Adventurous Eating

Since we're doing so well with all the foods we've tried so far we're becoming a bit more adventurous.  We've had mostly hits but also a couple not real misses but definitely not hits the first time we've tried them.  We are also doing some finger foods and C and P are loving that.  We do the usual Cheerios and the boys love the Plum Organic Puffs.  Watermelon and peas are also a big hit.  I just dice up the watermelon and peas are just cooked and given whole after they've cooled a bit.

Some watermelon for mom and dad and some watermelon for C and P...

I made quinoa the other day and it was really quite easy...

I cooked it with vegetable broth instead of water to give it more flavor and made some extra for Ben and I to have with dinner.  (on a side note...I wasn't sure how Ben would like it because he hasn't had it before but he actually went back for seconds. This says a lot for the meat and potato boy!)

Quinoa

I used 2 cups of liquid to 1 one cup of quinoa (this made enough for the boys to have a couple meals as well as Ben and I to have a couple meals)

First rinse the quinoa til the water runs clear.

Then add it to the vegetable broth, bring to a boil and simmer covered for 10-15 minutes.  You'll know it's done when the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa has sort of spiraled out of it's shell...husk...not sure what you call it.

Fluff with a fork and then you can serve as is or do like I did and blend with formula.

C and P had it with sweet potatoes.  The first few bites were gagged on and not really enjoyed.  I think it's because of the texture.  We've had it since and they like it much better unblended and served by itself without mixing into anything. 

Spinach

I've noticed spinach is in a few of the different 2nd foods so I decided to try that out next. 

First I washed it

Then I steamed until tender. 

I blended it with formula and served.  The boys wanted nothing to do with it and honestly I don't blame them.  It was not appetizing at all and even mixed in with something I don't think they would eat it.  We'll wait until they can eat it raw, I think.

Acorn Squash (not really adventurous but first time adding some spices)

A big hit has been acorn squash with cinnamon and it was really quite easy to prepare once you can cut through the extremely hard shell. 

First scoop out the seeds and stringy insides from the middle

Then sprinkle with cinnamon.  (I use Penzeys Spices and love them because I believe they are good quality at an affordable price.)  I didn't use much, just a pinch on each half.

Then bake for about an hour or until tender

Blend with a bit of formula and your babies will think it's delicious.  I wasn't a fan of squash before but the smell of this had me tasting it and being pleasantly surprised.

I've been adding cinnamon to pears and apples as well and the boys are eating it up. 

Black beans are another food I've been serving C and P.  I just rinse them and simmer in about 2 inches of water until they're tender.  I started adding some garlic powder to them and the boys love to eat the beans as finger food along with some brown rice. 

I'm currently on the lookout for ideas on adding more spices to their food.  I am determined for them to not be picky eaters because this mama won't be making separate kid meals.  I'll post more recipes as I make them and of course, if you have any ideas, let me know.