3 Healthy Baby and Toddler Friendly Recipes
Parents are increasingly looking for ways to reduce additives and incorporate fresh food into their baby’s diet. With spring produce like sweet potato, broccoli, and apples in season, it’s the perfect time to make baby food from scratch.
These recipes are fantastic because you can make them in any kitchen and on any budget.
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Pear, Apple & Sweet Potato Purée (First Foods)
A gentle, naturally sweet purée perfect for babies starting solids.
Ingredients:
20g pear (peeled, cored, chopped)
20g apple (peeled, cored, chopped)
40g sweet potato (peeled, chopped)
50mls water (or breast milk)
Method
1. Place water into thermomix mixing bowl or pot. Insert simmering basket and weigh pear, apple and sweet potato into it, then cook 18-22 min/100°C/speed 1, until tender.
2. Remove simmering basket with aid of spatula. Discard cooking liquid.
3. Place milk, cooked fruit and vegetables into mixing bowl, then blend (thermomix 20 sec/speed 7) or until texture is suitable for your baby.
4. Serve warm or cooled. Check temperature is correct before serving (see tips).
TIPS
• You can replace water with breast milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Purée will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Freeze any leftover purée in individual servings, in a sealable container for up to 3 months.
Cheesy Broccoli Nuggets (12 months+)
Serve 12
A toddler-friendly finger food packed with protein and spring broccoli.
Ingredients:
100g cheddar cheese
150g bread of choice
400g broccoli florets
3 eggs
1 tsp dried herbs
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays (40 x 35 cm) and set aside.
2. Place cheese into mixing bowl and grate (thermomix 2 sec/speed 8). Transfer into a bowl and set aside.
3. Place bread into mixing bowl and mill (thermomix 10 sec/speed 8). Transfer into bowl with cheese.
4. Place broccoli into mixing bowl and chop 6 sec/speed 8.
5. Add eggs, mixed herbs and reserved cheese mixture, then mix (thermomix 10 sec/speed 6.)
6. Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls and place onto prepared trays.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (180°C), until golden brown. Serve warm or cold with sauce of choice (see tips).
TIPS
• Broccoli nuggets will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• You can replace dried mixed herbs with 2 sprigs of fresh herbs, leaves only, in this recipe, if desired. Add in step 3 with bread.
Toddler-Friendly Granola Bars (12 months+)
Serve 12
Perfect for lunchboxes or snacks on the go.
Ingredients:
40g sultanas
60g dried apricots, cut into pieces
120g quick oats
40g desiccated coconut
40g coconut oil
30g plain flour
70g peanut butter
1 tsp natural vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp baking powder
30g sunflower seeds
30g pepita seeds
100g water (see Tips)
Method
1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a baking tray (22 x 32 cm) with baking paper and set aside.
2. Place all of the ingredients into mixing bowl and combine.
4. Place dough onto prepared baking tray and press out evenly and firmly using your fingers (approx. 5 mm).
Score into bars, then bake 15-18 minutes (160°C), until lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside to cool before cutting into bars to serve (see Tips).
TIPS
• You can replace water with apple juice in this recipe, if desired.
• Granola bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or in a freezable container for up to 3 months.
Recipes thanks to Thermomix TM7