Apples are the perfect food to start little ones on. Easy to digest and a smooth texture make them a great way to start.
Easy as Pie Applesauce - 6 Months+
Ingredients:
5-6 Apples (Gala, Fuji or similar)
Water for steaming
1 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
Clean, core and slice the apples leaving the skins on during steaming (this helps lock in the nutrients during steaming). Steam the apples in either a steaming basket on the stove or in a baby-food maker. Use about 2 inches of water and steam for about 10-15 minutes (as your child gets used to chunkier textures less steaming time will be needed). Reserve some of the cooking liquid. Let the apples cool till almost room temperature then remove the skins. This should be fairly easy to do with your fingers or a spoon. Puree the apples, cooking liquid & spices in either a food processor, blender or baby-food maker till the desired consistency is reached. This recipe will keep up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. It will fill about 3 ice cube trays (15-30 servings). Some fun variations include pureeing with ripe avocado or mango to make applesauce blends.
Some of the Awesome Health Benefits:
-Apples are a wonderful first food for your baby. They are rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, Folate, potassium and calcium and very easy to digest.
-Cinnamon offers nutritional benefits and preventative health advantages.
-Nutmeg: studies have shown it can stimulate the brain, relieving stress and stimulating mental activity.