8
TIPS AND HINTS FOR BABY FOOD
The Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor is an excellent tool for puréeing fruits and
vegetables . For optimal nutrient retention, steam or bake baby’s food
using as little water as possible . When puréeing, use any leftover liquid
to increase the nutritional content and achieve the desired consistency .
Add new foods one at a time, one teaspoon at a time . Serve only that type
of food for at least 3 days before beginning another to be sure baby is not
allergic . Once baby has been introduced to different foods, mix and match
to make great combinations . For example, oat cereal and fruit, sweet
potatoes and apple, or chicken with carrots .
Always use the freshest ingredients, organic if preferred . Homemade baby
food should not be seasoned or sweetened .
Save time by preparing larger portions and freezing into ice cube trays or
airtight containers . Each cube is equal to 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons, which
is a complete serving for baby . Never refreeze any food that has been
previously frozen .
When introducing a new food, if baby doesn’t accept it, and does not
have any adverse reaction, try again in a few days .
Certain foods should be avoided for a period of time because of their
highly allergenic properties . The following foods should be avoided until
after 12 months of age:
• Honey
• Corn
• Egg whites
• Wheat
• Soy
• Whole milk
• Raw berries
• Citrus (or other highly acidic fruits)
The following foods should be avoided until after 24 months of age:
• Peanuts/peanut butter
• Tree nuts
• Shellfish
Certain foods that can be a choking hazard should also be avoided,
including, but not limited to, grapes, raw carrots, raisins (and other small
dry fruits), candy, hot dogs, popcorn, and large pieces of meat .
Vegetables that are high in nitrates, like spinach, turnips, carrots, and
beets, should be offered in limited quantities at a time .
Baby will be ready for finger foods when he or she has achieved all the
behaviors indicating a readiness for solid foods (see page 4), around 8
months . Additionally, baby can transfer items from hand to hand, has
more constant chewing motion, and puts “everything” into the mouth!
When baby is ready to graduate to family foods, he or she should be
starting to use a spoon .
Always remember to continue to check with your pediatrician regarding
appropriate foods and ages, as every baby develops differently .
For more information, recipes, and baby tools, please visit
www.cuisinart.com/baby
or
www.cuisinart.com
RECIPES
Summer Fruit Crisp
Summer berries are loaded with vitamin C – this crisp is a great way
to showcase them .
Makes 6 servings
Crumb topping:
2
tablespoons whole wheat flour
2
tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2
tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
½
teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼
cup toasted pecans (or substitute ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats)
pinch salt
3
cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries and
blackberries work well)
2
tablespoons whole wheat flour
pinch salt
1 . Preheat oven to 425°F .
2 . Prepare the crisp topping . Put all crumb topping ingredients into the
Cuisinart Mini-Prep
®
Plus Processor . Pulse on Grind 8 to 12 times until
combined . Remove and reserve .
3 . In a medium bowl, toss the berries with the flour and salt .
4 . Put the berries into a small baking dish (about 1 to 1½ quart) . Evenly
sprinkle the topping over the fruit .
5 . Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until fruit has softened
a bit and the top is golden and crispy .
6 . Let crisp rest for 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying .
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 151 (39% from fat) • carb. 21g • pro. 2g • fat 7g • sat. fat 1g
• chol. 18mg • sod. 258mg • calc. 18 mg • fiber 0g
