer pink inside, about 30 min. Let cool.
Transfer to blender and puree until smooth. Spoon into ice cube tray and freeze.
If you have any questions about making baby food please comment below!
