Fall Applesauce

Only recently have I embraced the idea of making homemade applesauce for baby.  Maybe it's the coming of fall, maybe it's boredom of the bland store brand.  Regardless, this is my simple favorite!  The different types of apples and the addition of a peach or pear gives it a nice punch.  I do the prep before feeding baby a meal and let the simmering happen while he eats, then do the finishing-up as I set him free of the high chair.  Even in the refrigerator, it's usually still warm for the next mealtime!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice

5 large apples, of 2 or 3 different varieties

1 peach or pear

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

Peel, core, and quarter fruit

Simmer apple juice and fruit in a large pan until apples break down and are very tender (about 20 minutes)

Place in blender with cinnamon and nutmeg and blend until smooth

Pears, Carrots & Squash

Pears, carrots, and butternut squash?  Curious combination, I thought at first.  Turns out it's delicious, and was a great way to sneak in vegetables in a sweeter way!

1 cup butternut squash
1 pear
1 large bulk carrot (or about 1/2 cup of baby carrots)
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice (or water if you prefer)

1. Peel and dice the squash, pear, and carrot.
2. Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook about 20 minutes until all are tender
4. Blend, puree, or mash as much as desired.


*Recipe found in a great book I've been enjoying, Blender Baby Food by Nicole Young.

Fruity Brown Rice

This recipe is fun to make.  I love the smell as all the flavors combine while it simmers!  It's also very versatile so you can change it to your baby's preferences, or what you have in your cupboard!

1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (or you can substitute or add peach, pears, plums, etc.)
Pinch of cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer gently until creamy and well blended.

This makes about three meals for my little guy, or one full Nuk baby bowl.
For babies about 9 months +