Rice pudding for baby

It's as if Leon knows that his mommas passion is cooking.  He is the best 'lil dude to cook for.  He pretty much loves everything I offer him- with the one exception which is pureed green peas.  Without speaking he let me know he hated the taste of it.
Now that we're graduating from smooth purees and unto more chunky food I can become more creative.
I made him rice pudding for dinner tonight and he savored every spoonful.
Here's the recipe:


Rice pudding for baby

• 1/2 cup calrose rice (short grain)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup apples thinly sliced or cut in slivers
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp bottled ginger

Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat.  Cook for 30 minutes or until rice is super soft, fragrant and a bit soupy.  Keep a close watch to make sure the consistency is not too thick.  Add water when necessary.

Serve warm or room temperature.

I made a big batch and froze the rest in ice cube trays.

meals to go

We are off to Seattle, WA. this weekend!

Chris and I are so excited. It's a big deal for us because this is our first out-of-town trip as a family of three. Initially we thought it would be a great dry run for the major travel to NC for Thanksgiving. Then we realized that Sunday is our 1 year wedding anniversary and so a fun weekend getaway is definitely fitting.

Along with the excitement of course, comes my anxiety about traveling with baby food. Ever since I began giving Leon solids I've always made home made purees. From time to time I would offer him some Earth's Best jarred food that he actually loves. It's interesting how he refused my home made pureed green peas but the Earth's Best green peas and brown rice he loved instantly. You can never tell what will be a hit so the key is to just keep on trying different flavors.

I've been reading up on what to do so I could still incorporate Leon's frozen home made food cubes to ready made baby food. I found this article to be very helpful.

I got this super adorable mini cooler from Target. I'm so amazed at how attractive looking it is compared to the typical coolers out there. It has two pockets on the front that could hold baby spoons, a small fork to mash fresh food on the spot and some moist wipes. It can also hold a lot of food inside.

... and here are the store bought baby food I'm going to try and offer Leon. Hopefully he will like it.

best mom-in-law

I've been blessed with the sweetest and most kind mom-in-law and I'm so grateful.

Joanie (Chris' mom) and Larry (Chris' stepdad) are in town to see their grandson and also to spend memorial weekend with us. Yesterday a package arrived filled with goodies Joanie shipped before leaving NC just for me (and Leon of course).

I've had my eye on a baby cook book and a steamer/blender machine especially for preparing baby food and it's as if Joanie read my mind. I definitely intend to make home made baby food for Leon when he is ready to begin trying purees. Receiving Joanie's gift just made it more exciting! I can't wait to use it.

Thanks Joanie!