Finding new baby food recipes to mix up is a great way to keep tiny taste buds happy! With the summer season upon us, this is the perfect time of year to try recipes that are both hydrating and nourishing. By combining organic fruits and veggies with your baby's organic formula, you can prepare a variety of smoothies and purees that are healthy, light and refreshing.
Materials To Gather
Before you begin, it is helpful to have the following items on hand in your kitchen to aid in the process of preparing each recipe. In addition, be sure to wash all fruits and veggies well before using. You can also prepare a batch of organic formula to use in the recipes using our baby formula preparation guide. Here are the materials you will need for prepping the fruits and veggies:
- Strainer
- Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Food Processor or Blender
- Storage Container
- Sippy Cup for Serving Smoothies
- Reusable Pouch or Serving Bowl/Spoon for Purees
Smoothie Recipes
Homemade smoothies offer your little one a sweet and refreshing treat, without any yucky additives. Choosing juicy, ripened fruits adds just the right amount of sweetness to smoothies, while allowing you to be sure there are no hidden sugars or sweeteners added. Another point to keep in mind is the consistency of the smoothie. If your baby is used to thicker food textures, they are likely ready for a smoothie. If they have never tried a thicker texture before, you will want to be sure you add extra formula to be sure that the consistency of the smoothie is thinned out and easier for them to drink. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started!
Protein Smoothie
This first recipe offers a sweet twist on a protein packed power food.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic canned black beans
- 1/2 organic banana
- 1/2 cup organic frozen strawberries
- 1 cup organic formula
To Make:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor
2. Pulse for about 30 seconds, or until smooth
3. If you need to thin out the consistency, add an additional 1/2 cup of organic formula and blend. Repeat as needed until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Serve fresh for your baby to enjoy right away. Be sure to discard any smoothie that they do not finish from that serving.
5. Leftover smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The extra chill from the frozen strawberries will thaw in the fridge, but the smoothie will stay cold!
Tropical Green Smoothie
This next smoothie recipe brings a tropical twist to baby's meal time!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 organic avocado, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 organic banana
- 1/2 cup organic mango, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup organic formula
To Make:
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender
2. Pulse until smooth
3. Add extra formula if needed
4. Serve fresh and discard any leftovers from the initial serving.
5. Store leftovers in refrigerator-safe container for up to 24 hours
Berry Sweet Smoothie
This last smoothie recipe combines the goodness of organic berries for a refreshing treat!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic frozen berries (look for a combo of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries)
- 1/2 cup whole organic yogurt, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup organic formula
To Make:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor
2. Pulse until smooth
3. Add extra formula as needed
4. For best taste, serve immediately!
5. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the chill of the berries will thaw.
Puree Recipes
The following puree recipes offer a variety of nutrients, with a light and easy texture for mealtimes this summer. These recipes allow for extras that can be stored for later use if desired, so feel free to whip up the whole recipe for extra servings, or halve each recipe below for a one-time serving!
Tangy Trio Puree
With plenty of Vitamin A & Vitamin C, along with potassium, this puree combines three kinds of fruits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic nectarine slices
- 1 cup organic cantaloupe, sliced and cubed
- 1 cup organic raspberries
- 1 1/2 cups organic formula
To Make:
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender
2. Blend until you reach the desired consistency
3. You can dish out a serving to offer immediately
4. Store remaining puree in this batch in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.
Apple Carrot Puree
With a bold color and a combo of fruits and veggies, this puree is a fun one to try!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic carrots, cooked then cooled (to cook carrots, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drizzle carrots with avocado oil & bake for 30 minutes or until tender)
- 1 cup organic apple, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup organic orange juice
To Make:
1. Cook carrots according to directions above until tender. Be sure they cool completely.
2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor
3. Pulse until smooth
4. Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to three days
Watermelon Puree
This last recipe requires just one ingredient! It is easy to make and is very hydrating for warm weather days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup watermelon, chopped. It is ideal if watermelon has been in the fridge for a few hours prior so that it is chilled
To Make:
1. Put the watermelon in a food processor and blend!
2. Serve right away. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Learn More
If you are interested in reading more about cooling foods for your baby to try this summer, check out these posts below:
Mid-Summer Baby Food Recipes
Cooling Foods For Your Little Cutie - Organicbabyfood.shop
Healthy & Sweet Summertime Treats For Your Baby
Connect With Us
If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below!