Author Archives: admin
Black Bean Brownies
This brownie recipe is a sweet treat and a great alternative to other high-sugar and high-calorie brownie recipes. The black beans add bulk and fiber to this recipe and the applesauce makes the brownies moist.
- 3/4 cup black beans
- 1/4 cup olive or canola oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips*
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for … (read more)
Peachy Cobbler Portions
Here’s a healthy spin on a sweet family favorite. Preparing this dish in muffin tins instead of one large dish is a fun way to teach portion control while offering each family member their very own cobbler.
- 3 cups peaches, peeled and mashed
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp honey*
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oh-So-Fun Frozen Fruit Cups
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 can 13.5oz crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 1 can or 2 ½ apricots, cut up (do not drain)
- 1 cup of pureed blueberries
- 1 can 6 oz. frozen orange juice ( use apple juice for children under 12 months)
Mix all ingredients and pour into Food Storage Pods or muffin liners. Place in freezer overnight.
Makes approximately 5 Frozen Fruit Cups
Bow Tie Chicken Soup
- 1 cup no-salt, low fat chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken (use left-over chicken from another meal)
- 1/4 cup of bow tie pasta
- Fresh garlic to taste
- 1/2 small onion, diced (if desired)
Bring broth to a boil with the 1/2 cup of chicken then add the pasta. Cook on medium heat until the pasta is done to your toddler’s preference.
Smashed Kiwi
Kiwi are a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium. They also contain vitamins A, C and folic acid.
Already perfectly portioned, one kiwi is sized to offer your baby one serving of fruit.
To prepare, simply peel the ripe fruit, cut into small pieces and mash to desired consistency. Add breast milk, formula or water to thin puree.
For Stages 3 and 4, cut the kiwi into pieces sized for little fingers to pick up easily. It’s a … (read more)
Zucchini
A yummy source of potassium and magnesium, zucchini is easy to prepare and keeps well.
The ratio of raw to steamed vegetables is 1:1. One cup of raw veggies will make approximately one cup of puree.
Thoroughly wash the zucchini and cut it into slices or chunks. Boil or steam until soft. Cool slightly and then using your immersion blender, blend to puree, adding breast milk or water to thin to the desired consistency.
For Stages 3 and 4, … (read more)
Whole Wheat Graham Crackers
- 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 stick butter, melted
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt stick of butter in a pan on the stove. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
4. Add … (read more)
Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
- 1/2c canned pumpkin
- 1/3 c pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1/2c 2% milk
- ½ c shredded Gouda cheese, mozzarella, or other melting cheese
- 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
In medium saucepan over medium heat, mix milk and cheeses, stirring continuously until cheese has melted. Add in pumpkin and blend. Mixture should be smooth. Meanwhile cook pasta following package directions PLUS 3-4 extra minutes, until pasta is very soft. Drain pasta. Add pasta … (read more)
Turkey & Gravy
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 ½ c water
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
In a large skillet cover and cook turkey until brown. Pour in 2 ½ cups water. Cover and let simmer 5 min. Drain meat and reserve drippings in small bowl. In skillet melt butter and stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add drippings whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Use immersion blender to combine half of meat and gravy then add remaining half of meat … (read more)
