Homemade baby food is inexpensive, healthy, and something the whole family can enjoy. Wait- what? Yep! You too can enjoy this recipe for homemade baby food. Confused? Well, my thinking is that if you’re going to take the time to make delicious and nutritious food for your baby, why not make some extra for the rest of the family to enjoy in a more “grown up” version? Stay tuned for a recipe using the purée below as a main ingredient in the forthcoming Monday Meal that all the foodies in the home 12 months and older can enjoy.
On that note, I’m going to let you in on a little secret that many people forget when thinking about baby food: it doesn’t have to be boring! As you introduce your little love to flavors, tastes and textures you are setting a basis for what she will enjoy eating in the future. So why not have fun with flavors, herbs and spices? A little bit of salt is okay for a baby. Just don’t add more than a small pinch or so because you don’t want to create a little foodie who craves salty food. A little bit of salt brings out the natural flavors of your ingredients.
I’m sharing this recipe as part of the #FirstBites campaign with OXO Tot. They sent me some great baby food related goodies to use when creating new baby food recipes. Did you know that there is a GIVEAWAY of the same awesome food-related OXO and OXO Tot products happening right now? Click here to enter!
- Yellow Squash and Tarragon Purée
- 6-9 months
- 9-12 months
Ingredients:
- -1-2 yellow squash, thinly sliced or chopped
- -A few leaves of fresh tarragon
- -1 teaspoon olive oil
- -Tiny pinch each of salt and pepper
Preparation:
Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add sliced squash and a tiny bit of salt and stir. Sauté the squash until it has softened and becomes tender. This can take around 5-8 minutes depending on the size of the chunks of squash. It’s okay if it browns and caramelizes a little bit. This just adds more flavor for your baby to enjoy.
Stir in the tarragon and pepper and let cook for around 30 seconds and remove from heat.
Purée in a food mill or mini food processor and let cool slightly before serving to baby.
Variations for Foodies 6+ months:
- -Mix with oatmeal, couscous or quinoa for texture
- -Mix with yogurt, soy milk or ricotta cheese for protein
- -Mix in a drop or two of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor
Variations for Foodies 9+ months:
- -Mix with brown rice, orzo pasta, farro or Israeli couscous for texture
- -Mix with yogurt, soy milk, cottage cheese or ricotta cheese for protein
- -Mix in a drop or two of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor
Happy Cooking!