Vegan Parsnip and Pear Baby Food

The Perfect Parsnip!

Why do we at Petit Organics love the parsnip? Well, for a starter, parsnips are an ideal first food for babies; their sweet, nutty flavor will help to prime your little one's palate for vegetables.  Parsnips are loaded with essential fiber, Omega-3's and vitamins such as Folic Acid, Potassium, Iron and Calcium which help your baby grow and thrive.

When incorporated into your family's daily diet, parsnips provide a long list of health benefits: they help strengthen the immune system, prevent colds and infections, support strong bones, ease digestion and improve iron absorption. A root vegetable that tastes great with a seemingly endless list of nutritional benefits: you just can't go wrong with the Parsnip!  It's Perfect!

Vegan Parsnip and Pear Baby Food

Ingredients 

• 7 large parsnips, peeled, cooked and pureed
• 3 containers Petit Organics Simply Pears
• 2-4 cups water
• 1 tsp cardamom
• Black pepper and sea salt to taste

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil.
2. Reduce heat and let simmer 5-10 min.  Option to garnish with a fresh herb like dill, parsley or sage.  Serve warm.
3. BONUS: This can actually be served as a scrumptious soup on a cold winter day for the entire family!

Yields 4 servings.  Bon appetit to you and your bébés!

Vegan Butternut Squash Pie

We are big fans of butternut squash at Petit Organics.  Since the winter months are the peak season for this scrumptious squash we chose to share a vegan recipe for butternut squash pie.  The flavor is similar to a pumpkin or sweet potato pie and lucky for you: just log on to Petit Organics to order the pureed butternut squash and save yourself 45 minutes of prep time!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cups gluten-free cornmeal
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil 
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the filling:

• 6 containers PO Simply Butternut Squash (or one medium squash, cooked and pureed)
• 1/2 cup organic maple syrup
• 1/4 organic rice milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, coconut oil and cold water for the crust.  Form into a ball, place in the center of a pie pan and spread with fingers until evenly distributed around pan.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, stir in the PO Simply Butternut Squash, maple syrup, rice milk and cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

Yields 8 servings.  Bon appétit to you and your bébés!

Cooking and Playing: Homemade Play-dough

During these cold, winter months in NYC it is a challenge to head outdoors with the kiddos. Keeping the littles ones occupied without leaving the house becomes a must, otherwise they end up stir-crazy and climbing your walls.  Below is a recipe for play-dough that is fun for both you and your child: spending time in the kitchen with mom AND playing with the play-dough after it is prepared. Enjoy!

Non-Toxic (and Technically Edible) Play-Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cups water
4 cups flour
2 cups salt (yes, two full cups!)
8 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring

Directions:

1. Combine flour, salt and cream of tartar in a medium to large pot and sift together until thoroughly mixed.
2. Add the water to the mixture and stir until the lumps are gone.
3. Next, add the vegetable oil and stir.
4. When the mixture is completely smooth, add the food coloring (most packets have color chart suggestions). Have fun and experiment!
5. Place the pot over low heat and stir constantly using a wooden spoon - this takes a LOT of arm strength so Mommy, Daddy or sitter should step in here. Continue stirring for 15 minutes.
6. When the mixture is in a big ball or lump and is not sticky to pinch, scoop out of the pot onto a cutting board.
7. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, knead and Tada! Perfect play-dough for you and your little one!

Note: Store in an air-tight container when not using and the play-dough will last for 1 week to 3 months. The perfect rainy day activity. Have fun with your bebes!