Baby & Mommy Yummies

Mommies want the best for their baby's tummy, but often overlook their own. With the following simple and creative recipes you can turn homemade baby food into a snack or meal for mommy too!

My son, 8 months old

 

Meal #1
Baby - Sweet Potato & Parsnip Mash
Mom - Sweet Potato & Parsnip Pancakes

Pancake Recipe:

2 large parsnips (about 12 oz), peeled

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 12 oz), peeled

2-3 shallots, thinly sliced (about 2/3 cup)

1-teaspoon sea salt

4 egg whites

1 1 /2 teaspoons chopped thyme

2 Tablespoon spelt flour (optional)

3/4 cup grapeseed oil for frying

Directions 

Grate parsnips and sweet potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, combine parsnips, sweet potatoes, shallots, salt, egg whites, and thyme.

Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, spoon 1/4 cup batter at a time on to the skillet and press down with a fork to flatten. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until crisp and browned. Drain on paper towels and keep warm for up to one hour in a 200°F oven.

Health Facts:

• Sweet Potato: Tops the chart of most amount of nutrients in one vegetable (Vitamin A, beta carotene, potassium, Vitamin E, calcium and folate)
• Excellent food for nursing mothers (increased need for Vitamin A)
• Parsnips: Excellent source of fiber and folic acid (one cup cooked contains 23% of the RDI of folic acid)

**Lower in calories compared to a potato, which makes it a great substitute**

Meal #2
Baby - Avocado Mixed with Brown Rice Cereal (with breast-milk or formula)   
Mom- A.L.T (Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato) Sandwich on Whole grain bread (spelt, rye, millet, kamut)

Health facts:

• Avocados are often called one of nature's perfect foods because they are said to contain everything a person needs to survive.
• A wonderful "good fat" food for baby's brain and physical development. They make a great first food for babies and the perfect food for pregnant and nursing mothers due to high levels of folate, potassium, and monounsaturated fats.
• Makes a great finger food for older babies & toddlers
• Brown rice cereal will offer more nutrients and fiber than white rice cereal

 
Meal/Snack #3
Baby - Apple & Pear Puree
Mom - Apple & Pear Chips

Apple & Pear Chips Recipe:
Thinly slice pears and apples, lay flat on parchment paper and bake in the over 40-50 mins

Health Facts:

• Apples & Pears contain antioxidants, fiber and many vitamins and minerals.
• Excellent first food for babies
• Takes under 10 minutes to make
• Apple and Pear Chips can cook in the oven as mom is feeding puree to baby.
• Chips are a great health snack for mom to enjoy during the day and for a toddler or older child.

Meal #4
Toddler - Brown Rice Pasta with melted cheddar Goat Cheese
Mom - Healthy Mac N' Cheese: Brown Rice Pasta, Goat Cheese, Low Sodium Vegetable Broth, organic milk or milk alternative

Health Facts:

• Brown Rice pasta is high in fiber, B vitamins, more nourishing than white pasta
• Women who eat more whole grains lose weight and can maintain weight easier (clinical studies) 
• Goat Cheese Closest to mother's milk
• Good source of protein
• Less lactose in goat's milk than cow's milk making it easier to digest

Meal #5
Baby - Boiled Egg Yolks mixed with Plain Yogurt
Mom- Egg Whites Omelette with Mixed greens (lemon & olive oil dressing)
**Babies under a year should not have egg whites (common allergen)**

• Egg Yolk is one of the most nutrient rich foods for babies.
• Mixing in yogurt adds calcium and probiotics and makes it smoother for baby.
• Mother can use the egg white on pre-made salad for a lighter meal. (High Protein, low calorie) 
• Using fresh lemon and olive oil health promoting and quick to make

Meal #6
Baby - Butternut Squash puree mixed with Brown Rice Cereal (breast milk or formula)
Mom- Butternut Squash Soup 

Butternut Squash Soup recipe: 

• 1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded
•  2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
•  1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 cups chicken Stock
• Pinch Nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter or heat up oil. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.

Health Facts:

• Butternut Squash One of baby's first foods (4-6 Months)
• Rich in calcium, iron and fiber
• An increasing number of animal studies now show winter squash have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating properties.

Butternut Soup is a nutritious and nourishing food for the winter months

Meal #7
Homemade Chicken Soup (make the night before)
Baby/Toddler - Chopped or pureed Sweet Potato, Carrots, Parsnips, Red Potato,
Mom- enjoy whole soup: Organic Chicken, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Parsnips, Red Potato, Fresh Dill, Salt, Pepper

• Choosing an antibiotic/hormone free chicken will help to maintain healthy levels of gut flora in baby and mom (immune health)
• Vegetables and Chicken are soft either to puree or chop up in little pieces no matter what stage
• Soup takes a little more prep, but will last for a couple of meals
• Soups are nourishing for nursing mothers (maintaining hydration levels)
• Throw in any baby friendly vegetables that you want!

Meal #8
Baby - Millet with Red Lentils & Carrot Puree
Mom- Millet & Lentil Patty

Millet & Lentil Patty Recipe:

3/4 cup millet

1 1/2 cup water

2-cup lentils cooked

1 onion, chopped to taste

Seasoning without salt

3 egg whites, beaten

¼ cup Flax seeds 

1. Cover millet with 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 minutes, or until tender.

2. Add cooked, drained lentils to cooked millet. Add onion and seasoning. 

3. Form into patties, dip in beaten egg whites, and then dip in ground flax seeds.

4. Bake in nonstick baking dish at 350° for 20 minutes until thoroughly heated. Turn once.

Health Facts:

• Millet is rich in B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and is even considered a good protein source.
• It can be introduced between 6-8 months old
• Millet was used in historical times to treat morning sickness
• A great food for new moms as it helps to calm (high potassium)
• Combined millet and bean makes a complete protein (keep you fuller longer)
• Can be found in many grocery stores  
• Lentils: 26% protein, more than any other type of legume besides soybeans. High in calcium, B Vitamins, Phosphorus, iron, fiber.

• Red Lentils cook the fastest out of all lentils (15 mins)
• **Soaking lentils or beans overnight will reduce cooking time even more
• Carrots – very high source of beta carotene – rich in other health promoting nutrients

 ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE INTRODUCING NEW FOODS