Veggies and Legumes recipes (Stage 2)

Stage 2 is appropriate for babies older than 8 months.

• Mashed Broccoli
  

- 1 lb. organic broccoli

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the broccoli florets with water. Cut the florets and stems in pieces and boil in water.

After about 20 minutes poke them with a fork. When the stems are very soft and tender, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Mash the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

• Mashed Azhuki, or Black Beans (recipes also valid for Split Peas, Chick Peas and Lentils)
  

- 1 lb. dry organic Azhuki or Black Beans

- 4 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the beans with water. Soak the beans in water overnight to drastically reduce the cooking time.

The day after, cook the beans with water for 40-45 minutes. Add more water as it dries up. When the beans are very soft, remove the pan from the stove. Mash the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in Iron, protein, folate, potassium and fiber.

• Chicken or Turkey Breast
  

- 1 lb. organic chicken or turkey breast

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the breasts with water. Cut them in pieces and boil in water.

After about 20 minutes check to make sure they are fully cooked. Remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it is a delicious chicken stock! Puree the breasts with the stock using a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in protein and fiber

• Salmon or Trout
  

- 1 lb. Salmon or trout filets

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the filets with water. Make sure there are no bones. Boil the filets in water.

After about 15 minutes check to make sure they are fully cooked. Remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it is a delicious fish stock! Puree the filets with the stock using a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 20 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in protein and omega-3

• Chicken, Asparagus and Zuchini with Herbs
  

- 1 lb. organic chicken breast

- 1/2 lb. organic asparagus

- 1/2 lb. organic zuchini (green and yellow)

- Oregano and parsley

- 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the chicken, the asparagus and the zuchini. Cut the chicken breasts, the zuchini and the asparagus in smaller pieces, and boil them all together in water, along with the herbs.

After about 20 minutes poke them with a fork. When the stems are very soft and tender, and the breasts are fully cooked, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber and proteins.

• Chicken, Sweet Potato and Cauli-Flower with Onion
  

- 1 lb. organic chicken breast

- 1/2 lb. organic sweet potatos

- 1/2 lb. organic cauli-flower

- 1 tablespoon of chopped onion

- 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the chicken and the cauli-flower with water, and the sweet potato with a brush. Cut the chicken breasts, the sweet potato with the skin, and the cauli-flower in chunks of an inch approximately. Boil them all together in water, along with the onion.

After about 20 minutes poke the pieces with a fork. When the sweet potato is very soft and tender, and the breasts are fully cooked, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Peel the sweet potato with your fingers. Don't use the skin. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, betacarotene, antioxidants, fiber and proteins.

• Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese (yummy!)
  

- 1 lb. organic broccoli

- 3 to 4 oz of cheddar cheese

- 1 cup of water

Wash thoroughly the broccoli with running water. Cut the broccoli into chunks, both florets and stems. Boil the pieces in water.

After about 10 minutes poke the pieces with a fork. When the stems are soft and tender, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Shred the cheese, or cut it into small cubes, and add to the boiled broccoli. Wait until it melts with the heat of the cooked broccoli. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 15 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, calcium and proteins.

• Napa Cabbage with Onion and Eggs
  

- 1 1/2 lb. organic napa cabbage

- 1/2 small organic onion

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup of water

Wash thoroughly the napa cabbage with running water. Chop the napa cabbage into 1/4 inch slices, and dice the onion. Boil both ingredients in water.

After about 10 minutes stir thoroughly. When the cabbage is soft and tender, throw both eggs (yolk and whites). Stir it again, breaking the eggs, mixing all ingredients. Remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 20 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin A, C, folate, iron, protein and calcium.

• Organic Brown Rice and Beans (Great source of Protein!)
  

- 1 lb. organic beans (brown or black)

- 1 cup of dry brown rice

- 1/4 gallon of water

Wash thoroughly the beans. Soak it in water overnight to reduce time on the stove.

Boil the beans with the water in a large pan for about an hour, until the beans are soft. Add the brown rice and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Stir from time to time to make sure the beans don't burn at the bottom of the pan. Remove the pan from the stove and let it cool off.

Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long beans were pre-soaked.

Nutritional value: high in iron, calcium, proteins, fiber and carbohydrate.

Veggies and Legumes Recipes (Stage 1)

Stage 1 is appropriate for babies 6-8 months, during the initiation to solid foods.

All recipes suggest the use of organic ingredients. If you can, opt for organic food, especially when your little one is growing so quickly!

For a list of non-organic vegetables and fruits with the highest and lowest load of pesticides available in the market, please click here.

• Sweet Potato (very nutritious and babies love it!!)

- 1 lb. organic sweet potato

- 3 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the sweet potatoes with a brush. Don't peel them. Cut them in pieces and boil in water.

After about 20-25 minutes poke them with a fork. When the pieces are very soft and tender, remove the pan from the stove and wait until it cools off. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. When the pieces are cold enough, peel them, get rid of the skin. Mash or blend the peeled pieces in the water you used to boil them. Using a hand mixer, or a blender will make it very smooth for the baby.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in beta carotene (it is orange!), vitamin A, and potassium. Also contains calcium, folate and vitamin E.

• Cauliflower

- 1 lb. organic cauliflower

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the cauliflower with water. Cut the florets and stems in pieces and boil in water.

After about 15 minutes poke them with a fork. When the stems are very soft and tender, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, A and Calcium.

• Carrots

- 1 lb. organic carrots

- 2 cups of water

Peel the carrots and wash them thoroughly with water and a brush. Cut the carrots in chunks and boil in water. You can also use a steamer basket.

After about 20 minutes poke them with a fork. When the carrots are soft, remove the pan from the stove. Get rid of the water, it contains nitrates* that are not suitable for babies. Blend the carrots with about 1 cup of mineral water using a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in beta carotene, vitamins A, C and Calcium.

*Organic foods are grown without the use of commercial nitrate fertilizers, therefore the risk of nitrate concentration is minimized. By the time a baby is six months old, its digestive system is fully developed, and the amount of hydrochloric acid in a baby's stomach kills most of/or all the bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite. In older children and adults, nitrate is absorbed and excreted.

• Squash
  

- 1 lb. organic squash (Butternut, Acorn or Winter)

- 2 cups of water

Cut the squash in half and remove all seeds. Wash it thoroughly with water and a brush. Bake it for about 50 minutes in a pan with about 1 inch of water. Set the oven to 400 degrees F. Poke the flesh with a fork. When it is soft, scoop it from the skin and blend with enough mineral water to make a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 60 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in calcium, potassium, vitamin A, carbohydrates and fibers.

• Green Beans
  

- 1 lb. organic green beans

- 1 1/2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the green beans with water. Boil or steam the beans for about 15-20 minutes, until tender consistency. Remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, A, and calcium, potassium and iron.

• Sweet Peas

- 1 lb. organic peas (natural or frozen)

- 1 - 1 1/2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the peas with water. Add the water and boil. After about 15 minutes poke them with a fork. When they are tender, remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamin C, A, B and calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Eco & Logical Picks

Here is a list of a few eco & logical products that have been useful for us and our families. We have no commercial agreements with any company or dealer that sell or manufacture these products and services.

G-Diapers

Earth-friendly, semi-disposable diapers. Great concept! Requires some practice, but works pretty well! For more information, check out their site at gdiapers.com

Patemm Pad

A smart and practical solution to the diaper bag. Its round design accommodates squirmy infants and serves as a sleek, all-in-one carrier for diapers, wipes, and even a change of clothes. Patemm.com.

Baby Food Freezer Trays

These BPA-free trays are very useful to freeze homemade baby food. There are a few brands available in the market.
The one we use is from Kidco, Inc.

Beaba Baby Food Processor

The Beaba Babycook is a one-of-a-kind, compact countertop appliance that functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserver their vitamins and flavors. It then purees and blends them to the desired consistency. It can also be used to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. A bit pricey but definitely worth it!

By Beaba

Diner Placemat

This placemat is wonderful to keep in your diaper bag. It allows our toddler to have a clean surface to eat from at restaurants. Perfect for travelers as well. It is made of a durable material that can be washed countless times. It stays in place with seven strong suction cups, and it contains the mess with its rimmed edges. The scoop catches spills before they land on the child's lap. After meals, it folds, then rolls into the scoop and easily tucks into diaper bag so it is always available when eating on the go. I'm not sure how many options of brands are available in the market. The one we use is from Kiddopotamus.

Earth's Best Organic Food

When we travel, we usually take a few of those containers for the flight and first day, while we are settling in at our destination. We save the containers. They are very useful to store frozen food. The meals are organic, and contains no preservatives, salt, sugar or artificial flavors and colors.

By Earth's Best

Bouncer Chair

God bless who created the Bouncer Chair! That is the best invention ever. Infants and young toddlers can spend hours entertaining themselves in it. One of our best picks for sure! Several brands available in the market.

By Fischer Price

All-Terrain Stroller

This “all-terrain” type of stroller works really well. It is a bit heavy to take on trips, but a great gear to have in the city. The wheels are big and wide, so riding it on smooth or rough pavements is a breeze. And the suspension keeps the little one comfortable anywhere. Its large canopy protects our son against rain or sun.

By BOB

Umbrella Stroller

Our Chicco Umbrella Stroller C6 has been to several international and domestic trips. It is light, goes really well at airports, sand, grass, concrete, you name it! It comes with a carry bag with a strap that makes travel a breeze.

By Chicco

Gate Check Bags

If your umbrella stroller or car seat doesn't come with a gate check bag, you definitely need to buy one before your next flight! Protecting these items from dust, dirt and mold from the airline cargo compartment is a very wise idea. These ones fold compactly to fit in a small attached pouch that's sized to carry in a purse or diaper bag, and they a lot cheaper than branded versions.

By  JL

Travel Crib

This potable crib can be easily carried all over the world! It is also useful at home, serving as a bassinet, in early stages, or a contained space for young toddlers. There are several brands available in the market; Graco's Pack&Play and Baby Bjorn are the most famous. Baby Bjorn is a bit pricey, like all of their products, but claims to be the most portable of all brands.

By Graco

Baby Carrier

Baby carriers are very comfortable for the parent and the baby, and most important, hands are free! When the baby is a little older and has a stronger neck, the neck rest can be folded down so that the child can face forward and look around. We used it comfortably until age 1. Very useful for walks and trips! Several brands available. We tested the product manufactured by BabyBjorn.

Toddler Harness

A must for toddlers' parents, specially at airports, parks, museums.... Keeps you, parent, sane! We found that stuff animal harnesses are cute, but the backpack version is a bit more useful.

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