Food Prep for my 7-Month Old
Shreveport BANANA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
INGREDIENTS
-4 bananas (1.5 mashed)🍌
-1 cup of mashed blueberries (I added extra because my girl loves them) 🫐
-1.5 tsp baking powder
-2 eggs 🥚 (I got mine from C-6 Farms)
-Dash of cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
SPAGHETTI 🍝
INGREDIENTS
-8 Roma tomatoes 🍅
-1 yellow onion 🧅
-1 red bell pepper
-1 tbsp of garlic 🧄
-2 tbsp of EVOO
-Season to taste: garlic powder, Italian seasonings, oregano, rosemary & basil. 🌿
-1 lb of ground beef (I got mine from C-6 Farms.)
-1 lb of spaghetti noodles
-16oz of low sodium chicken broth 🍗
DIRECTIONS
1. Chop veggies, coat in olive oil& seasonings.
2. Add to 9x13 pan, cover in foil.
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour.
4. Brown ground beef & season to taste.
5. Cook spaghetti in chicken broth.
6. Blend veggies and pour into ground beef.
7. Add noodles and combine.
8. Puree or mash for your little one.
9. Freeze the rest.
PURÉES
INGREDIENTS
-2 russet potatoes 🥔
-2 sweet potatoes 🍠
-4 carrots 🥕
-16 oz fresh strawberries; stem removed🍓
-16 oz blueberries 🫐
-2 green apples; peeled 🍏
-2 zucchini squash; peeled
-2 yellow squash; peeled
-1 can of low sodium red beans; drained & rinsed 🫘
-1 scrambled egg (I got mine from C-6 Farms)🥚
-1/2 avocado 🥑
-2 bananas 🍌
-2 tbsp of organic peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Russet potatoes, Sweet potatoes and carrots were wrapped in foil, separately and baked in the oven at 400 degrees for 1 hour.
2. The skin on the potatoes slides right off.
3. Mix individually with a blender or hand mixer. Add breastmilk or formula until you get the consistency you want.
4. Add strawberries, blueberries, peeled apples, peeled yellow squash and peeled zucchini to a sauce pan, individually.
5. Cook on medium heat with a splash of distilled water and mix until you get the consistency you want.
6. Add 1 can of kidney beans to sauce pan and mash.
7. Add breastmilk or formula until you get the consistency you want.
8. Scramble 1 egg and mash. Mix and mash with 1/2 an avocado. Add breastmilk or formula until you get the consistency you want.
9. ALL: Pour into jars for weekly food prep and/or into ice cube containers to freeze and use for later.
Preparing homemade baby food can feel both rewarding and challenging, especially when aiming to provide nutritious options that your little one will enjoy. I've found that incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins not only introduces my baby to diverse flavors but also ensures a balanced diet. For instance, the banana blueberry muffins from the recipe are a fantastic way to sneak in potassium and antioxidants. Using ripe bananas and fresh blueberries adds natural sweetness without added sugars, making these muffins baby-safe and delicious. When I bake these, I often use organic eggs and whole ingredients to keep it wholesome. The spaghetti recipe inspired me to experiment with hidden vegetables—roasting tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers enhances their flavor and makes blending easier. Adding low sodium chicken broth while cooking spaghetti noodles helps infuse a subtle taste that suits little palates. I usually puree the combination to a smooth consistency or leave it slightly chunkier as my baby becomes more accustomed to textures. Purees made from baked russet and sweet potatoes, carrots, and fruits like strawberries and blueberries provide a colorful and nutrient-rich option. Mixing in mashed avocado and organic peanut butter introduces healthy fats essential for brain development. One tip I've learned is to adjust the puree's texture by adding breastmilk or formula, ensuring it’s just right for your baby's stage. Freezing baby food in ice cube trays is a huge time saver. I portion out meals this way and label them with dates. This method keeps the food fresh and lets me easily thaw small servings. Over time, diversifying the recipes kept my baby interested and eager at mealtimes. Overall, homemade baby food prep, as shown in these recipes, offers control over ingredients and supports a healthy start for your baby. Experimenting with different combinations, maintaining fresh ingredients like those from local farms, and planning ahead to freeze batches can make feeding your 7-month-old both manageable and enjoyable.
