Making Your Baby's Meals: Using your microwave!

So, this is going to end up being a 4 part series (not including the intro!) Hope that's okay with ya'll!!!

By now, you've tried your hand at the no-cook foods (you have, right?), and it's time to get to cooking! You're microwave is your best friend when it comes to homemade baby food. Steaming veggies in the microwave is super easy, if you've never done. The biggest difference, is that you may have to let them go a little bit longer than you would if you were cooking for yourself. They will need to be soft enough for you to easily mash them with a fork. That is the best way to check the texture before you puree!

I'm lucky because, as I have told you before, Nora's favorite food is zucchini (blah!), and it's a snap to cook in the microwave!

Zippy Zucchini (This makes a big batch!)
3 zucchini diced into 1/2 in. pieces (no need to peal this bad boy!)
1/4 water

After you've cut up your zucchini, place it in a large microwave safe bowl with about 1/4 of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on half power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway. Microwaves vary, so check the texture at the half way point. When your zucchini is ready, let it cool to room temp. Throw it in the blender and puree, adding the cooking liquid if you need to thin it out a bit. Zucchini has a lot of water in it already, so you probably won't need to add much.

A word about nutrition: I know I keep mentioning constipation/poop. It kinda becomes a big deal when you're a parent, trust me! I'm a big believer in avoiding laxatives, I've never used a laxative with Nora. I believe that her digestive system needs to learn how to regulate itself without the use of medications. Enter zucchini. Zucchini is very high in fiber! If Nora seems to be getting a little constipated, I just whip up (or defrost) some zucchini, and make sure it's a part of her next meal (or meals). IT WORKS EVERY TIME!

Easy Peasy
1 bag frozen peas
1/4 cup of water.

Peas take a little longer in the microwave (because they are most likey frozen). Using the same method as with the zucchini, cook your peas. It takes about 10 minutes in my microwave. You'll want them to be pale green, not bright green. As tasty and nutritious as the ideal bright green color of peas is, they won't puree well if you don't let them go longer. They will have lots of chunks, and feeding them to baby will not go well!

Now you know the method! Other things to try in the microwave: frozen green beans, frozen peaches and blueberries, yellow squash, use you're imagination!