Whipped Rutabaga and Red Potatoes

Isn't it always great to be able to make a vegetable that not only the baby likes, but the whole family can enjoy as well?

Rutabaga is one such vegetable! Too often overlooked in the grocery store (I can not tell you how many times the check-out clerk asks me what the rutabaga is in order to ring it up), rutabaga is high in potassium and vitamin C. A cross between a cabbage and a turnip, rutabaga is a healthy alternative to white potatoes with a creamy consistency and slightly sweet flavor. When serving whipped rutabaga, it's a good idea to add a few red or white potatoes, because the rutabaga tends to be just a bit runny when whipped on its own. This dish is great served with ground chicken and applesauce for the baby, and grilled chicken and a green veggie for the family. This side dish can be made ahead of time and re-heated in the microwave or conventional oven.

When preparing the rutabaga and potatoes, set aside the baby's portion, then add a bit more seasoning to the portion served to the rest of the family. For baby, the whipped rutabaga and potatoes freeze well when spooned into ice cube trays and frozen overnight before placing in Ziplock freezer bags.

Baby's Age: approximately 8 months

Consistency: whipped / pureed

Whipped Rutabaga and Red Potatoes

1 rutabaga, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
3-4 red-skinned potatoes, peeled (I remove some of the peel and leave on a bit for the nutritional value) and chunked
1/8 cup of milk, plus more for thinning in food processor
2 Tbsp. butter
salt, to taste
garlic powder, to taste

Bring a large pot of water to boil and add rutabaga. Boil for 20 minutes. Then, add red potatoes and boil an additional 15 minutes. Drain in a colander.

Place rutabaga and potatoes in food a processor and add milk, butter, salt and garlic powder to taste. Puree until smooth adding more milk to thin as needed.

Serve immediately or freeze in ice cube trays. Set you baby's portion aside and stir a bit more salt and garlic powder into the family's portion.

Serves a family of three and a baby with enough to freeze a tray of rutabaga and red potato cubes for later.