The holidays are upon us! This is such a joyous season, a time to give thanks for our beautiful families and all the abundance that we can provide for them. However, in between shopping, planning, cooking, and cleaning it can be difficult to take the time to figure out how to integrate new eaters into the holiday meal. But, with just a few quick tips, you can turn your holiday party into a festive and nutritious occasion for every member of the family!
Since tiny tummies can only accept one new flavor at a time, seasonal favorites like root vegetables and winter squashes are perfect beginner foods and an easy way to expand your baby’s palate. While steaming and roasting both retain more nutrients than boiling, roasting vegetables brings out the full flavor and provides a nice flavor change for your entire family table.
Select one or more organic vegetables such as squash, sweet potato, parsnips or pumpkin then peel and cube. All the vegetables will shrink while roasting, so don’t cut them too small. Toss well with one to two tablespoons of good quality organic olive oil and bake on a cookie sheet for about 25 – 35 minutes at 400-degrees turning once during baking. When the cubes are soft and cook thoroughly, pull out six-to-eight cubes per baby eater and set aside, then toss the rest with kosher salt and chopped flat leaf parsley or any other herb your family enjoys. For your baby, serve as a finger food or mash to a consistency appropriate for your child. These vegetables are also easy to freeze. After they have cooled completely, toss them in a plastic freezer bag or freeze the puree in ice cube trays.
Easy for you and your family will enjoy a delicious and nutritious holiday season!
By Theresa on 10/27/06 in Columns, Recipes, Editor Picks, Homemade Baby
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