Hungry Baby's Broccoli Cheese Casserole

It's so hard to decide when to feed your baby solid foods. And, of course, which solid foods to introduce at any age. It's always best to consult your pediatrician - there are many different philosophies about when it is best to start solid foods, what foods are the best first foods, and how often a new eater should be sitting down in the highchair for a "solid" meal. Your pediatrician can offer guidance and advice. This blog is not advice, but merely an account of my experiences with my hungry baby. Use your judgement to decide what is best for your baby.

My little one is 8-months-old now and she is a good eater. By "good eater" I mean that she is not picky and she eats a good amount of solid food at each feeding, approximately 1/4 cup of food three times per day. It is amazing how many different foods a baby can eat at 8-months-old, and it is sometimes difficult to recall all the goodies they can eat when they are hungry, sitting in the highchair and you are staring into the pantry / fridge. So, I hope you enjoy these postings and find useful some of these recipes and re-countings.

At 8 months, I introduced my baby to broccoli, which she did not think much of until I made it into a "casserole".

Baby's Age: approximately 8 months

Consistency: pureed

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

1 cup organic broccoli, trimmed of stems, bushy heads only
2 oz. medium cheddar cheese, cubed
3 tablespoons infant rice cereal
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
pinch of sea salt

In a small, heavy-bottomed pot bring 1/2 cup water to simmer. Add broccoli and steam / simmer over medium low heat until broccoli is tender, approximately 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow broccoli to cool enough to handle.

In a food processor, blend broccoli, cheese, rice cereal, cream, butter, and salt until almost pureed. Casserole can be served immediately, or frozen in ice cube trays for later consumption. When reheating frozen cubes, place cubes in microwave-safe bowl (I find small glass bowls the most useful). Heat in microwave on high for approximately 30 seconds to melt cheese. CAUTION: Casserole will be hot, allow to cool before serving.

At first, my daughter rejected this food, but really took to it at the second feeding. Now, she loves it!