Barley and Sweet Potato Balls

C really liked this recipe but they didn't really turn our a balls for me. More like mashed potato consistency. It is good practice for him to use a spoon because it scoops easily. It's from http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/news/2009/07/sweet-barley-potato-balls-finger-food-fun-for-babies/

Barley and Sweet Potato Balls

1 cup soft cooked pearled barley (not pureed.)
1 cup cooked sweet potatoes
1/2 cup applesauce or peach puree
pinch of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg as desired (8 months +)

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
2. Shape into small bite sized “balls” or plops for a nice baby finger food.

Kale Chips

These may not sound too appealling at first, but give them a shot. I started making them when we got kale in our produce co-op and we didn't really care for it steamed. They are strangely addictive. I snuck some into the movies the other night to munch on instead of popcorn. And my son loves them- keeps asking for more! Two things to note: I've found they don't really store well (they got soggy) so make small batches and eat it up, and it kinda gives you some funky breath, so beware!

There are 2 different versions listed below
Baked Kale Chips (from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Kale-Chips/Detail.aspx)

Ingredients
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes. (Watch them closely, I usually only bake them about 8-10 min)

I'm going to try this version this weekend.

Salt & Vinegar Kale Chips

1 bunch kale, about 12 ounces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)Kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350° F.Wash the kale, dry thoroughly in a salad spinner, and tear into bite-size pieces. Toss in a large bowl with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, if desired. Rub the leaves to make sure each gets a coating of oil so they crisp up well. Oil a baking sheet.Place the kale in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste. Bake for about 6 minutes, then stir and turn the kale and bake for 6 to 9 minutes longer. Remove crisp pieces as they get done to prevent burning and to allow the remaining kale chips to get even heat.

Vegetable "lasagna"

This recipe is also from Nurture Baby at http://www.nurturebaby.com/index.php?mact=Products,cntnt01,details,0&cntnt01category=Vegetables&cntnt01productid=20&cntnt01returnid=64

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion
1 medium carrot
1 medium zucchini
1 small can organic, no-salt tomato paste
2 cups organic, low-sodium chicken vegetable stock*
2 cups whole grain small pasta, preferably stelini pasta (pasta stars)
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup whole mozzarella cheese
¼ grated parmesan cheese

Fill large stock pot with water and bring to boil.

While waiting for water to boil, dice onion into small pieces, about ¼ inch in size. Set aside in large bowl. Grate carrot and zucchini and add to bowl with onion.

Once water comes to a boil, add pasta and cook according to directions on the package. Once cooked, drain pasta and set aside.

Heat olive oil in large pot. (If your pasta is already cooked and drained, use same stock pot.) Add onion, carrot and zucchini to pot and sauté until vegetables are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Add tomato paste, chicken stock and stir until tomato paste is smooth and has combined with other ingredients.

In cupcake tin, spoon layer of vegetable mixture. Top with spoon full of pasta and then a spoonful of ricotta cheese. Continue layering ingredients until you are ¾ to the top of each cupcake tin. Top each cup with a sprinkling of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Freeze and eat as individual servings.

*May use homemade chicken/vegetable stock or organic, low sodium chicken stock from grocery store.

Teeny Turkey Bites

Since C likes meatballs so much I decided to try these from http://www.nurturebaby.com/index.php?mact=Products,cntnt01,details,0&cntnt01category=Proteins&cntnt01productid=34&cntnt01returnid=65

Tiny fingers will happily reach for these wholesome bites. Serve with Zesty Tomato sauce and whole wheat pasta for a quick, nutritious meal.

1 small onion, finely diced
1 clove finely minced garlic
1 large egg
1/4 panko bread crumbs
3 frozen cubes vegetable puree, defrosted (preferably sweet potato or butternut squash)(since I didn't have any frozen cubes, I used a 4oz baby food jar of winter squash)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb. organic ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat over at 350 degree and lightly coat large baking sheet with olive oil.

In a large bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients together. Add in the turkey and mix until just blended. (Over mixing will make the meatballs tough). Form turkey mixture into small balls, about ¼ inches in diameter. Place on oiled baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake the meatballs in the oven for approximately 20 minutes.

Place cooked meatballs on plate lined with a paper towel to wick away excess grease. Meanwhile, clean baking sheet. Once meatballs are cooled, return to clean baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Place entire pan in freezer for about 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, until meatballs are at least partially frozen. (This step is important, as it ensures the meatballs won’t stick together when frozen in bulk.)

Transfer meatballs to airtight freezer bag. Yields approximately 40 meatballs.

Serve with Zesty Tomato Dipping Sauce (see recipe below, Additionally found under recipe tab named “Staples”)

Easy Peasy Butternut Squash

So this isn't really a recipe, but it's one of my and C's favorite things. My fave because it's easy, C's fave because it's yummy. I found these butternut squash cubes in the produce section at Wal-Mart. Yep, already cubed! Only downside it that its not organic, but at least squash is not on the list of the "dirty dozen". All you need to do is poke a few holes in the bag and then throw it in the microwave to steam for 3-4 minutes.


Once it's cooked I toss it with a tad bit of butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.



See... told ya... super easy!

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Butternut Squash Bread

I made this bread awhile back and it is so yummy! It's very similar to pumpkin bread. It's from http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/ButternutSquashBread.htm I really didn't need to "sneak" in squash because C loves it as is, but I'm glad I tried it.

Yields: 1 loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min


Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup butternut squash puree*
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans (I didn't add these)

* To Make Butternut Squash Puree: Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in a shallow pan on aluminum foil or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F. until squash is soft, approximately 45 to 60 minutes (depending on the size of your squash). Remove from oven and let cool. When cool, scoop out the cooked flesh/pulp (discarding the shell), place the pulp in a food processor and process until smooth. Measure out the amount you need for this recipe, and reserve any remaining pulp (either in the refrigerator or freeze) for other uses. NOTE: This Butternut Squash Puree may be substituted in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree.


Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place oven rack in center of oven. Generously grease a 9x5-inch loaf pans.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine butternut squash puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and water until well blended. Add the flour mixture and stir until just blended. Lightly stir in the chopped nuts.

NOTE: Bake all quick breads as soon as the ingredients are assembled. Since high temperatures are often called for, it is best to bake them in the center of the oven, as the heat in the top third of the oven will be too intense.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. NOTE: Be sure and poke the toothpick already to the center of the loaf. A good check is to use an instant digital thermometer to test your bread. The temperature of the bread should be at 200 degrees F. when done. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely before slicing.

Storage: Breads that contain fruit, nuts, or butter may be stored for 2 or 3 days, well wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. May be frozen for longer storage. After thawing frozen breads, reheat them in a 400 degree F. oven for a few minutes before serving.


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Veggie calzones

I found this recipe on the webpage for Birds Eye vegetables http://www.birdseye.com/meal_solutions_all_meals.html. I think next time I'll try to find a more nutritious pizza dough!

Ingredients
1 box (10 oz) Birds Eye® Chopped Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (I used some frozen mixed veggies instead)
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound fresh pizza dough
1 egg, beaten

Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 425° F.
In a medium bowl, combine spinach, cheeses, Italian seasoning and black pepper.

Divide dough into 4 pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. Spoon ¼ spinach on the bottom half of each circle, leaving a ½-inch border.


Moisten edges of dough with water; fold dough over filling to form a half circle. Pinch edges well to seal. Cut several slits in top of dough and brush tops with egg.



Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.



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J&J's Baby Meat Balls

Once again, these meat balls are from my favorite site http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/Meals.htm.  This recipe was a little difficult for me at first because it doesn't have quantities and I wasn't quite sure how to do the "parts" so I'll put what I used in parenthesis.

Ingredients:

• Ground Turkey, Beef or chicken (One lb ground beef)
• Plain baby cereal (boxed type) (I used 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs)
• Pureed veggies or fruits (I found some pureed squash in the freezer section. It was in a square package just like frozen spinach, and I used the whole thing)
• Spices as desired (I didn't use extra spices since my bread crumbs were already seasoned)
• Wheat Germ (I used maybe 1/4 cup)

Directions:

1. Place 1 part lean ground beef/turkey or chicken into a mixing bowl

2. Add 2 parts baby cereal and 1/2 part wheat germ. Use Spices that you find appropriate (you may use bread crumbs if you choose)

3. Add pureed veggies and/or fruit to moisten the mixture

4. Mix together as you would when making “adult" meatballs.

5. Bake in an oven at 400 degrees until brown and cooked thoroughly – Cover with tinfoil, be sure not to burn the meatballs as they will become tough on the outside and baby may not be able to eat them.

(*Ground turkey, rice cereal, wheat germ, pureed sweet potato, dash of cinnamon for example)

 

Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Nuggets

These are another fave of my son! It's from http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/broccolibabyfoodrecipes.html

1 16-oz Package frozen broccoli, cooked, drained, and chopped
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (you could try using baby cereal if you want, we know it works well with "baby meatballs")
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (please use real cheese and not a "processed cheese food" product. Try tomato & basil cheddar.)

3 Large eggs or 5 egg yolks - Most pediatricians say it's ok to use whole egg in a baked good when baby is over 8-9 months old without allergies. I would recommend that you substitute 5 egg yolks for the whole eggs if serving this to those under 1 yr. Ask YOUR pediatrician.

Pre-Heat oven to 375
Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
Combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. *Add seasonings if you like - garlic powder, pepper, extra basil & oregano for example. Add a fruit or veggie puree to substitute for the eggs if desired.





Shape mixture into nuggets or fun shapes such as squares or squigglies etc..and place on baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turn nuggets over after 15 minutes.

Serve warm - Chop or mash these broccoli nuggets if your baby isn't able to handle bigger finger foods.



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Healthy Carrot Muffins

These muffins are another great way to sneak veggies into breakfast! I found it on http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/healthy-carrot-muffin-recipe/index.html.

Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons wheat germ
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch fine salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
4 medium carrots, grated (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained
Special equipment: 12 cup muffin tin and paper liners

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line twelve 1/2-cup muffin cups with paper muffin liners.

Whisk the flours with the brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl lightly whisk the egg, then whisk in the vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Quickly and lightly fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula. Stir in the carrots and pineapple just until evenly moist; the batter will be very thick. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Turn muffins out of the tins and cool on a rack. Serve warm.

Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.



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Beef and Quinoa Meatballs

This is one of the biggest hits with my son. I love it because it provides, protein, whole grain AND veggies. I got it from http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2533

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
1 pound (95-percent) lean ground beef
3/4 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup grated zucchini
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil then grease with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together beef, quinoa, onions, carrots, zucchini, ketchup, garlic, soy sauce, pepper, salt, oregano, thyme and egg until well combined. Shape beef mixture into 16 balls and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Roast until cooked through and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.

(Note: To cook quinoa, bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot. Pour in ½ cup quinoa, cover and simmer until water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside off of the heat for 10 minutes then fluff with a fork. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.)

Nutrition:

Per serving (about 4oz/113g-wt.): 150 calories (45 from fat), 5g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 75mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 8g total carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 17g protein


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Spinach nuggets

This one is from "Wholesome Toddler Food" (http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/weeklytoddlerrecipes.htm). I'll take a picture next time I make them and add it. I think mine got a little too done, but C still loves them!

Ingredients:
1 16-oz package frozen chopped spinach, cooked, drained, and chopped further if needed
1 cup Seasoned bread crumbs - (3/4 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup wheat germ or flax meal is a healthy substitution!)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese Try tomato & basil cheddar!)
3 Large eggs or 5 egg yolks

1.Heat oven to 375F
2. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
3. Combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. *Add seasonings if you like - garlic powder, pepper, extra basil & oregano for example. Add a fruit or veggie puree to substitute for the eggs if desired*.
4. Shape mixture into nuggets or fun shapes such as squares or squigglies etc..and place on baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turn nuggets over after 15 minutes. Serve warm
You can "roll" this out and then try using small cookie cutters to make these into fun shapes!



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Cheesy Spinach Spaghetti

I wanted some more recipes that included vegetables, and C loves pasta and cheese so I knew this would be a hit. I found this recipe on my Big Oven app, but you can also find it at
http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/176905/cheesy-spinach-spaghetti. I divided it up into individual servings and threw them in the freezer. My little guy gives it a thumbs up!

Ingredients:

10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
1 large egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces spaghetti (I used rotini instead)

Preparation:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook spinach according to package directions, drain well and set aside. In large bowl, combine egg, sour cream, milk, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, onion salt, pepper, spinach, and 1 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Add the spaghetti and toss well.

Pour the mixture in a baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Top with the remaining cheeses and bake for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is lightly browned.

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Sweet Potato Pancakes

This recipe is from one of my favorite websites "Wholesome Baby Food" (http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/index.htm)

The link for this specific recipe is http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/sweetpotatobabyfoodrecipes.htm


2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
1 egg (or 2 egg yolks)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (use graham flour for a nice taste.)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup milk (or more)

Mix sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl with egg. Stir in the flour and add the baking powder.
Add up to 1/3 cup of milk while stirring. Stir in 1 tbsp butter.
The mixture should have the consistency of thick, lumpy sauce like an "instant" pancake mix.
Place a non-stick or heavy iron skillet over medium heat on top of the stove and add 1/2 tsp butter.

Spoon batter into the skillet and cook until bubbles rise to the surface of the pancakes and break. Approx. 1 to 2 minutes.
Using a spatula, flip the pancakes and cook another 2 minutes.
Remove pancakes from the skillet and keep warm on a covered plate in the oven. Freezes Well.



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Blueberry Zucchini Bread

I got this recipe from the Parents magazine (May 2011, p76). I couldn't find an online version so I'm typing it up. The article in the magazine also pointed out the healthy benefits of zucchini: vitamin C (to heal cuts and wounds), vitamin A (to strengthen the immune system, and Lutein and Zeaxanthin (for healthy eyes).

My little guy just ate it up, and my husband tried it and said it "wasn't bad". It should be noted that my husband is not a fan of breads in general.

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 tsp, baking powder
3 eggs
3/4 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract,
2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup blueberries

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly coat the bottom of 4 mini 5-inch loaf pans or one 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a large bowl combine flours, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder; set aside. In another bowl, mix eggs, oil and vanilla extract. Add to flour mixture and stir until combined. Gently stir in zucchini and then blueberries.

3. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake about 40 minutes for mini pans or about 1 hour for 9 inch pan or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. (I also covered it with foil for baking) Allow to cool in pan 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or let cool completely before slicing. Each mini loaf makes 8 pieces, while the large loaf has 12. Freeze extra mini loaves for up to 3 months.

Nutrition per 2 mini slices: 185 calories; 3g protein; 11g fat (1g sat. fat); 19g carbs; 1g fiber; 30mg calcium; 1mg iron; 154mg sodium


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