CREATING ADVENTUROUS BABY FOODS

As I begin to slowly introduce food into my seven month old's diet, I am amazed at the abundance of wonderful recipes I am finding online.  I feel very strongly that as magical mothers we need to provide the best nutrition possible for our children.  It is much less expensive and more convenient for me to make my own baby food.  People have doubted me. And yes, honestly, in my experience it is MUCH EASIER to make small batches of healthy, fresh baby food.  You have better knowledge of  EXACTLY what is in your child's food and a better sense of portion control.  It is fairly inexpensive to acquire a small baby food mill, like the Green Sprouts Baby Food Mill or food processor, so all the food you prepare is fresh and still packed full of important vitamins and minerals.  

Here are some of my favorite puree ideas for babies 6 -12 months.   Of course I always recommend trying out one new food at a time with infants, in order to observe any allergic reactions.  It is important to be able to isolate factors in case of a rash or discomfort.  I always add quite a bit of breast milk to all my purees to make them more appealing to Logan.  Most of these combinations are from the wonderful site: 
Baby FoodE : organic baby food recipes to inspire adventurous eating.

*pear, rainbow chard, goji berries
*yam, apple, roasted carrot
*blueberry, chickpea
*avocado, cucumber, strawberry
 *banana, apple, cinnamon
 *pear, kale, prunes
 *pumpkin, mango, cinnamon
 *apple, raspberry, vanilla bean
 *zucchini, spinach, apple
*apple, mint, raspberry

Baby Foodie is a Wonderful Resource.  They categorize recipes by age groups.  I highly recommend their infant, toddler, and snack recipes!

The Wholesome Baby Food Guide is another excellent resource!
  

The following information on adding spices to your baby food can be found at http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.co

What Types of Spices and Herbs Can I Add to Baby's Food?

Often when we think of adding something to the foods we feed are older kiddos, sugar and/or salt may be the first items to come to mind. Why is that we as parents may seldom think about adding herbs and spices to our kids food and to our baby's food?
Fresh or dried, the types of herbs and spices you may add to baby's foods is entirely up to you. I would recommend that you use all the spices and herbs that are typically used when cooking foods for the "big kids". Using spices and herbs in your baby's foods is a great way to offer interesting flavors without the use of sugar or salt. While it is never recommended to add sugar or salt to baby's food, we always advocate adding some things to "spice up" or flavor your baby's food. Here are a few great herbs and spices to try:

vanilla *
pepper
garlic - minced or powdered
basil
rosemary
dill
oregano
lemon zest
ginger
cinnamon
mint
nutmeg
anise
curry powder (yes, you may offer your older infant a dash of curry powder in her foods. You do need to watch for any reactions as some components of curry or even chili powder may give baby a rash)

The spices noted above can be lovely additions to your baby's foods. If your family meals include a lot of herbs and spices then Introducing baby to spices that the family typically cooks with is important. Adding these flavorful extras does not have to wait until your little one has reached toddlerhood. BONUS! Introduction of spices early and often may one day find you thinking, "Wow, we have never used salt or sugar in any or our kid(s)' foods!". Imagine raising a child that is not reliant on artificial sweeteners to entice the appetite and please the tastebuds.

Spiced Up Baby Food Creations - a few examples

Try these spicy mixtures and put some baby zing into those everyday foods for baby:

Fruits:

Apple(Sauce): use cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, ginger

Pears: use ginger, cinnamon, a drip of vanilla or even mint

Bananas: use cinnamon, ginger, allspice, vanilla

Dairy:

Plain Yogurt : use with mint, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, allspice, cardamom

Vegetables:

Sweet potato: use with nutmeg, cinnamon and/or cardamom

Pumpkin: use with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and dash of vanilla

Carrots: use with basil & garlic - baked cinnamon carrots are yummy too.

Green beans: use with garlic powder

Mashed potatoes(white) : use with dill weed or garlic

Winter Squash (acorn, hubbard, butternut etc.): use with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger

Cereals/Grains:

Pasta: use oregano, garlic, basil

Oatmeal or other cereals: use fruits, cinnamon & nutmeg, dash of vanilla

Rice (sweet) with cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla, cardamom, ginger
Quinoa (sweet): use cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla, cardamom, ginger for sweet

Quinoa (savory): use garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, basil, oregano and others

MORE RECIPE SITES:
Nap Time MAgic Home Made Baby Food Recipes
Angies Nest: Batch Baby Food Recipes