Carrots

I couldn't think of anything snazzy to say about carrots. But, most babies enjoy carrots. And the best thing about carrots is that once they're pureed, they can can be mixed in with other foods, so baby can get a nutritious vegetable mixed in with something they really enjoy, such as Cheesy Wagon Wheels. Unlike adults, babies are brave eaters, and they'll try food combinations that we consider odd, and they'll like them!

After Hungry Baby had enjoyed carrots for a few weeks, she grew tired of them - either the flavor (or lack thereof) or the consistency, which tends to be runny in jarred baby foods. So, I decided to jazz the carrots up a bit.

I try my best to avoid nitrates in food for Hungry Baby, so I purchase Organic carrots when making baby food.

Baby's Age: 8 months

Consistency: pureed, or left slightly chunky

Sweet Carrots

4-6 oz. Organic baby cut carrots, OR Organic baby carrots, tops trimmed
1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
drizzle of pure maple syrup

Heat toaster oven or conventional oven to 400 degrees. Place carrots in a small glass or ceramic casserole dish, a 6x9 inch or 7x10 inch dish works well. Sprinkle brown sugar and drizzle maple syrup over carrots.

Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes. Carrots will be very tender when poked with a fork. Allow carrots to cool and, for toddlers, mash with a fork to desired consistency, or, for infants, transfer carrots to food processor and puree to desired consistency.

This recipe will make enough carrots for baby's meal, and to fill an ice cube tray for freezing and reheating at a later date. Or, if you're spouse gets into them, like mine, it just makes one meal for baby and a side dish for the spouse.