Reusable Pouches!

http://www.yummipouch.com/recipes
http://blog.squooshi.com/category/all-recipes/

There are now places where you can purchase refillable pouches to store your baby food.  I love this!
I just ordered some but haven't tried them out yet.  Can't wait to get cooking.  Smoothies and Fruit and Veggie purees are first on the list.  Stay tuned for updates on recipes and tips.

Autumn Apples

Today we took the family on a fall adventure to Plymouth Cider Mill & Orchard.  So much fun!
I picked up a 1/2 peck of Ida Red Apples.  I chose those because it says it's good for eating, cooking & baking.  They are a pretty red and large.  Large apples means less peeling.
Here is my recipe for apple sauce in a crock pot.  Makes the house smell good all day!

Ingredients:

• 8 medium apples (Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.)
• 1 strip of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 inch cinnamon stick (1 teaspoon of ground)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (unpacked)
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1/3 cup Fresh Apple Cider (juice or water)

Directions:

Peel, Core and Slice the apples then add to your crock pot.
Add all of the rest of the ingredients, stir and cook for 6-8 hours on low.
Stir apples occasionally, apples will slowly become a delicious applesauce.  Remove cinnamon sticks, lemon peel and vanilla bean. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or if you prefer a chunky sauce, leave sauce intact or try a potato masher.

Leftovers

Sometimes I research recipes, sometimes I see something while shopping, and sometimes it's just what I have leftover and that's what ends up as baby food.  Last night's special was cheesy broccoli and noodles.
Left overs make great baby food if you have a food processor.

• Be aware of high salt, sugar and fat content in "adult" food before you use it for baby food.

Today is pinto beans and ham!

I love adding beans to food as protein and texture.  Super easy item to stock up on when it's on sale at the grocery store.  I like Simple Truth Organic brand at Kroger.

Ingredients:
1 can of Pinto Beans, drained and rinced
2 slices of Ham deli meat.
6 oz of carrots (diced or shredded)
1 cup of Vegetable Stock
2 T butter
2t Cinnamon
Sprinkle of Cumin and Ginger

Take all of these ingredients and cook in a sauce pot for 20 minutes, med/low heat.  Make sure carrots are softened or continue cooking.  The size of the carrot depicts cooking time.
Drain and reserve the cooking liquid and add a little if needed to puree smooth.  Portion and freeze.
This recipe make 6, 4oz jars.

So Behind!

I have totally fallen off the blogging wagon! I need to get myself back on track.  I have been cooking and recording recipes but have just not taken the time to post.  Somehow I find the time to check facebook several times a day but "can't" find the time to blog.  Perhaps because it takes more effort. I'm cooking now and I'll post the recipe today. :)

Happy Fall! Simple Pumpkin Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin

1 (15oz) Can Pumpkin Puree

8 oz Whole Milk Yogurt (I prefer Stonyfield Plain or Vanilla)

1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 teaspoon Vanilla

2 Tablespoons of Butter

On the stove top over med/low heat.  Heat pumpkin, butter, and vanilla.  Once simmering turn off heat and stir in yogurt.  Chill and ready to serve and portion for freezing.

Recipes: Chicken & Apples

I've discovered the secret to adding meat to baby food, it's canned chicken.

Ingredients:

4 Golden Delicious Apples (peeled and diced)
1 (7oz) package of Cooked Premium White Chicken
1 teaspoon of Chinese 5 Spice (Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice)
1 1/2 cups water
2 Tablespoons of Butter

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients to a pot and cook over med/low heat until apples are tender.
Drain but reserve the cooking liquid.  Add to processor and process, add some of the liquid if needed to help combine and smooth.
Divide into jars or ice cube trays, label/date and freeze.

I bought pre-made baby food!

Ok don't judge!! This is for Scientific research.

I've been having trouble getting Aeris to eat meat. I needed to find out if it's due to flavor or texture.
When I make baby food with meat it isn't smooth. Machine processed store bought food is very smooth. I'm trying to figure out how to improve the texture.
Turns out Aeris loved the store bought food which was a blow to my self esteem. I thought it was awful. I always taste her food first.
Next plan is to master the meat. ;)