Baby Food 180

I spent the morning..........drum roll................making BABY FOOD in my kitchen! I know, I know, I've been a Scoffer of those who slave away pureeing and straining away the day when Gerber's commercial kitchens do it far better, for far cheaper. Or, at least, it used to be cheaper.

When Violet was starting baby food, someone forwarded me an internet coupon that was for $1 off 2 double-packs of Gerber's organic baby food at Target. There was no limit. I used that coupon to buy her entire supply. I think I spent about $30, and Violet feasted on pureed goodness for over 2 months. I even had some left over to give away when Violet had moved on to fist-feeding.

I had read the ingredients labels, and realized there was no real difference between Gerber's foods and what I might prepare in my own kitchen. Gerber's carrots included: water, carrots. What more could you ask for? I wasn't concerned about the nutritional aspect at all. I just didn't want to take the time.

Now, it's 3 years later, and I have no coupon. The price of Everything has gone up, and baby food is WAYYYYY up. It's now $1.29 for a Gerber's double pack. NOT organic! Also, Grace is a much heavier eater than Violet was. For instance, her breakfast this morning consisted of the following:

1. 1 whole banana
2. 1 whole buttermilk wheat pancake
3. 2 scrambled eggs
4. 2 slices of pear

It would cost me around $60 a month to allow her to eat Gerber's every meal.

ANYHOW. 

This morning, I prepared the following:

• 3 turnips
• 1 carrot
• 1/4 onion
• 2 T butter

(steamed, then mashed with the butter. No straining, she doesn't need it to be that smooth. *WHEW* at least I don't have to strain it, too!)

Cost: < $.50 This will last her 6 or more meals when paired with a protein and grain.

It was so delicious, I ate some myself! 

Then I did a vegetable turkey broth blend:

• turkey bouillon
• 1/2 red pepper 
• zucchini
• onion
• celery

Pureed, then, because it was too runny, slightly thickened with flour. Turned out not so great. The flour made it taste thick, not fresh & sunny like veggies should be. Also, the bouillon, I realized after, was too salty for baby food. Not a good choice. Oh well. Live and learn.)

Cost: $1.25~  It made enough to freeze and use for weeks to come. If I decide to use it....I'm also a little concerned about the wheat flour....

Next, I pureed some leftover brown rice to make a rice cereal, and added some butter.  

NOTE: I read recently that pure butter is an easy way to add "good fats" to baby's diet. You can put it in just about anything...and they love the taste, of course. Raw butter is the best.....but I can't afford that, so I just add a dollop of Kirkland brand. ;)   

Cost: negligible. (I buy rice in bulk from Costco, and it's pennies per pound.)

Then I roasted some sweet potatoes, mashed them with butter, and have about 6-8 meals' worth. 

Cost: $1~ 

Finally, I pureed some leftover chickpea soup. Just a cup, to see how she digests it. I haven't done much with beans with her....they tend to be difficult to digest. But so far, her stomach has taken EVERYTHING....and loved it. :)

So I have a freezer/fridge full of baby food for 2-3 weeks, and spend under $5 on everything. I supplement with eggs and yogurt with her, too, but that's about it!

P.S. This food is becoming more of a necessity because of the breast milk issue. I know that 9 month olds are rarely eating so much solid food. We are still working on getting her to accept formula...having more success with raw cow's milk....but hopeful for mommy's milk in the long run.