Earlier, I shared the start of my MYO baby food series.  It is actually fun for me to make food, it's kind of my quiet time.  Plus, nothing is better than spending an hour or two making food to last a whole month.  Such a time and money saver!  Most food is self-explanatory, but I thought I should still go step-by-step.  Before I started making baby food, I was clueless!

I tend to stick with organic food when I'm making baby food, just to help control the quality of the food.  If you wait for sales, you can stock up for almost the same price.  Since we have been shopping at Costco, our produce costs have been cut way down.  They have huge 10 pound bags of organic carrots for $3.99!  If you happen to think of any questions, feel free to ask!  I love to help!

Carrots

1. Peel and chop the carrots.  I place mine in a strainer.
2. Bring 3-4 inches of water to a boil in a big pot. 


• If your strainer doesn't fit in your pot, you can just cook them in 1-2 inches of water.
3. Steam for 15-18 minutes, or until tender.  Save the water!
4. Place in a blender.  Be careful! I have burned myself quite a few times during this process! Try to blend without water, but add the steaming water as needed.
5. Once you are done blending, put in silicone cube trays (or any container you are using).  I usually leave 2-3 portions in the fridge for the week.  

Freeze and place into ziploc bags.  To use, defrost cubes in a container in the fridge overnight. 

So easy!  Good food = happy & healthy baby!

DIY baby food: mash it up!

Before I had kids, I just figured making your own baby food was a daunting, impossible task.  Think again!  Once you get the hang of it, its quick and easy.  I use the ice cube method and I love it.  My favorite trays are the silicone cube trays you can find at the store now.  They are a buck or two more, but so much easier to freeze with and they make perfect 1 ounce cubes.  A perk to making your own baby food is you know what you are feeding your child. I have tasted that jarred stuff and it has no flavor! Also, you would not believe how much money you are saving.  The way Miss Gabby eats, we would go through eight or more jars a day!

The first part of this series is all about the mashables.  You don't even need to freeze these, just mash the food up before it's time to eat.

My favorite mashables:

• Bananas
• Sweet Potatoes (cooked)
• Avocado

Bananas

• Pretty self explanatory, just peel and mash with a fork.  I like to serve with a scoop of rice cereal or oatmeal 

Sweet Potatoes

• Wash and microwave for 3-4 minutes each.  Don't forget to poke them with a fork!  
• Let cool for a few minutes and then scoop out the insides.
• Mash with a fork.  
• I usually mash enough for 3 days, so about 2 potatoes.  They are great with mashed bananas.  
  

Have you tried to make your own food?  What are your favorite combos to make?