I’ve taken a side step from recipe development over the past few weeks and have been busy with mum duties… and working on creating delicious food for my little one who has recently had her first tastes.

I was conscious of this important transition into the world of food and wanted my bub to have positive food experiences from the get-go. I’ve made a concerted effort to buy organic produce where possible and prepare her food at home. This has meant a few extra trips to the local organic farmers market, well planned meal prep and strategic use of the noisey food processor between naps.

Bub’s can be fussy. Sometimes they don’t appreciate your efforts and prefer preprepared packet alternatives. During these times I called on my backup supply of Bellamy’s Organic food. They have a great range of sweet and savoury meals.

Ultimately, I wanted my bub to have the best possible entrance into the world of food in hope for positive associations with food in the future.

Food preparation is really important to maximise nutritional content. Steaming instead of boiling retains the water soluble nutrients. If you prefer boiling, try to use as little water as possible and leave the lid on the pot to allow the food to cook faster and retain nutrients. Aim to cook foods until they are tender but not overcooked. Over cooking can spoil the heat sensitive nutrients.

Everyone introduces solids differently. Some start with cereal, whilst other jump straight to exotic flavour combinations or decide to use the baby lead weaning approach. I started by introducing foods individually for a few tastes before combining various flavours and textures. You’ll observe what your bub likes and learn VERY quickly what they aren’t too keen on. You’ll also pick up on what agrees with bub’s digestive system. We struggled with sweet potato and gas so that was off the menu for a while. Bananas were also problematic and avocado not very well received. It’s important though, that you keen trying (without forcing) to introduce new flavours as it sets the foundations for future food habits.

If you plan on making your own food I would ABSOLUTELY recommend investing in a quality food storage tray. I did a bit of research and asked around before I decided on the Wein-Meister brand and I love it! It’s freezer, dishwasher AND oven safe. I’m looking forward to baking little frittatas and muffins for bub once she’s old enough to enjoy finger foods.  I even use it for non-baby food purposes like freezing passionfruit pulp or lemon juice from my surplus supply. Little Mashies pouches are another fantastic product that make eating out a breeze. They’re fillable, sealable, washable and reusable squeeze containers.

If you’re about to embark on the journey of weaning I’ve outlined a few go-to flavour combinations that I hope your bub enjoys as much as mine.

Broccoli & Yoghurt

Surprisingly delicious combination. It’s best this combo is served fresh, not frozen as freezing can kill the beneficial live bacteria in the yoghurt. This combo a fantastic source of folate and probiotics.

6 broccoli florets

1/4 C natural yoghurt

1. Steam broccoli until tender.
2. Combine broccoli and yoghurt in food processor and blend until desired consistency is reached.

Carrot & Apple

This sweet combo is a great ‘dessert’ option for bub. It’s also a great source of vitamin A. Mix it up a little by adding a sprinkling of ground cinnamon.

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 apple, peeled and chopped

1. Combine carrot and apple pieces in a small saucepan. Add enough water to just cover the pieces.
2. Bring the water to the boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer with the lid on for 5-7 minutes or until the pieces are tender.
3. Strain excess water.
4. Blend in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.

Blueberry & Pear

Berries are a rich source of antioxidants and pears are great for keeping bub regular. I serve this with Weetbix (made with breast milk/formula or cooled, boiled water) and a touch of  yoghurt.

1 pear, peeled, cored and chopped

1/2 C blueberries

1. Place pear pieces in a small saucepan and cover with enough water to just cover the pieces.
2. Bring the water to the boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer with the lid on for 5 minutes.
3. Add the blueberries and continue to simmer for a further 1-2 minutes.
4. Strain excess water.
5. Blend in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.

Parmesan Vegetables

Once bub is old enough, try introducing a touch of cheese. A hard cheese such as parmesan is a great starting point.

6 cauliflower florets, chopped

1/2 zucchini, chopped

1/4 carrot, chopped

1/4 C grated parmesan cheese

1. Steam vegetables until tender.
2. Place vegetables and parmesan cheese in a food processor and blend until desired consistency is reached.

Avocado and Kiwi

Kiwi, like eggs and nuts, is a common allergen, which is why introducing it early is a good idea.

1 kiwi, peeled and chopped

1/4 ripe avocado

1. Place kiwi in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Add avocado and continue to blend until smooth and well combined.

Roast Chicken Dinner

This recipe is fantastic for transitioning bub to enjoying family meals. Use chicken thigh – they’re a better source of iron than breast AND much cheaper. Vegetables may also be interchanged based on what you have in the fridge or what your bub prefers.

1 chicken thigh, chopped

1 small potato, peeled and chopped

1/2 C chopped pumpkin

1/4 carrot, peeled and chopped

6 green beans, cut in half

1. Place chicken in a steaming basket and allow to steam for 5-7 minutes. The chicken should be brown on the outside.
2. Add potato, pumpkin and carrot and continue to steam for 10 minutes.
3. Add beans and continue to steam for a further 3-5 minutes or until all vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
4. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until desired consistency is reached.