Sorry it's been so long since my last (& first) blog.
I have been taking pictures of some of my baby food making endeavors & decided it was time to add a few more veggies to the list!
First up....
CARROTS!!
I buy my organic carrots in 5lb bags at BJ's (I know they have them at Costco as well). You are more than welcome to use baby carrots as they save you the peeling and chopping time, but from what I've researched they aren't as healthy as the whole ones.
I paid $3.99 for my 5lb bag which made me 24 oz + side dish for dinner
It'll take you about 10-15 mins to peel a 5lb bag of carrots - and look how pretty they turn out!
Next, you'll want to chop them to the size of a baby carrot (2-3 inches) and if the ends are really thick, they may cook better if you chop them in half as well.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Pop into a 375 degree oven for 40-45 mins (turn them over half way through)
VOILA!!!!
Seriously, these taste like CANDY!
They've become my new favorite way to cook & eat carrots.
Place them in a bowl (or blender) and puree away
This is how they looked after 45-60 seconds with my immersion blender (which if I haven't mentioned was worth EVERY $30).
Also, it's ok if it's a little thick. You can add some water, but I wouldn't thin it too much. Once you're getting ready to give it to your baby (or toddler -- mine LOVES to eat this off the spoon), you can add some water to thin it.
Place them into ice cube trays and freeze for at least 3-4 hrs then pop them into labeled (veggie/fruit & date) Freezer Ziploc bag -- easy storage!
Each cube is roughly 1oz, so they're easy to pop into a bowl and thaw for a few hours.
Look at that roasted GOLDEN deliciousness! MMmmm!
Next up....
BROCCOLI
This is a 3lb bag from BJ's
I paid $4.99 for a 3lb bag which made me 48oz of baby food + our side dish for dinner
Put the desired amount into 1" of boiling salted water (I prefer sea salt).
I'm using a frying pan but you can use a steamer if you have one (mine's in storage so I used an alternate method)
Turn heat to low, cover & simmer for 10-12 minutes
Once it's done, strain it & repeat the prior steps with any other veggie (puree & freeze)
SWEET POTATO:
I keep forgetting to take pics - but I make these ALOT!
I buy a 3lb bag at BJ's for $2.49 and it'll make me between 30-36 oz
Pierce the potatoes several times & place them on a baking sheet
Place in a 350 degree oven for around 50-60 mins (depending on how many potatoes you have) You should be able to pinch them with your fingers & have them feel soft.
Let them cool for 30-40 mins and using your fingers you'll be able to easily peel the skin right off.
Place into a bowl & puree!
Final Thoughts & Comments:
I challenge all of my mommy (and daddy) friends out there with little ones to give this a try at least once! It takes some prep & hands on time - but the rewards are priceless! It'll keep some pennies (and a lot of times, dollars) in your pockets and you'll have the peace of mind knowing that YOU know what your baby is eating. If you look at the prices I paid per item (highlighted) & compare to a 6oz jar of organic baby food in the stores ($1.20-1.30), you are EASILY saving money and feeding your baby healthier. Please don't think I'm against buying baby food -- I still buy it. Most of the out of season fruits are going to be cheaper & I will buy some of the Stage 3 dinners - but, I always know I can make my veggies for cheaper.
It's fun to mix things up a little with the foods. My son, Shepherd loves it when I do half sweet potatoes & half carrots or half squash & half sweet potato (3 cubes of each for a 6oz dinner). He is still adapting to "green" veggies, so I'll usually thaw out 1 pea or broccoli for him to eat with his dinner. It's nice 'cause I know I'm not wasting or having to throw a whole jar of it away. It gives him the chance to adapt to the taste while still getting some "green" in his diet.
When you're heading out the door for the day it's easy to throw your cubes in a Tupperware & let them thaw out while your running your errands, shopping, etc (depending on the fruit or veggie it takes 2-4 hrs to thaw at room temp).
Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil! It makes the clean up SO easy. Just crumple it up & throw it away.
HAVE FUN GUYS!!!
- Please share any recipes or ideas that you all have -
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