Baby's Bananas

This can be simply mashed bananas, or fortified with rice cereal and breast milk or formula. This should not be made more than half an hour before it's eaten, as it discolours.

Ingredients:

1 very ripe small banana, mashed
2 tsp. rice cereal
1 tsp. breast milk or formula

Directions:

In a small bowl mix the banana, rice cereal, and milk.

Some say it is not safe to make your own banana baby food. Your baby could get very sick because the skin on bananas let the toxins of pesticides or bacteria through. Bananas in baby food are usually organic and then also pasteurized. I use regular bananas with Brendan, but use your discretion. You might want to go the organic route and/or wait till your baby is older.

Baby's Chicken and Apples

While making the applesauce, if it seems as if the apple isn't breaking down, add water. The water will cook off over time so it doesn't matter how much is added. The water helps the apple cook down more evenly without the apple burning in spots.

Ingredients:

1 apple, peeled and cored
1/2 chicken breast (about 6 oz.)

Directions:

In a small pot heat apple over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it falls apart, about 15 minutes. Mash with a fork or with the side of a wooden spoon. Put chicken in a small pot, adding enough water to cover chicken by an inch. Bring pot to a simmer and cook chicken until just cooked through, about 15 minutes from the time it begins to simmer. Reserve the water the chicken was cooked in. Grind chicken in food mill. Mix ground chicken and applesauce together. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid for the consistency your child likes. (Makes 1 3/4 cups.)

Baby's Sweet Potato

This baby food can be increased to feed the rest of the family, too.

Ingredients:

1 large (about 1 lb.) sweet potato
potato masher or food mill

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Prick sweet potato in a few places with a fork. Place on foil and bake until soft, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cut open the sweet potato and scoop the insides into a bowl. Mash them with a potato masher or puree them in a food mill. (Makes 1 cup.) Variations: Add butter, sour cream*, or maple syrup** for the rest of the family.

Baby's First Applesauce

It's not just for babies. An unscientific side-by-side comparison showed this homemade version of applesauce preferred 100% by dads and 4-year-olds over the leading national brand.

Ingredients:

2 McIntosh apples, peeled cored and sliced
1/4 cup water

Directions:

Put apples and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely broken down and steam has disappeared, 20-25 minutes. (Makes 2/3 cup.) Variations: Substitute Fuji, Granny Smith, Newtown Pippin, Yellow or Golden Delicious, or Rome for McIntosh apples.

Baby's Rice and Beans

This is a quick, nutritionally balanced meal for anyone.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup instant rice
1 can (9.5 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Directions:

Cook instant rice according to package directions. Put beans through food mill. Mix rice and beans together. Add about 1/3 cup water, or as much as needed to make it a consistency your child likes. (Makes 2 cups.) Variations: Use brown rice instead of white rice.

Pear Baby Food  

This can be for the whole family, not just the baby. Make a larger batch. Remove the baby's portion. Add a little butter and a dash of cinnamon or ginger for the rest of the family's sauce. Serve as change from applesauce.   

Ingredients:

1 ripe pear
1/4 cup water                        

Directions:

Wash, peel, core, and slice the pear. Cook the pear in 1/4 cup water in a small pot. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and cover pot. Cook until pear cuts easily with the side of a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon or fork put pear in food mill; puree. Reserve pear juice to drink or to water down thick baby food. (Makes 1/2 cup.)

Teething Crackers

More healthy than a store-bought brand--and tastier too.

Ingredients:

1 cup wheat germ
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbsp. sugar
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk wheat germ, flour, and sugar to mix. Pour in milk and oil, stirring until combined. Roll out on cookie sheet to measure 10 inches by 12 inches by 1/4 inch. Trim edges. Cut into rectangles measuring about 3 inches by 1 1/2 inches. Bake until crisp, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely and break into individual crackers. (Makes about 2 dozen.)

Baby Teething Biscotti

This low-sugar, nutrient-packed teething biscuit is tasty enough for all ages. It can be used as a teething biscuit for babies or as a light dunking biscotti for adults.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups white flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl whisk flour, wheat germ, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder to combine. Add the egg, oil, and milk, stirring until stiff dough forms. On a parchment-covered baking sheet, form dough into a log 12 inches long and 2 inches across. Bake until firm, about 30 minutes. Place wet paper towel over log to soften crust for 5 minutes. Slice cookies 1/2 inch thick. Return cookies to oven and bake until dried out, about 25 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. (Makes about 2 dozen.) Variation: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for more flavourful biscotti. One-half cup whole wheat flour can be substituted for 1/2 cup of the white flour.