Freezer Food Friday: Baby Food

If you don't have kids keep reading or scroll to the bottom for another cool freezer tip...

My baby has now reached the age of solid foods. He is my youngest so it is quite bittersweet. It would a little bit sweeter if it would help him sleep through the night but I suppose a few more months won't kill me! With my other children I fed them jarred baby food until they were ready to eat from the table but I have learned a lot in the past couple of years and become much more ambitious. As a result I started making my own baby food. Oh, and about the picture, the bib says "My Little Pumpkin" and while he is just that we are aware that there are still a few months until Halloween!

Making your own baby food is, quite honestly, the easiest and cheapest way to feed your baby, not to mention there aren't any additives. I made a large batch and froze single serving portions in an ice cube tray. When he is ready to eat I grab a cube of mashed veggies from the freezer, microwave for 30 seconds, stir and serve! You could also grab one for on the go. By the time you are ready to feed them it will have "melted."

To make your own baby food:

Chop your choice of vegetables or fruit. Cook them by boiling, steaming, or baking (different veggies means different means of preparation). Place the cooked veggies/fruit into a food processor and puree until smooth. If you do not have a food processor you can also mash with a potato masher or fork. As you puree, add some of the water until you reach your desired consistency. It should be thinner for first time feedings and it can be thicker for older babies. It will last in the fridge for a few days or freeze in an ice cube tray, pop out, and place in a freezer bag for a few months. The one thing I wouldn't mash ahead of time and freeze is bananas. There is really no need to and they would probably turn brown...ewwww!

If you don't have children you could also try this freezing method with pesto and broth. You could defrost just enough for one person or one hundred, but seriously, if you have enough for 100 people than you rock!

With Warm Wishes,