DIY Baby Food Recipe: Sweet Potato and Apple Mash

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 apple (any variety)
• Water or breast milk/formula (optional, for thinning)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Wash the sweet potato and apple thoroughly.
   • Peel the sweet potato and apple, then cut them into small cubes.

2. Cooking:

   • Place the sweet potato cubes in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 15 minutes or until tender.
   • Add the apple cubes to the steamer basket with the sweet potato and steam for an additional 5-7 minutes until both the sweet potato and apple are soft.

3. Blending:

   • Transfer the cooked sweet potato and apple cubes to a blender or food processor.
   • Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water, breast milk, or formula to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Serving:

   • Allow the puree to cool to a safe temperature before serving it to your baby.
   • Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month.

Tips:

• Variety: Introduce different fruits and vegetables to create a range of flavors and textures. Try combinations like carrot and pear, or peas and banana.
• Texture: As your baby gets older and more accustomed to solid foods, you can make the puree chunkier by mashing instead of blending.
• Spices: For babies 8 months and older, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.

Benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, while apples provide fiber and vitamin C.
• Cost-Effective: Making baby food at home can be more economical than purchasing pre-packaged options.
• Customization: You can tailor the recipes to your baby's preferences and dietary needs.