Spaghetti squash baby food puree

Beef Bolognese Baby Food - Stage 2 Meat Baby Food

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Beef baby food: A recipe for beef sauce over spaghetti squash noodles. Baby Bolognese for your little one is a stage 2 meat puree.

I thought we would talk about baby food on the weekends. Typically, I make most of Camille's food on the weekends, and stash it in the freezer for the rest of the week. I took a few weeks off from talking about baby food because Camille had her first illness (not bad for 10 ½ months of breastfeeding!), and during that time, her appetite reverted back to her 6-month days. All she wanted was soft fruits (bananas and spoonfuls of ultra-ripe pear), chunks of cheese (Beemster is her favorite), and veggie purees (carrot + nutmeg and beet + sweet potato). I'm glad I got to re-live that phase again, because it gave me even more baby food ideas for you!

This homemade baby food recipe has grass-fed ground beef, half an onion, no-salt canned tomatoes, rosemary, basil, oregano, bay leaf and garlic. Does it sound weird to give a baby onion? One of Camille's first purees was potatoes and leeks. She loved it!

You guys are requesting baby meat purees, and I couldn't be happier to oblige. Honestly, we all know how to puree fruits and veggies, don't we? Meat is hard. It's been hard on Camille actually, too. I don't eat a ton of meat, and I certainly didn't when I was pregnant. Honestly, I believe she never got a taste for it in the womb. And while my appetite soared during the first few months of breastfeeding, it still was meat-limited.

So, full confession: the first 4 times I gave Camille the chicken baby food, she spit it out. I knew that since she loves carrots and smoky cumin, it was a texture thing for her. No matter, I just kept trying. I mixed it with mashed avocado, even more mashed carrots, and I also sprinkled cheese on top. She ate it 'doctored up' 2-3 times, but still would only eat it if I 'hid' it from her. Then, one day I gave up and rolled it up in a tortilla with salsa and ate it myself. All of a sudden, she was interested in it! Monkey see, monkey do. It makes perfect sense. Now? I've made that recipe for the third time, and she happily laps up her shredded chicken, plain. It just took some getting used to.

I fully expected to have to teach Camille to eat this beef baby food, but I didn't. She was on my hip as I was stirring it on the stove, and when it cooled, I gave her a little taste. She absolutely loves any 'treat' she gets in the kitchen while I'm cooking. So, after a little taste in the afternoon, she gobbled it up at dinner that night.

I serve this beef baby food with spaghetti squash just to sneak it another veggie. Whole wheat orzo is a good alternative, or you could just puree the squash. In that case, instead of serving the dollop of full-fat ricotta cheese on top, I would puree it with the meat. We are all about the full-fat grass-fed dairy for baby in this house! And I would be lying if I didn't say I'm really enjoying it, too. It's like you think you know yogurt, and then you eat full-fat yogurt, and then life is never the same.

As you can see from the photo below, this is everything roughly pureed. I used a stick-blender and gave it a few pulses. Camille will eat it like this, but some kiddos will like it really smooth from a blender. Experiment with it!

I consider this a stage 2 meat baby food because you can leave it chunky, but if you want to puree it fully, you absolutely can!

I'm not exactly sure if I'm following the rules here, but I don't think all babies jive with tomatoes. There might be an age minimum..maybe 8 months? Anyway, I think there's so much flavor going on here that you'll be fine. I remember when Camille was 7 months old, she was reaching for a blood orange I was eating. The internet told me it was too acidic and it would hurt her stomach, but she was begging. I gave her some; she was fine. The next day, she ate an entire mandarin orange and was also fine. It all depends on the kid, and you know your babe best.

As for serving size, this recipe uses a ½-pound of ground beef and it made 18 tablespoon-size cubes for the freezer. For us, that's 18 servings. Camille will hardly eat more than 1 tablespoon of meat at a time, which is age-appropriate for her. The amount of spaghetti squash you get depends on how big of a squash you buy.

Keep the baby food requests coming! I'm working on a baby breakfast series in the meantime! I did a little sneak peek on instagram of our matching ricotta breakfast bowls.

If you haven't already, you should really check out my friend Michele's site BabyFoodE. She's all about adventurous food for babies and toddlers. I also own her book, and it's fantastic. I feel like I've found my soul mate when it comes to how I want to teach my kids how to eat. And yes, you really do have to teach them. If not, they teach you what they want to eat (and it won't be pretty).

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 34 minutes

Total Time 44 minutes

Ingredients

For the baby bolognese:

½ pound grass-fed ground beef
½ small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 14-ounce can no-salt tomatoes
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup full-fat ricotta

For the spaghetti squash:

1 spaghetti squash
splash of water for the pan

Instructions

To make the sauce, place the beef in a medium sauce pan, and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook, while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.
When the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon.
I leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan, so eyeball the amount of fat in the pan and adjust accordingly.
Add the diced onion to the pan, and saute until soft, about 4 minutes.
Add the garlic, and saute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomatoes and herbs. Add the beef back in.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes.
To serve, add the ricotta cheese, puree according to your baby's age and needs.
Meanwhile, crank the oven to 375.
Slice the spaghetti squash in half.
Fit the squash cut-side-down in a baking dish with sides, and add enough water to come up ¼" on the sides of the squash.
Bake the squash until easily flakes with a fork, about 45-60 minutes.
Let the squash cool, and serve it to baby as noodles, or puree as needed for your baby's age.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 126.

48Total Fat: 7.52gCarbohydrates: 4.34gProtein: 8.1g

Spaghetti Squash for Babies - First Foods for Baby

When can babies eat spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready for solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Background and origins of spaghetti squash

Squashes are an ancient agricultural crop, with some estimates tracing back the vegetable’s cultivation to 10,000 years ago in Mexico, the native terrain of spaghetti squash.¹ Today spaghetti squash is grown around the world, comes in different hues of orange, and goes by different names: golden macaroni, noodle squash, spaghetti marrow, and vegetable spaghetti.

As its name suggest, spaghetti squash looks like pasta. Once cooked, the squash’s flesh can be pulled into thin strands—a terrific gluten-free alternative to traditional noodles and an excellent texture to introduce to your baby early on.

Is spaghetti squash healthy for babies?

Yes. Spaghetti squash contains vitamin C and B vitamins like B6 and folate that help power your baby’s metabolism. Spaghetti squash is also packed with beta carotene, which your baby’s body converts to vitamin A to support healthy skin, immunity, and vision. In fact, beta-carotene is only one of a dozen carotenoids (or plant nutrients) present in spaghetti squash, making it one of the best food sources for these potent antioxidants.

Is spaghetti squash a common choking hazard for babies?

Cooked spaghetti squash should not pose a high choking risk so long as all seeds and the rind have been removed, and the flesh has softened and cut into age-appropriate shapes for your baby to safely consume. Check out cooking methods and age-appropriate serving ideas!

For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Is spaghetti squash a common allergen?

No. Allergies to spaghetti squash are rare, though there have been reports of people getting an itchy rash on their hands after handling winter squashes.² To minimize any reaction, wash your baby’s hands and face (plus your own hands!) after handling spaghetti squash.

As with all new foods, introduce by serving a small amount and gradually increase the quantity over future servings.

How do you prepare spaghetti squash for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 12 months old: Use a fork to pull the spaghetti squash flesh into thin strands, discard the rind, and finely chop. Serving in a bowl that suctions to the table will aid independent eating.

12 to 18 months old: Loosely chop the spaghetti squash strands. Serve in a bowl that suctions to the table along with a baby fork. You might pre-load the fork for your baby or place the fork in the bowl for your baby to try using by themselves. If your baby prefers to eat with hands, by all means let them do so. Using a fork takes practice and fine motor skills, which can be exhausting and frustrating for hungry little ones. Give it time and don’t worry about encouraging your baby to use utensils, to “stay clean”, or to follow manners. There’s plenty of time to learn later on.

18 to 24 months old: Serve the spaghetti squash strands in a bowl along with an age-appropriate fork (pre-loaded if need be). At this stage in your baby’s development, there is no need to chop the strands of squash, but if long pieces are a struggle, go ahead and chop before serving. Also, if your baby ditches the fork and still wants to eat with hands, that’s okay! Eat your meals with your baby and model how to eat with a fork. With time and practice, your baby will eventually follow your lead.

For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.

Roasting methods matter! If you want a soft noodle, roast your spaghetti squash halves cut side down in the oven. But if you want a more caramelized noodle with some crunch (and your babe can handle it), roast the halves cut side up.

Recipe: Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

Spaghetti squash
High-heat oil (grapeseed, olive, safflower, sunflower, or vegetable oil)
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Wash the squash and scrub off any dirt. Place the squash on a cutting board and slice lengthwise with a sharp knife. Use a spoon or fork to scrape out the seeds and set them aside. They can be roasted separately with oil and spices as a tasty snack for yourself. Seeds are loaded with vitamins!
Set the squash halves cut side up on a sheet tray lined with parchment.
Pour a splash of high-heat oil of your choice onto each half, and use your hands to spread the oil around the squash surface.
Place the squash halves cut side down on the tray and prick a few holes in the skin with a fork. Roast at 400 degrees until the squash is soft, about 30 to 45 minutes. You can tell that the squash is done when the skin gives a little when pressed with a spoon.
Remove the squash from the oven, and once it is cool to the touch, use a fork to pull the flesh into thin strands.
Discard the rind and serve in an age-appropriate way. If your baby is older than 12 months, mix a little parmesan cheese with the squash strands for added flavor before serving.

Flavor Pairings

Spaghetti squash tastes delicious with any sauce that you’d mix with pasta—from lemony butter, pesto, or freshly ground tomatoes. Try mixing in cooked meats like ground beef, elk, lamb, or pork along with strong savory herbs like basil or rosemary for added flavor. Not keen on serving meat? Try mixing in fatty nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. And don’t forget the cheese! Goat and parmesan cheese pair particularly well.

Library of Congress. Everyday mysteries: How did the squash get its name? Retrieved February 20, 2020
Potter, T.S. & Hashimoto, K. (1994) Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) dermatitis. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1994.tb00588.x. Retrieved Friday, January 3, 2020 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8187500

Zucchini puree - Encyclopedia Baby food

Victoria Levchuk ©

Simple and easy recipes for vegetable purees will quickly fall in love with the child, and mothers will love the lightness and simplicity of vegetable recipes.

If vegetables are chosen as the first food, then most parents and pediatricians give their preference to zucchini. This vegetable is easy to cook at home and almost never causes an allergic reaction. Zucchini is mild in taste and smell, it almost does not change the taste of food when combined with another product.

Almost all the nutrients are contained in the peel, but it must be taken into account that the zucchini loves to absorb everything bad from the environment, so if it is chosen as the first complementary food, this product must be peeled, cut into cubes and soaked for a couple of hours, if the zucchini is not from the home garden. As always, we follow the rule of “waiting 4-7 days”, we monitor the reaction of the baby. If the zucchini is well received by the baby's small tummy, then you can try to boil the zucchini with the peel.

Vegetable oil is added drop by drop after 3-4 days of eating the first complementary food. After the child has taken the first complementary foods normally, you can add 1 drop of vegetable oil to the next preparation of vegetable puree, the next day 2 drops of vegetable oil, etc. adding 5 drops. We also monitor the child's reaction to vegetable oil, especially the baby's stool, it can weaken.

Baby prescription suitable for baby age 6-7 months, as the first type of complementary food.

Introduced complementary foods: Zucchini.

puree from the zucchini

Print a recipe

Simple recipe for puree preparation from Kabachka for babies at home.

Servings	Cooking Time
1 Serving

Ingredients

1 Average zucchini

Portations: Portion

Instructions

Bake in the oven

Cut the zucchini in drips, remove the seeds.
Place the zucchini with water in a pie dish. Check the water level while baking.
Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for 40 minutes until the skin starts to wrinkle and the halves are soft, then remove the skin with a spoon.
Place the zucchini in a blender and puree.
Add water, milk formula, mother's milk as needed to achieve a uniform consistency.
Add vegetable oil

Boil in water

Peel the courgette, cut out the seeds and then cut into pieces.
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
Throw the marrow into the water.
Boil the zucchini for 10 minutes
Remove the zucchini from the water with a slotted spoon.
Blend with a blender until smooth.
Serve slightly warm zucchini puree on the children's table.

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On our website Encyclopedia Baby Food there is useful information on the nutrition of your children, which is useful for everyone, and we update the website "Encyclopedia Baby Food" constantly and try to search and write only excellent, verified and necessary information for you and your children.

Disclaimer No. 1: It must be understood that the author of the articles on the Baby Food Encyclopedia website is not a medical staff, “I am not a doctor. ” The information I share is based on my own experience. My goal is not to teach you how to eat or feed your child, but to talk about how we did it, what new things I learned or read. This expands the picture of Baby Food knowledge, gives you a glimpse of the whole process so you can decide if you like it or not.

Disclaimer No. 2 : However, the above does not cancel visiting a pediatrician. Before you start complementary foods, you need to get his professional opinion on the best way to introduce new foods for your baby. I also draw your attention to the fact that you need to look at the original date of the published articles, because some of the "best practices" may have changed. Always check with your child's pediatrician about complementary foods and their health.

Disclaimer #3: Keep in mind that every family is unique, every situation is also completely unique. There are no universal solutions. Only you can find what works best for you. Certain goals require certain sacrifices and priorities - not everyone wants to make those choices, and that's GREAT! Just know what you want to achieve, and be ready to get to work, putting the best of your strength!

Disclaimer No. 4: On the Encyclopedia Baby Food website, photos from books on baby food with attribution are used to better understand the information (Article 1274, Clause 1, Part Four of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation). Literature on baby food is found in the public domain on the Internet.

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Zucchini, carrot and potato puree delicious baby puree.

Closer to 8 months, the baby gets acquainted with mashed potatoes. This is the most common product we have in Russia. But due to the presence of starch in it, it is not advisable to feed the baby too often with one potato, so parents usually dilute it with other healthy foods. Today I propose to prepare mashed potatoes from zucchini, carrots and potatoes.

You can read about squash food here, and about carrot food here.

We remind you that all foods must be introduced into the child's diet, and potatoes must be soaked.

Zucchini, Carrot and Potato Puree suitable for children over 8 months old.

Introduced foods for baby food: Zucchini, potatoes, carrots, vegetable oil.

Zucchini, carrot and potato puree

Portions: portions

Instructions

Cut carrots, courgettes and potatoes into small pieces.
Boil carrots, zucchini in a pot of water over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
In a blender, blend the vegetables with a little water left over from cooking until the desired consistency is reached.
Add vegetable oil if desired.
Store in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Can be frozen and stored for 3 months.

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"Encyclopedia Baby Food"!

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On our website Encyclopedia Baby Food there is useful information on the nutrition of your children, which is useful for everyone, and we update the website "Encyclopedia Baby Food" constantly and try to search and write only excellent, verified and necessary information for you and your children.

Disclaimer #3: Keep in mind that every family is unique, every situation is also completely unique. There are no universal solutions. Only you can find what works best for you.