Anni is an eco-mama, cook, advocate of sustainable living and author. Anni wrote her first book called, Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers (Rodale, May 2010). Anni has two other projects in development called Popsicle Craze (Sellers, 2011) & The Organic Family Cookbook (Sellers, Fall 2011).

Happy Spring mamas! This is a beautiful time of year, when we start noticing warmer weather, flowers blooming, and new fruits and veggies popping up.

When our babies are ready for solid foods, we all want to feed them the very best possible choices that we can. I know making your own baby food can feel like a daunting task, but remember that your baby’s first tastes should be the freshest most delicious tastes you can offer. Why? This is your babies first experience with food, and if you make it yourself and choose something in season, while its at its peak of freshness, you will get the sweetest fruits and ripest veggies possible, and your baby will ultimately enjoy these new flavors and be excited about the next experience to come. Keep in mind that baby’s first foods are only a supplement to mama’s milk or formula up until age one, so don’t panic if they are not interested in solid food at first. Some babies will love it right out of the gate, and others will be slow to warm up to it. Either way, be patient with yourself and your baby, as this dance is new for both of you.

Enjoy this fresh spring recipe from my Organically Raised Cookbook for your baby!

baby tallulah’s “spring fling” kiwifruit, pear, and raisin blend (spring)

This recipe combines the wonderful tropical flavor of kiwi with sweet pear and the slightly grainy texture of raisins. I promise that your baby will love this! Kiwis are packed with vitamin C and potassium.

• 2 large pears (Bartlett is best)
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 2 kiwifruits
• Peel and core the pears. Cut the pulp into 1-inch pieces.
• Steam the pears and raisins together for 10 minutes, or until the pears are soft. Reserve the liquid from the steamer.
• Peel and cut the kiwis into 1-inch pieces.
• Combine the pears, raisins, and kiwi in a food processor. Puree until the raisins are finely chopped. Add the reserved liquid in scant 1⁄8-cup increments to achieve the desired consistency.

Variation: pear, blueberry, and raisin blend (summer)

Blueberries are a wonderful natural antioxidant. This flavor combination is a huge hit with babies. It was my daughter’s absolute favorite blend.

• 2 large Bartlett pears (or Anjou or other green pear)
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1⁄2 cup fresh blueberries
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Anni Daulter, MSW
June 4, 2010
Note: This Perspectives Blog post is written by a Guest Blogger of DrGreene.com and is provided in order to offer a variety of thoughtful points of view. The opinions expressed on this Perspectives Blog post do not reflect the opinions of Dr. Greene or DrGreene.com. As such, Dr. Greene and DrGreene.com are not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied. This post is used under Creative Commons License CC BY-ND 3.0.
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