Guest Blogger: Baby Food

Hi everyone! This is Bec, Mark's cousin. Mark as in baby Behr's daddy and hubby to Shannon. First off-a BIG congratulations to the proud parents on the birth of Behr. Don't you love the picture of him with the mini lacrosse stick?

I wanted to post about something baby-related and decided on homemade baby-food. My little guy is almost six months old and he's been on solids for a few weeks, so this topic is fresh on my mind. Now, I am not anti- jarred food. In fact, there's a stash of it in the cabinet, but I always thought it would be fun to make my own. This website and this book have been helpful resources. I have found that homemade baby food is not only simple to make, but it saves money which is always a plus! 

The most recent vegetable I have prepared is a rutabaga, which is the sweeter cousin to the turnip. The rutabaga clearly illustrates that popular saying, "It's what is on the inside that counts". Take a look:

Once the veggie has been peeled, chop it up into chunks and toss it into a big pot. 

Cover with water and boil until soft, about 15-20 minutes depending on size of chunks.

Drain rutabaga and place in large mixing bowl.

Add breast milk (or formula) to thin out to desired consistency.

Spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until it is used. 

While some fruits and veggies need to be boiled, baked, or steamed, others can be served without being cooked. Among these no-cook foods are banana, avocado, and papaya. Just peel off the skin and mash up with a spoon.

Yum!

Disclaimer: (written by Shannon) Bec and Mark, being cousins, apparently have the same palate.  Mark's favorite foods include turnips, beets, and brussels sprouts - by choice!  And what do I get from Bec?  A blog about rutabaga.  Another veggie "they" would venture to eat and I would gladly pass.  :-)  The trouble is "they" are growing on me and these foods are starting to taste good...we will see if baby agrees...