Cooking with Cat: Pork, Carrots & Applesauce
A healthy and delicious meal for your toddler.
Homemade applesauce has always been one of my favorite foods, but I have never made it on my own. It was surprisingly easy to make and delicious. Combining a familiar food like applesauce to pork and carrots adds flavor, nutrients and increases the likelihood for acceptance. This recipe offers vitamins A, B, C, iron, potassium and other nutrients that are necessary for your child’s growth. Iron is a necessary nutrient that aids in proper nerve, brain and muscle development and functioning. For an overview of essential vitamins and minerals your baby needs, check out our Nutrient Chart.
Here is what you will need to make the applesauce:
- 2 Red Delicious apples
- ½ cup water
- Cinnamon (optional)
Wash and peel apples.
Core and dice apples.
In a medium saucepan, bring water and apples to a boil. Cover and let cook 10 – 15 minutes, or until apples are tender.
Remove from heat and add cinnamon.
Note* Cinnamon is optional.
Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
After your applesauce is done, start on the carrots and pork.
Here is what you will need:
- 2 carrots, sliced
- ½ cup ground pork
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
In a medium skillet, combine meat and garlic. Sauté 3-4 min.
Cut carrots.
Add carrots and 1/4 cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes.
Note* Simmer until carrots are soft.
Pour the meat and carrots into a bowl, and mix with an immersion blender.
Add applesauce and combine with pork mixture using an immersion blender.
Note* If dry, add additional water as needed until you reach the best consistency for your baby.
Serve right away.
This recipe is also easy to store for your toddler, and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.