Before my daughter was born I decided to make my own baby food. Several friends had done so and raved about the cost savings, ease and enjoyment. That, coupled with my plans being justified after reading My Two-Year-Old Eats Octopus, inspired me to put a new blender and food processor on my registry. The gift was fulfilled and last month I put it to use for the first time, as my now five-month-old daughter was ready for solids. Solids in the form of pureed, liquified vegetables.
I’m certainly not on a high horse about it, as I’ve unfortunately been accused. Instead, I’m sharing my experience with it because I’m shocked at how easy, affordable and fun it is. Plus, it’s a really healthy option to feed my daughter and expose her as young as possible to fresh foods (and my love of cooking!). Processed, jarred baby foods can mask the true flavor, smell and color of fruits and vegetables. Plus, the pre-made baby foods at the store come in a limited variety and cost, in some cases, more than a dollar a jar (or, a dollar per feeding). I haven’t found zucchini or pumpkin at the store, but my daughter has enjoyed both of those varieties at home.
Watch the video below as I describe my first batch of zucchini, carrots and squash. It’s a six-week supply of food that I paid $7.50 for, and spent two hours preparing.
While I’m still new at this, I’ve learned a few things already, and I wanted to share my findings with other busy moms. I’m busy, you’re busy, but I’m telling you, your schedule has time for this, and your budget will thank you!
My baby food recipe? Very simple.
- 1 pound of fresh vegetables (i.e. carrots)
- Chop in chunks that fit in a steamer (steaming as opposed to boiling preserves the nutrients)
- Steam until soft (carrots about 30 minutes, zucchini and squash about 17)
- Drop vegetables into blender or food processor and add the water that collected in the bottom of the steamer (adding more of the natural nutrients)
- Puree until smooth
- Pour mixture in reusable containers. Another option is to use ice cube trays: fill trays with puree, freeze overnight, the next day pop out the cubes and save in a freezer bag. One serving is about two cubes. Thaws quickly in microwave.
Watch part two now, as I explain a few tools of the homemade baby food-making trade!
Do you make your own baby food? What are your favorite recipes, time-saving tricks, and budget-friendly tips?