Food, glorious baby food

So since I am an official SAHM now, I've been trying to take advantage of the time to do things for Andrew that I wouldn't necessarily have done if I worked full time outside of our home.  The biggest thing being making his baby food.  At this point, I am making approximately 70% of his food.  I use some jarred foods, such as organic green beans, carrots and peaches, but only because I haven't gotten around to making those foods.  I also use jarred bananas when the fresh ones I have are too green to mash.  I have been having fun making some very basic veggies and fruit purees for the babe, included baked sweet potatoes, green peas, gingered pears, applesauce, and avocado.  The avocado did not go over well, so it is on hold for a month or so until I re-introduce it.  Andrew prefers the jarred peas and brown rice over my organic puree, which I find amusing, since my puree is actually bright green, not gray-green.  Today I steamed and pureed a mango and he seemed to enjoy a bit after his breakfast.  I have been using two books for my "recipes" both which offer great advice.  Super Baby Foods is so into making baby food, it even gives recipes for making cereal blends (I find the store bought oatmeal and rices just fine.  No need to grind rice here!) The Petite Appetite is the first book I started using and it is my favorite.  It is simply to follow and to read quickly in rare spare moments.  I am only using the basic recipes at this point, but as Andrew's palate expands, I am looking forward to the more involved recipes.  I don't know if there really is a nutritional advantage to making my own food for him, but my hope is that he won't be a real picky eater as he grows up and enjoys a wide variety of foods.  When I was a nanny eons ago, the kids ate an extremely diverse menu of foods, including many ethnic things.  I hope Andrew follows that path too. 

Also on my reading list of late, related to food, is Julie & Julia, by Julie Powell.  I just started the first chapter of this book and am already hooked.  I also am perusing Rocco's Real Life Recipes, which I borrowed from the library.  I haven't used any of his recipes yet, but I did find one for a gnocchi pie that looks interesting.

Chris is off to New Orleans this weekend for a five day business trip.  He has been talking about the jambalaya he had the last time he was there.  I'm sure he will be experiencing some different recipes, especially since one of the planned dinners is at one of Emeril's restaurants.  Jealous, am I???  :-)  He doesn't necessarily have as gourmet of a palate as I do and he doesn't always seem to enjoy the "fancy" business dinners he gets to experience, but I try to live vicariously through his stories! 

Happy Weekend!

Comments

[sUsAn]

I enjoyed making baby food too! I found butternut squash to be a hit with all my kids. I did use jarred foods too (easier to travel with those)and saved all the jars for craft uses or gave them away to others. Enjoy your time with just you and baby. It's going to be a gorgeous day today! :)

[Kim]

Kudos to you! I always used jarred food. I felt a lot of guilt, but working full time I just picked my battles for what I could do and what I couldn't. If I had been at home I definitely would have. You should post some of the recipes here.