Friday, July 2, 2010

We are so thankful to have a good eater born into the family! After months of trying all new kinds of foods, the only thing Ryder hasn't liked is green peas- which, who likes those anyway?! I stopped pureeing his food about 6 weeks ago now that he has 8 GIANORMOUS teeth! It's been much easier to skip the food processor step- Now I can whip up stuff in no time at all and often Andy and I will eat it too! I'm a little hesitant about raising my child as a "food snob". Although I may never buy them, I'll have to teach him what an Oreo and Cheeze-It's are just so he doesn't feel too left out.

Here are some kid-friendly recipes to try...some are one's I've just thrown together, but most are adapted from Williams Sonoma "Cooking for Baby". Which "baby" means toddler too...or even older kids..or let's face it, I would eat most of the stuff out of this cookbook- it's that delicious! Andy jokes that the nursery workers at church probably eat Ryder's snacks and give him goldfish instead...

Ryder's Top Ten (and I'm not just making this up...they really are his favorites! Kind of weird for an 11 month old..I know)

1. Goat Cheese with anything!!! We've done Roasted Red Peppers, Blueberries, mixed some herbs in etc...Also loves other cheeses such as Fontina, Feta, and Cheddar.

2. Spinach- I just saute a bag of fresh organic spinach in olive oil and fresh chopped garlic....he LOVES it! What mom doesn't want their little boy to be strong like Popeye!

3. Eggplant-  Peel a large eggplant, dice into bite sized pieces, place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh or dried basil, salt, and pepper. Roast in oven at 400 for 20-30 minutes or until eggplant is tender. I then usually grate fresh Parmesan on top. The night I made this for Ryder, I made Eggplant Parmesan for myself- 

4. Zucchini- I usually just steam this in water and then sprinkle with Curry. I love to buy all of my spices and dried herbs at Penzy's in Homewood...it really makes a huge difference in flavor...Ryder says so

5. Mango, Blueberries, Papaya....ok ALL Fruit!!! I love to buy the fresh frozen organic fruit at Whole Foods. I also buy a huge bag of bananas and pears at Costco. 

6. Avocado- plain or as Guac (just add lime juice, cilantro, diced tomatoes, red onions and pepper). I've found the best deal at Costco for a whole bag of about 6 they are only $1 each. Sometimes I find them on sale at Whole Foods.

7. Turkey- I buy the organic roasted chicken breast from Whole Foods- it's delicious

8. Paper- as I sit here I've had to pull toilet paper and napkins out of Ryder's mouth 3 times- so I figured it should make the list! Babies must be part Goat...

9. Strawberry Cake...the poor child...this momma gives in every time we go up to the kitchen- I just love seeing that big smile on his face when he eats it! he might never eat an oreo but at least he'll get homemade cake!

10. Mushrooms with Barley- this is one that Andy and I love to eat too!

Pearl Barley, 1/2 cup

Unsalted Butter, 1 TBS

Garlic, 1 clove, minced

Cremini Mushrooms (or I've used portobello) 6oz, chopped

Baby's Stock - 1 cup (this recipe is on a previous post- but now that Ryder is eating meat, I use homemade chicken Stock- or you can buy it)

Salt, 1/4 tsp

Pepper, 1/8 tsp

Thyme, 1/8 tsp dried, or 1/2 tsp minced fresh

Makes about 2 1/2 cups

In a dry saucepan over medium heat, toast barley, stirring often until it starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

In same saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until aromatic, about one minute. Stir in mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in barley, stock, 1/4 cup water, salt, pepper and thyme. Bring to a bil over high heat reduce heat to medium-low,. cover and simmer until barley is tender, 20-35 minutes. (although mine took closer to 50 minutes).

You can puree this if your baby is too small to chew it whole.