An all natural throw back…

When I was a baby …way way back in 1987, it was NOT common for mothers to make their babies homemade baby food. Considering, my Mom was ahead of her time, super cautious and a complete nervous wreck with every aspect of the 1rst year of my life (I was her first), she found it to be imperative that I only eat the best and most natural foods.  She couldn’t imagine feeding me baby food, packed with preservatives and products she could not even pronounce. She speaks of her expertise with baby food, usually around this time of year (my birthday just passed), when she gets all sentimental about my childhood. Below are two of my baby favs… an homage to my Mimi (mother)! Thanks for years 0 through 25 and the many many meals in between.  

Apple, Pear & Banana Mash Up

What you need:

-4 Organic Apples (I like to use Fiji, Gala or Macintosh)

-2 Organic Bosc Pears

-1 Large Organic Banana (I like to use a very ripe banana)

-1/2 cup water

-(optional)A Sprinkle of Cinnamon (Ask your doctor if your baby can be introduced to this spice)

Directions:

Peel, core and cut apples into tiny chunks. Do the same for the Pear and Bananas. Place fruit into pan and cover with water. Cover pan and bring fruit mixture to a boil. Make sure to keep an eye on the mixture…it can easily burn if not watched.

Once fruit mixture is tender place it in a food processor or high-powered blender and puree. You may want to add a little water, depending on how thick or thin you want the puree to be. You can also add baby cereal after pureed.

Health Facts:

Apples: It’s considered to be one of the most popular fruits in the world it’s also a baby/kid favorite. Additionally, apples contain vitamins and minerals that fuel the bodies’ blood. The saying ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ holds some validity, due to its health benefits.  Vitamins: A, C, Foliate; Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium

Pears: Great fruit to introduce to babies who are just starting on solid foods. It’s low in acid and won’t upset a baby’s tummy. It’s high in fiber so don’t feed it to a baby who is experiencing diarrhea. Vitamin: Ample amounts of vitamin C; Minerals: copper, iron, potassium, manganese and magnesium as well as B-complex vitamins.

Banana: A very sweet and tasty fruit that is soft on its own… great fruit to introduce to babies starting on solid foods. Bananas not only are tasty but they strengthen the teeth and bones and help replenish the bodies electrolytes after having a bout with diarrhea Vitamins: A, C and B6; Minerals: Calcium, Iron Potassium, Zinc and Magnesium

Apple and Avocado

What you need:

-1/4^th a cup of pureed applesauce (plain apple sauce)

-Half avocado (pitted)

Directions

In a bowl, mash the avocado and mix in applesauce and serve. Here comes the airplane!

This quick and easy recipe is great for babies who are just starting to eat solid foods. Avocados are known contain everything you need to survive.

Health Facts:

Avocado: Vitamins: Contains substantial amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2, Niacin, Folate, Pantothenic Acid and Vitamin B6; Minerals:Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium and Iron

IMPORTANT: Non-organic produce could potentially have traces of toxins that are especially harmful to young babies and children.