Making your own baby food is easier than you think and less expensive than buying it pre-made. Plus, you can be confident you're giving your baby the best and healthiest ingredients available. All you need is a saucepan and a blender or food processor to get started.
Curried Carrot and Red Lentil Puree
Introducing your kids to different spices and textures at an early age is a smart way to raise an adventurous eater. Lentils and curry are a winning combo that your whole gang will love.
Even Pears Get the Blues (Pear and Blueberry Puree)
Blueberries are often referred to as a "superfood," and for good reason. They're high in antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They make a great puree for wee ones and a terrific on-the-go snack for the toddler set. Coupled with pears (also high in fiber and Vitamin C) and a dash of cinnamon, this puree is a nutritional hit. It's also great as a smoothie or as a mix-in for oatmeal or your favorite hot breakfast cereal.
Minty Peas
Why serve your baby plain old boring pea puree when you can brighten it up with the vibrant flavor of fresh mint? Mint is not only a flavor enhancer for peas; it also aids digestion.
Avocado Banana Puree
We all know that avocados and bananas are great first foods, but have you ever tried them together? They may seem like a strange combo, but it's a match made in baby food heaven, and the proof is in the puree. Avocados are rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E; bananas are a powerhouse of magnesium and potassium. Together they make one potent puree.
Mama's Chicken and Apple Soup
This soup is a household favorite because of an unexpected ingredient: apple! It adds great flavor as well as additional fiber. Give this soup a try -- it'll be a hit with the entire family, young and old.
Creamy Roasted Mango Puree
Roasting any fruit or vegetable brings out its natural sweetness and retains more nutrients than other ways of cooking. This recipe is super versatile and delicious for the whole family. And it's so much healthier than store-bought flavored yogurts. Its sweetness comes from the roasting process and not from added sugar. Serve it on its own, make it into popsicles or drizzle it over oatmeal. Any way you eat it, it's sure to be a family fave!
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