Saying Saying Goodbye to a Thousand Little Jars: Baby Food Made Easy

When my first daughter was a baby we were so delighted when she took her first bites of solid food. She took to it right away, had a sweet messy face and became the star of many pictures and home movies showcasing her new eating skills. In no time, we were stocking up on baby food: tiny towers of little jars and plastic containers at around a dollar each. I knew there must be a better way. I started making most of my own baby food.

My favorite thing about making baby food is that you never run out of baby food. If you have anything that resembles any of these, then you can feed your baby.



The first thing to do it to prep your food. Some things can go straight to baby's mouth, like unsweetened applesauce and mashed banana or avocado. Most things require at least a little bit of work. For fresh or frozen produce, cook until tender.


peeled, chopped carrots

I steam with just a little water in the pan.

Next, mash it up. You can use whatever you have to do this, a blender, food processor, a baby food mill, whatever. I use an immersion blender which fits perfectly into my food mashing glasses. If you are using anything canned, rinse it first. Depending on the water content of your food, you will need to add some water.


Mash for as long and add as much water as you need to achieve the consistency your baby is ready for. I always use the water from the steaming pan.


Viola! Baby food! I usually only make enough for a day or two. If you make a bigger batch than that, throw it in the freezer (preferably in baby sized batches so you can pull it out one meal at a time).

I like making baby food for many reasons: 1- It is cheaper! You can buy a big can of pears or a bag of frozen vegetables for the same price as two servings of pre-made baby food. 2- You can offer a better variety to baby! Yesterday I blended up regular oatmeal with cantaloupe for baby's breakfast. He's had zucchini and loves butternut squash and broccoli. 3- I am not a slave to jars of baby food! As I mentioned above, if you have food, you have baby food. Baby can eat some of what the whole family is eating.

Do you have any tips on baby feeding or baby food making? Add a comment!

Healthy Eating in 2011

January is a season of New Year's Resolutions. Some goals that reach the top each year include spending more time with family and friends, exercising, and losing weight or dieting. Have you made your list? Maybe dieting or making a change to eat healthy is on your list. The best diet, I believe, is one that can be maintained, and the healthiest approach is through whole foods. It includes lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, while minimizing trans and saturated fats and sugars. This type of diet aids weight loss, increases metabolism, provides energy, promotes health, and will make you look and feel great!

It may take a little bit of effort at first (everything worthwhile does), but then it becomes easier. It is something that can be incorporated into your lifestyle as a healthy change.

My challenge to you is to make whole foods your goal. Substitute wheat for white flour. Take a veggie or fruit tray in place of sugary snacks. Try meatless Mondays or go lean. Use the Word of Wisdom as your guide and reach your health goals in 2011!

*D&C 89





by McKell P.