I’m not what you would call a “crunchy gal.”
I breastfed as long as I could, I “wore” my daughter in a sling… but cloth diapers and hemp-based soaps were not for me.
But you know what was for me? Homemade baby food.
A friend of mine made all of her baby’s food, and she showed me how easy it was to do. Then, I got this book as a baby gift when Babes was born.
This book changed the way I thought about making baby food. All the recipes are so easy!
Of course, there is nothing wrong with feeding baby jarred baby food, but I kind of made making her baby food a challenge. No, I didn’t buy everything organic, but I felt good knowing I was making her food with love.
And, really, would you want to eat jarred meats? Didn’t think so.
This book is great. From simple fruit and veggie purees, to more complex recipes for the older baby, I’ve tried so many recipes in this book, it’s a permanent fixture on my kitchen counter.
Did I mention how easy it is to make your own baby food?
All you need is a steamer insert for a pot or pan, a food processor, and I love to use a hand held stick-blender. Works like magic.
Below is one of my favorite recipes from the book. This book truly is a fabulous find, and if you’re getting ready to start solids, or if you want to try something different with your baby, this book is a great resource.
Chicken with leek, carrots and peas
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup washed and chopped white part of a leek
- 1 large chicken thign ( about 6 oz) on the bone, skinned and trimmed of fat
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 cup of chicken stock
- 1/4 cup of frozen peas
Heat the oil in a saucepan and saute the leek for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and saute for about 2 minutes. Ad the carrots and pour in the stock, then bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the peas and cool uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and take the flesh off the bone. Blend together with vegetables and chicken with as much of the cooking liquid as necessary to make a smooth puree.
* I have this page marked as “yum” so I think my daughter really loved it!
* This recipe is suitable for freezing, is good for babies between 7 and 9 months, and makes 2 portions.
{ 11 comments }
I made all my own food for the triplets. I was fast, easy and inexpensive. I don’t know why more people don’t. Plus, my kids are such great eaters and I have to think that this has something to do with it.
@Jen, I think so too! I am trying to give her lots of different tastes…
Funny I didn’t make too much baby food with my oldest. I was overwhelmed with it and he always threw up stuff {he hated texture}. Then with my youngest {since he was a great eater from the beginning} I made his baby food / cereal. I realized “OMG this is so easy” and had fun trying new things. Maybe this is why he is a pretty good eater today? I had to give up making baby food early on though because my son just wanted to jump right to table food which was a good thing.
Oh and the comment you made on my blog – I totally agree! I wish people would of actually read my blog instead of writing “from friday follow” and then leaving…ugh!
@Tina @ Life Without Pink, You are too funny… I think B is ready for table food… but I am not sure what to give her… I am so afraid she is going to choke! A girl cannot live on puffs alone!
Hi Erica-
I will always remember you from Bloggy Boot Camp as the girl I saw at the rest stop on 95. My children are grown, but I tried to always make them the best food possible. When they were little they didn’t even know what hot dogs were. I didn’t have a steamer, but I remember putting everything in the blender to puree it. The little extra effort it takes to make your daughter wholesome foods will be well worth it. I wish I had the book you have – that would have given my lots of different flavors for them to try.
@Diane @ InMyOwnStyle,
Lots of pee breaks when I am in the car driving! I hope my efforts will turn her into a good eater… I try lots of stuff. Fish is a toughie though… need to do more fish!
Oh, I’m the same way! I breastfed, baby-wear, disposable diaper, etc. I’m such a random mix of a mom! I even mix store bought and homemade baby food. I LOVE easy to do stuff, and found myself doing more and more. My youngest is now on table food, but enjoyed the homemade stuff so much more.
thanks for visiting from SITS! I’m following you right back, I enjoy your blog!
This book was my bible. I hope we meet before the SITS day in Philly maybe for lunch soon or our GNO! LOVE your blog it is FAB. I have been following and reading it for some time did not even know it was your blog too funny!
@alyssa, You are too funny… Yes, Philly!
I’d never considered making my own baby food, but you make it sound like so much fun! When I have children, I will definitely keep this in mind.
@Megan (Best of Fates), No, you should totally do it. It was so much easier than I thought it would be!
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