Super Duper Fruity Mini Muffins

I'm always on a quest to make nutritious and delicious snacks for my 11-month old son. Snacks that aren't junky, ones that we can eat together as a family and feel good about. Commercially prepared muffins seem healthy but eating one of those gigantor muffins for breakfast is basically like consuming a giant piece of birthday cake. Besides all of the sugar that they contain, there are always a ton of ingredients that I don't recognize and that's never a good thing. I created these muffins so that I could have freezable snack or quick breakfast on-hand when we are running out the door. 

What makes these muffins SUPER DUPER is the inclusion of Kefir (you can use plain yogurt too) wheat germ  and ground flax seeds. Kefir is an amazing probiotic which you've heard me rave about before. Flax and wheat germ are wonderful additions to any baked good because both are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Make your next breakfast SUPER DUPER by sprinkling some wheat germ or ground flax seeds onto yogurt or on top of oatmeal. Just remember that both contain healthy fats and fats can go rancid quickly if not kept in the refrigerator. 

Mini but Mighty Fruity Muffins

Makes 32 mini muffins or 16 regular sized muffins

3/4c Whole Wheat Flour

3/4c White Flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/4c wheat germ

2 tbsps ground flax seeds

1 egg

1 c yogurt (I used whole milk Kefir)

1/2c agave syrup

1/2 stick butter, melted

1 large banana, mashed

1 large apple, peeled and shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a mini muffin tin (or regular muffin tin) with paper liners. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, white flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, wheat germ and ground flax seeds until combined.

In another large bowl whisk together egg, yogurt, melter butter,  mashed banana, shredded apple, and agave syrup until well combined. 

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not over-mix, batter will seem thick and slightly lumpy due to the banana and apple.

If using a mini muffin tin, fill each muffin cup with 1 heaping teaspoon of batter.

If using a regular sized muffin tin, fill each muffin cup with a heaping tablespoon of batter.

Bake for 15 minutes if using mini muffin tin and 25 minutes if using regular muffin tin or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy!

FREEZING TIP:

Make sure muffins are completely cooled. wrap each muffin individually in a piece of aluminum foil and store muffins all together in a large freezer storage bag. Pop it in your purse or diaper bag and in 10 minutes it will be thawed and ready for munchin'.

SWAP OUT:

Use pear instead of apple.

Roasted Cinnamon Sweet Potato White Bean Mash

Making my son's baby food from scratch is satisfying for many reasons. One really great one is that it allows me to blur the lines between what I serve my little one and what I eat myself. I mean, come on, when was the last time you looked at one of those jarred baby foods and said, "mmmm...that's something I can serve to company." ? LOL.

Busy parents are always looking for ways to save time and money and this recipe does both. This is a recipe that I can make for guests and also serve to my 10 month old. The combination of white beans and roasted sweet potatoes makes for an excellent dip for a party and an amazing meal for your little one. The beans give this puree a nice creamy texture and they add an inexpensive protein punch to baby’s meal. A protein boost from beans means it's also perfect for the vegetarians in your family.

Sweet potatoes are often a favorite first food for baby and adding the mild tasting white beans enhances the nutrients without changing the taste. Perfect for even the pickiest eaters. Add in the onions and a little salt and pepper and you have a wonderful fall appetizer for a holiday party. Serve warm with a pat of butter and you have an awesome side dish for that roasted chicken or turkey (Thanksgiving is only 5 months away people-LOL). I enjoy serving it chilled as a dip with some toasted pita chips.

Note: Omit onions, salt and pepper for young babies.



Roasted Cinnamon Sweet Potato White Bean Mash

3 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 ½ teaspoons, extra virgin olive oil
1 medium organic Vidallia onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tsp organic cinnamon
1 can organic white beans, rinsed and drained (I like to use Canellini beans but navy or butter work well too)
salt and pepper to taste
water, if necessary to adjust consistency

1)-Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2)-Toss potatoes and onions with olive oil and bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing with a spatula halfway through to encourage even browning. Potatoes should be fork tender when they are ready.

3)-Allow potatoes and onions to cool slightly before tossing into a food processor along with beans, cinnamon, salt, pepper and water (if needed). Puree until desired consistency is reached. Serve chilled or warm as a baby puree or with pita chips as an awesome party dip.

Enjoy!


TIP: Swap the sweet potato for butternut squash.

TIP: Roast 1 clove of garlic alongside the potatoes and onions for an extra layer of flavor.

More fun with Baby Purees

My little man just turned 10 months and he is quickly going from a teeny baby to a big boy with a big appetite. The poor guy still doesn't have any teeth and rejects things that are too difficult for him to mash with his gums (smart guy!). All of his buddies are progressing to bigger and more exciting textures and I know he getting bored with his purees.

In effort to make his food a little more exciting (but still soft enough for him to be able to swallow whole), I started mixing his purees with his new favorite food-pasta!! It's so simple! Since I have all of these veggie and fruit purees stashed in my freezer, I figured they would make perfect "sauces" for his Pastina. Topped with a little cheese, you have some delicious fresh veggie sauces and a way to get some extra vitamins into your little one. Despite looking vibrant and beautiful, these tasted fantastic and Griffin became an instant fan. This idea is so yummy, your whole family will be able to enjoy it (add some herbs and maybe garlic and salt and pepper for more mature eaters). These veggies "sauces" are a great way to get those picky eaters to eat their veggies without having to hide them in something. Bright and colorful pasta sauces equals lotsa fun! Go ahead, call the Pea Sauce Pastina, Pasta with Slime and watch how eager your little one is to gobble it all up.

** I know for many parents jar food is the way to go for you and your family. This method will work just fine with jar food but I warn you, the nutritional value of the fresh purees is far superior and the colors and flavors will not be nearly as vibrant. My friends always marvel at how bright and vibrant my sons green peas are. I mean come on, have you ever seen anything so gorgeous????

Pastina with Carrot Sauce and Cheese

Pastina with Pea Puree aka Pasta with Slime Sauce : )

Just look at these gorgeous peas!!!!!
The things that excite me these days are pathetic. I'm a proud mama who loves her peas.

Pastina with Veggie Puree
Serves 1 bambino

1/4-1/3 c cooked Pastina pasta, (made according to pkg directions, we love Barilla)
2-3 tbsps fresh/frozen veggie puree (Griffin loves carrot and pea)
1 tsp grated Parmigiano Regianno cheese

**1 tbsp Ricotta cheese (optional)- Griffin loves Ricotta mixed into his veggie pasta. It adds a nice creaminess to the sauce.


In a small bowl mix the cooked Pastina with the puree and stir until well combined. Add a little water if consistence needs adjustment. Top with grated cheese and serve.

Two ways with oatmeal

The weather in NYC has been unpredictable to say the least. Well, that's not true, it's been predictably crappy and I can't seem to get my body to believe it's summer. So, I am still making all of my winter comfort foods like oatmeal. I love oatmeal and my family and I eat it almost every morning. It has been my sons favorite breakfast since he was 7 months old. Even in the summer, the warm creamy texture is comforting and filling. It’s just what I need to carry me through my day. And despite tasting delicious, oatmeal is is extremely healthy for you. Check out Mr Breakfast for a great Top 10 list on the benefits of eating oatmeal (plus the site is really cool).

If hot oatmeal in the Summer isn't your thing, my Chilled Raspberry Dream Oatmeal is just what you need. My two ways with oatmeal adds two simple recipes to your breakfast bag of tricks. Now you will always be prepared no matter what the weather.





Apple Cinnamon Date Oatmeal was a recipe that I created for my son. I wanted to get some Dates in his diet because they are filled with B-Complex Vitamins, Potassium, Magnesium and Iron along with many other vitamins and minerals. Plus, Dates taste really, really yummy. The combination of the creaminess of the oatmeal, the cinnamon and the dates is a real winner and I know your whole family will love it.


Apple Cinnamon Date Oatmeal
Serves 2 adults or about 6-8 baby portions

2 c water (or milk. such as cow, soy, almond, etc...)
1/8 tsp salt (you can omit for the younger babies)
1 c organic, old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 c organic pitted dates, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 large organic Fuji apple, peeled and shredded (or whatever apple is your fave)
1 tsp organic cinnamon


Bring water(milk) and salt to a boil. Stir in oats, dates, shredded apple and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until oatmeal has thickened and dates have plumped up a bit.

For adults, serve immediately topped with some chopped dates.

Enjoy!


For Little Ones: After oatmeal cools, toss into food processor and puree to desired consistency. Add more water/milk if necessary. Place into freezable containers.

To Serve your Little One: Defrost slightly, remove from container and pop into microwave or heat in a small saucepan with a few extra tablespoons of milk/ water.

TIP: I like to top my sons oatmeal with a drizzle of Organic Kefir or yogurt. It add some extra creaminess and some added protein and calcium.

TIP: Swap the apple for a Pear and the dates for raisins. Just remember to grind up those raisins and any dried fruit really well if serving to small babies especially when they still don't have any teeth like my son. : )


Enjoy!






Chilled Raspberry Dream Oatmeal is a recipe that I created after having a chilled oatmeal at a restaurant near my house. It is a fantastic way to have your oatmeal even on the hottest summer days and is even super as a dessert. You can use any fruit and any milk (cow or soy work really well too), even water works fine. It's a perfect breakfast for a busy mama or dada because it's ready and waiting for you in the AM.


Chilled Raspberry Dream Oatmeal Breakfast Parfaits
Serves 4adults or about 12 (4 oz) portions for baby

2 c organic, old fashioned rolled oats
2 c plain, unsweetened almond milk (or water or your fave milk, such as cow, soy etc...)
1 pint organic raspberries, pureed in a blender or food processor (save a few for garnish)
1 tsp organic cinnamon


In bowl combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Place into 2 preferably clear mugs (it looks prettier) and layer with the whole raspberries you reserved at the beginning.

Serve cold.

Enjoy!

TIP: Swap the raspberry puree for about 1/2 c of your favorite organic fruit puree.


Enjoy!

Organic Cherry Kefir Frozen Pops

Kefir is a creamy, cultured, probiotic drink. It's similar to yogurt but slightly more tart. I serve Kefir to my 9 month old son on top of his oatmeal every morning. You can find Kefir in many fruit flavors but I prefer to serve the plain version to my son. Since he hasn't gotten used to those overly sweet "fruit" flavored yogurts and Kefirs, he LOVES the tangy taste of plain version which makes a mama happy. Kefir is a great for smoothies.

I came up with this treat for my little boy who has not yet gotten his first tooth. These pops are a wonderful way to soothe sore gums. This recipe is one that both kids and parents will love. They are so nutritious, you can even serve them for breakfast on a hot summer morning.


Please Remember: If you plan on serving these treats to a young child, make sure you are with them while they are eating. As with any treat on a stick, there is always a chance of choking. You also want to be careful that your little one doesn't bite off a big piece. Since Griffin is still an itty bitty, we share. I rub a bit of this frozen treat on his gums and I munch on the rest. He loves sharing big people food with mommy.


Organic Cherry Kefir Frozen Pops
Makes 8-3oz popsicles


1 10oz bag organic frozen cherries
2 cups organic whole milk Kefir (our fave is Lifeway Organic but you could use plain 'ol yogurt if you can't find Kefir)

**2 tablespoons agave syrup or sugar if you feel you need more sweetness. Please taste first as the cherries should be sweet enough.

Put the Kefir and the cherries into a food processor and process until the cherries have broken down and the Kefir turns a light pink color.

Pour into molds (like these super cute silicone ones I used) and freeze over night.

TIPS:

Swap out the cherries for your favorite frozen fruit . Any kind of berry would be amazing !

Skip the freezer and drink the mixture as a smoothie instead.

Baby's First Pasta

Don't ya just love his chubby hands?


Finger Lickin' Good!

I got brave and decided that today would be the day that I made Griffin his first bowl of pasta. My son is 9 months old and doesn't even have any teeth yet, poor guy! He's been doing well with all of the thicker purees, and is a whiz at chomping on soft cheeses so I figured, why not! After all, a boy cannot live on sweet potato mash alone. A growing boy needs some variety! And by variety I mean PASTA (I am an Italian girl from Brooklyn, after all).

This recipe is our family recipe for Baby's First Pasta. It's barely even a recipe but my Grandma and my Mama served it to me, and now I am serving it to my little boy. Heck, I still enjoy it today and bet your family will too. It's made with Pastina (tiny cylindrical or start shaped pasta that is perfect for babies with little or no teeth). The only Pastina that my local store had was a little bigger than what I am used to and Griffin was definitely shocked by this new texture. After a few spoonfuls, he was chompin' like a pro.

** Full Disclosure: I made a double serving of this, added some salt to my portion and ate it right along side my boy. Delicious!


Baby's First Pasta
8 months and up
Makes 2 servings (depends on how big of an eater your baby is)

1 cup organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Pastina
2 teaspoon, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
2 teaspoon, organic parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoon of whole milk ricotta cheese (optional)

Heat chicken broth in a small saucepan over medium high heat until boiling. Stir in pasta and allow to cook until pasta is very soft, about 10 minutes (baby can be introduced to al dente another time but for now the softer the better).

TIP: Add more water to the pasta if the water evaporates too quickly and the past still seems too hard.

Remove the pasta from the heat and allow to cool.

Divide the pasta into 2 bowls (or pack the other half in a container for lunch the next day). Stir in the parsley and sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano over top. Serve with 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese (this is optional but my boy loves his cheese and you can stir it into the pasta to add a nice creaminess which babies and parents seem to love).

Enjoy!

Bright Beginnings

Being a foodie, I couldn't wait till I had a child so that I could make them homemade baby food. Many of my friends who already had children said to me "oh you'll try it once or twice but it's a lot of work." Little did they know, I made some baby food for my niece long before I ever became a mommy and I was hooked! Not only is it more nutritious for your child, it's really not all that hard to do and doesn't really take all that much time. Give it a try, I bet you will be hooked too!


Baby Food 101

There are two main methods that I follow for making Griffin's baby food. I either steam the fruits and veggies or I roast them. Roasting is your best bet because you retain the most nutrients and the flavors are more concentrated and intense. Either method is fine. I don't recommend boiling any of the items you plan to puree. When you boil, the flavors are definitely lost in the water and the fruit or veggie often tastes water logged. If you're nuts like me and want to know more about steaming vs. boiling, see here.

I started Griffin on solids at 6 months but realize that some people like to start at 4 months. The methods below can be used for any of the fruits or veggies that you chose make your child. Whether you start solids at 4 months or 6 months, some great first food purees are Avocado, Acorn Squash, Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash, Pears, Apples and Bananas.

I am sharing the method for steaming today and will post the method for roasting tomorrow




Cleanliness:

Always make sure your food prep area is very clean. Your hands should be thoroughly washed and the counters and cooking vessels and utensils should be very clean as well.


Steamed Organic Sweet Potato Puree
4-6 months

6 organic sweet potatoes (again, steam as many or as little as you want)
Water, formula or breast-milk (to adjust consistency)


Step by step:


Step 1:

Wash sweet potatoes and peel the skins.

Step 2:

Cut the potatoes into 2 inch chunks.

Step 3:

Place the potato chunks into the basket of a steamer insert over water. Make sure that the vegetables are in a single layer in the steamer insert. Place over medium heat and cover with a lid.


Step 4:

Steam the potatoes until fork tender making sure to check the water level now and then to be sure it hasn't evaporated before the potatoes are fully cooked. Add more water if need be.

Tip: Do not allow the water to actually touch the vegetables. The steamer insert should just sit above the water line.




Step 5:

Allow the potatoes to cool and process in your food processor until smooth. Adjust the consistency so that the puree is as smooth or as chunky as your baby needs it to be.


Tip: Save the steaming water to add to your puree if it needs to be a thinner consistency.




Step 6:

Store/Freeze and don't forget to label and date each batch. (See detailed storing info below)

**Purees can be frozen for about 3 months and refrigerated for about 2 days.


Storing Options:

I purchased 2 types of baby food storage products. One was the Baby Cubes which can be purchased in stores such as Buy Buy Baby or online at One Step Ahead . I bought both the 1 oz and 2 oz sizes. I also bought the Kidco Food Storage Trays (which are basically ice cube trays with lids on them). I bought both because when I am home, I like popping the food out of the ice cube trays right into Griffin's Dish. If I am leaving the house, I like the ease of grabbing the small Baby Cubes container as if I would a regular glass jar of commercial baby food. If you don't like a lot of gadgets or are low on cash you can surely use your ice cube trays and cover them with plastic wrap and some heavy-duty foil.

Heating Options:

All homemade baby food should be heated until steaming hot, just to be safe. I usually pop it into the microwave for a few seconds and then wait till it cools off before I feed it to Griffin. Of course you can always use a small saucepan with a little bit of water added to it as well.

Flavor Combinations:

After your baby has tried each fruit and veggie individually and you have ruled out any possible allergic reactions, you are free to mix and match. This is where the fun begins because you can begin to experiment with exciting flavor combinations.

Favorite Flavor Combos:
Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes - Add a 1/4-1/2 tsp of Cinnamon to you batch of sweet potato puree.
Apple Sweet Potatoes- Mix your Apple Puree with your Sweet potato Puree and store
Banana Sweet Potato Mash- Combine 1/2 mashed banana with the above sweet potato puree

Great Resources:

Wholesomebabyfood.com

chowmama.com

homemade-baby-food-recipes.com