After introducing four different kinds of veggies, I decided to give my little boy a taste of some fruit. Apples it is! I have to say, this is the EASIEST recipe I've prepared so far. I even had time to take some slow-mo videos of my Vizslas attempting to eat apples.
It is recommended that you purchase organic apples because unlike squash and sweet 'taters apples ARE on the 'dirty dozen' list. I bought a bag (3 pounds) of organic Gala apples. At first it seemed like a lot, but just like carrots, they steamed down to almost nothing. For this recipe, I used eight apples (out of 10) because, you know, my hubby and I should should stay 'healthy' and eat apples, too. In reality, they will probably just hang out in the fridge until they get mushy (and that better be soon because they're supposed to be organic and all).
1). Clean everything you will be using to prepare the baby food and wash, wash, wash your healthy looking apples. I had a good batch that didn't have any bruising or discoloration.
2). You can start heating up the water with which you will steam the apples to save some time. I used about 2 cups of water, a large pot, and the super handy steamer basket.
3). Peel the skins and slice the apples. I used an apple cutter/wedger/divider and it worked like a charm. If you've ever used an apple cutter, I'm sure you know that the trick is to make sure the cutter slices straight down evenly, otherwise you might be left with part of core (ick).
4). Place the apple wedges into the pot of boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for about 20 minutes. The apple wedges will shrivel up a bit and come out looking like this:
5). Place the steamed apple wedges into a blender of your choice. I used about 2/3 of a cup of purified water. I'm still using my Ninja, it's just SO FAST and I don't have to tip or shake anything. No technique needed!
6). 15 seconds later we have apple purée!
7). Here's my favorite use of the Baby Bullet...the little 2oz containers! I put two in the refrigerator because we will use those for the next two days and I am freezing the rest. I ended up with 16oz of apple purée with this batch. Easy peasy apple puréezy!
It is recommended that you purchase organic apples because unlike squash and sweet 'taters apples ARE on the 'dirty dozen' list. I bought a bag (3 pounds) of organic Gala apples. At first it seemed like a lot, but just like carrots, they steamed down to almost nothing. For this recipe, I used eight apples (out of 10) because, you know, my hubby and I should should stay 'healthy' and eat apples, too. In reality, they will probably just hang out in the fridge until they get mushy (and that better be soon because they're supposed to be organic and all).
1). Clean everything you will be using to prepare the baby food and wash, wash, wash your healthy looking apples. I had a good batch that didn't have any bruising or discoloration.
2). You can start heating up the water with which you will steam the apples to save some time. I used about 2 cups of water, a large pot, and the super handy steamer basket.
3). Peel the skins and slice the apples. I used an apple cutter/wedger/divider and it worked like a charm. If you've ever used an apple cutter, I'm sure you know that the trick is to make sure the cutter slices straight down evenly, otherwise you might be left with part of core (ick).
4). Place the apple wedges into the pot of boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for about 20 minutes. The apple wedges will shrivel up a bit and come out looking like this:
6). 15 seconds later we have apple purée!
7). Here's my favorite use of the Baby Bullet...the little 2oz containers! I put two in the refrigerator because we will use those for the next two days and I am freezing the rest. I ended up with 16oz of apple purée with this batch. Easy peasy apple puréezy!
UPDATE: In the morning, I've been giving Max apples and oatmeal for a couple of weeks now and he devours it! I also just read that after 6mo. you can also start introducing some spices. The other day I added a little bit (literally a tiny pinch) of cinnamon to his apples and oatmeal and he seemed to have really liked it. I also read that some people give cinnamon sticks to teething babies and it calms them down very quickly. I, personally, have not tried this but it is an interesting idea.
I waited until everyone went to bed to make this, but one lazy hound dragged his butt out of bed to see what I was up to.
I waited until everyone went to bed to make this, but one lazy hound dragged his butt out of bed to see what I was up to.
Seconds later, the other hound came bounding into the kitchen...but she was obviously too sleepy to think clearly. Dog #1 was back in bed before Dog #2 found her apple wedge.