Any suggestions for making homemade baby food that is as smooth as the processed store bought stuff?

Stephanie - posted on 03/06/2009

broccoli blends well if it's mixed with other things.... oversteam it and I used to blend it with potato and milk

 

Quoting Jessica:

I par-steamed any and all veggies I could get my hands on, I chopped them small and used the blender instead of the food processor. I added a teaspoon of water until the puree was a smooth as I needed it. My son is allergic to carrots.

I still puree veggies into most if not all of our food. I even add shredded zuccini to brownie mix...so moist and fluffy!

potatoes

sweet potatoes

peas

green beans

asparagus (a little difficult to puree)

broccoli (a little difficult to puree)

carrots

turnips

parsnips

squash

eggplant

I used new ice cube tray and measured out 2 tbsp to freeze and when I was on the go I put the frozen cubes in a "cup" that would stay "fresh" until I had to use it. Really good for day care.

****I used a website to make sure the veggies I gave my son were things his stomach could handle. It also helped keep us moving forward on the path to good eating.

Jana - posted on 03/06/2009

I think your just started with the wrong veggie, meaning almost all of the other veggies got really smooth, but I found that peas needed A LOT of extra water to get them smooth.  When I pureed peas I got them as smooth as I could with having them soupy, then when I thawed them out, I added a little more water to smooth them out. 

I also used a blender verses a food processor and had much better luck with texture.  Have fun trying new things and I am very excited for you, I loved making my own baby food :)

Amanda - posted on 03/06/2009

I am planning to make our son's baby food as well. The following resources are very helpful and informative.

1. http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.co...

2. http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/index.h...

3. Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron (I purchased a used copy online for 13.95 including tax/shipping!)



Best Wishes!

Jessica - posted on 03/06/2009

I par-steamed any and all veggies I could get my hands on, I chopped them small and used the blender instead of the food processor. I added a teaspoon of water until the puree was a smooth as I needed it. My son is allergic to carrots.

I still puree veggies into most if not all of our food. I even add shredded zuccini to brownie mix...so moist and fluffy!

potatoes

sweet potatoes

peas

green beans

asparagus (a little difficult to puree)

broccoli (a little difficult to puree)

carrots

turnips

parsnips

squash

eggplant

I used new ice cube tray and measured out 2 tbsp to freeze and when I was on the go I put the frozen cubes in a "cup" that would stay "fresh" until I had to use it. Really good for day care.

****I used a website to make sure the veggies I gave my son were things his stomach could handle. It also helped keep us moving forward on the path to good eating.

Jackie - posted on 03/06/2009

Maybe she's not ready for solids...My little one was 7.5 months before she started solids and it took a while for her to really get into it.

I had a hand held blender, (made for smoothies). I also let her self-feed, by putting her mushy food on her tray and letting her help herself...

Good luck :D

Michelle - posted on 03/06/2009

Thanks ladies. I've been using the mini processor with the veg water it was steamed in. I'll try the blender - and the squash for sure. Since she likes it in the jar (blah) as we just found out yesterday, it's gotta be an improvement to try the real stuff. I'll just be more patient - and take you example Malerie and get her brother to help with the laughs. ;)

Monica - posted on 03/06/2009

Just use a blender and add water.  My son was hesitant at first too but they just have to get used to the texture!  YAY for you for making your own baby food.  At least you know exactly what your little one is eating :) 

Please vote for my son, he's photo # 5

http://www.funkymonkeyphoto.com/2009/02/...

Thank you!!!!

Ann - posted on 03/06/2009

Hi, when my son first ate solids, I used to put everything in the blender and add some milk or water. Then gradually I used to just blend it less and less. Then I just used to mash it down with a fork, Now he eats his dinner just like us, not blended or mashed. Just give your daughter some time to get used to eating solids and gradually will get there!! Hope that helps, good luck xxx

Susana - posted on 03/06/2009

Hi: I found that butternut squash puree was great for my little one. You can put butternut, potato and perhaps broccoli as well. Blend it all together and gradually start leaving bits of butternut unbleded, as when it is cooked it is very soft and easy to squash with the tongue and palate.

Hope that helps.

Malerie - posted on 03/05/2009

I add a bit extra water and using a food proccessor makes my food smooth. My daughter is 7 months as well. For the first couple of weeks on solids I had to make her laugh or her brothers helped but now she just opens up by herself. Maybe once your bubs is used to having solids you wont need to try so hard to open their mouth.