I started making baby food for my first son out of cost-effective necessity. The plain truth is, making your own baby food at home is way less expensive than purchasing baby food at the store. In fact, if you purchase in season fruits and vegetables you can create baby food for cents on the dollar. I continued making homemade baby food for each of my children because I like to control the quality, flavor, nutrients and because I just think it’s fun. I make large amounts of baby food at a time and I freeze most of it in 8oz Glad storage containers. The 8oz containers are the perfect size for a baby meal.
The key to making your own baby food at home is to have the right equipment and a clean, sterile kitchen and hands. Keep in mind that you do not want undercook or overcook the food and always use as less water as possible. Making nutritious, tasty food for your baby is the goal. This is an easy butternut squash baby food recipe. Tasty and sweet, butternut squash is a great first baby food.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash is a Winter Square that is a low-fat, anti-inflammatory power punch pack of nutrients in a heart-friendly funnel-shaped package. With ample amounts of dietary fiber, significant amounts of potassium (both of which are important for bone health, and vitamin B6, essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems) folate, carotenoids (protects against heart disease), beta-carotene (which our bodies convert to Vitamin A). With only a 1 cup service you get nearly 50% of the recommended daily dose of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C.
How to Choose the Best Butternut Squash
At the store, choose an unblemished fruit that feels heavy for its size with a matte, rather than glossy, skin. A shiny exterior indicates that the fruit was picked too early, and it won’t be as sweet as a fully grown squash. Heavier Butternut Squash contain a higher moisture content. Store whole butternut squash in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation, it can be kept for up to three months.
Equipment Needed
Food Processor
Glad 8oz Storage Containers
Produce Scrubber
Ingredients Needed
Butternut Squash – medium-sized
Water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Thoroughly wash the outside of the Butternut Squash and scrub with produce scrubber.
- Cut Butternut Squash in half
- Scoop out seeds with spoon
- Place the Butternut Squash flesh side up on a foil lined baking sheet
- Cook at 350 degree’s for 45 minutes – 1 hour. When you can pierce the Butternut Squash with a fork, it is done.
- Peel Butternut Squash Skin off
- Place Butternut Squash in food processor and puree until smooth. Add very little water if needed.
- Store in 8oz Glad storage containers
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