Apples/Applesauce
2 small apple, peeled, sliced
Directions:
1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks
2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir, That's It. Easy Peasy.
3. Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps below:
4. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples
5. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
6. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree - add cereal (if desired) to thicken.Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.
Bananas
1 ripe banana
Directions:
1. Peel ripe banana - do not cook
2. Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree
You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness
Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
Banana Applesauce Mush
2 apples (gala, braeburn or mac)
1 ripe banana
Directions:
1. Peel, core and cut apples into slices/chunks.
2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
3. Boil until tender; be sure to check on the water level.
Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency or you can puree in a blender or food processor.
4. Peel a ripe banana and mash in a bowl with a fork (heating in the microwave for approximately 20 seconds will soften the banana up if needed).
Add applesauce to the banana and sprinkle with wheat germ* or crushed cheerios*
Puree if necessary but mashing with a potato masher will typically get this mix smooth
*8months+
Pears
2 ripe pears (Bartlett, Red or Comice)
Directions:
1. Steam gently until tender if baby is between 4-6 months old otherwise peel & mash - removing the seed portion
2. Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.
Or,
Cut the pears in half (no need to peel unless your little one has issues with digestion) and cut out the seed/core portion then dice the pear halves.
3. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a shallow pot with a steamer basket insert.
4. Add the pears to the steamer basket in the pot and then steam until soft and tender.
You may also add the pear dices to wee bit of boiling water and steam them this way if you do not have a steamer basket. Using a scant amount of water ensures that you are not boiling them.
5. Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.
Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth. You may be able to just use a fork too.
Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid. Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed.
