BABY CHOW : CAULIFLOWER & KALE, CINNAMON SWEET POTATOES

Yes, I'm definitely one of THOSE mamas who makes her own baby food. I love to cook and I was thrilled about cooking for Kensi. I also enjoy controlling what's in my food like salt, sugar and other chemicals. I really hope Kensi will enjoy food like Mike and I do. And for the record, Mike didn't eat the way he does today once upon a time, I like to think I had something to do with that and all my experimenting and my famous words "you have to try it once". However, for Kensi and as she grows up, she will get "you have to try it twice"---- one is a 'thank you' bite and the other for taste. 

I have bought some baby food just so we can see if Kensi likes the flavor before I make a huge batch of something. We typically only do this with single purees and I'm so glad we decided to do this because Kensi wanted nothing to do with fruits (with the exception of mango) for the first few months. She literally just started eating bananas and is still bitter about applesauce. 

She absolutely LOVES green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots and cauliflower. 

We've begun to experience with bite sized foods such as avocados, quinoa, and steamed carrots, which she enjoys because she can pick it up. 

Making your own baby food is very easy if you can find the time to do it. I use a Tupperware microwavable steamer. On average it takes 5-10 minutes to steam different foods.

Here's a couple of our recipes and how we do it at our house.

Today we have Cauliflower & Kale and Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.

1. Cut cauliflower into chunks and place in steamer. Heat in the microwave for 5-6 minutes or until it's fork tender. In the last minute, lay kale on top and finish microwaving.

2. Place all ingredients into a food processor. Begin blending and add water until desired consistency. 

3. Using a ice cream/cookie scoop, scoop out portions and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. 

(**No need for ice cube trays or tiny little 'Baby Food' containers that can cost some serious $$$!)

4. I label everything so I don't confuse two different foods. Place cookie sheet lined with baby food in the freezer for a few hours or until set.

5. Once the food is frozen, remove from the parchment paper and wrap in plastic wrap. I like to wrap 3 or 4 in a bundle so I can grab just what I need for one feeding or for a few.

6. Place all plastic wrap bundles in a freezer bag labeled with the name of the food and the date.

DONE!

Cauliflower & Kale Blend

Makes about 2-1/2 cups

1/2 head cauliflower

1 1/2 cups kale

1 cup water

Cut cauliflower into chunks. Place in a microwavable steamer for 5 minutes. In the last minute add the kale on top. Finish cooking. When it's done, place cauliflower and kale in a food processor and begin to blend. Add water until desired consistency. 

Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

Makes about 2-1/2 cups

2 Sweet Potatoes (peeled)

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Peel and cut potatoes into pieces. Place in the microwavable steamer for 5 minutes. Remove and place in food processor. Add cinnamon. Begin blending and add water to desired consistency.