Baby Sweet Potatoes and Animal Crunch

Children like to emulate their parents - both the good and the bad.  This starts at an early age.  That is why you want to start baby eating "your" foods around the dinner table sooner than later.  This will help baby develop good eating habits at an early age. 

A few weekends ago, I was making tofu for my lunch.  Our oldest daughter asked what it was that I was making and why.  I responded, "Tofu, because it tastes good."  She tried a piece and said, "I like tofu".  Since that weekend, every time I make tofu she asks for a bite.  Finally, this past weekend while out to eat at a Mongolian Barbecue restaurant, she went through the line and wanted noodles, tofu, tomatoes, mushrooms, pineapple, oranges, and spicy peanut sauce in her bowl. 

Although baby may be outgrowing pureed baby food, she is not quite ready for un-baby-proofed table food.  Once your baby shows an interest in texture, consider these for her next family dinner:

1. Cheese and whole wheat crackers (I prefer Rice Cheese)
2. Boiled tender vegetables (see Sweet Potato Cubes below)
3. Small cooked pasta such as orzo, rings or alphabet shapes
4. Small cubes of toast
5. Cubed/shredded ham, turkey or chicken
6. Cubed fruit (pear, apricot, banana, peach)
7. Scrambled egg with vegetable or fruit purees mixed in
8. Cut up meatballs
9. Mini whole grain muffins

If you are looking for something to please the older child (or dad)for dessert or a sweet snack, try Animal Crunch.  It is just a combination of your favorite treats.  This is simple enough that the kids can do the measuring and mixing. 

Portion the mix out in individual containers - such as the Lock N Lock Boroseal containers. 

The mix will stay fresh and you won't eat the entire mix at once.

Sweet Potato Cubes

Makes 1 quart bag

2 sweet potatoes

Peel and dice sweet potatoes into very small pieces (or the size that your child can gum/chew safely).

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add cubed sweet potatoes.  Boil for 8-10 minutes or until tender. 

The sweet potatoes boiled quickly in the Lock N Lock Speed Cook

Drain.  Lay out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. 

Place in freezer until frozen.  Transfer to a quart size freezer bag and label.  Freeze up to 3 months.

Animal Crunch

Makes 6 cups mix

1 cup animal crackers

1 cup chocolate bear-shaped crackers

1 cup miniature pretzels

1 cup salted peanuts

1 cup M&M's

1 cup chocolate-or yogurt-covered raisins

In a bowl, combine all ingredients.

Store in an airtight container.