The Whole Wheat

Prunes never really scream YUM to most people.  Its really a cultural sadness that we think of them only as a health food.  They are so delicious and worth a try as a snack.  Additionally I’ve found that making prunes into a puree is delicious, and can be used in so many things! Its naturally sweet and flavorful.

For Margaux I often mix prune puree into oatmeal.  Or with ricotta cheese.  She is wild for prune puree no matter how its served, but those are some ideas that are baby and adult friendly.

The best thing is – its super fast and easy to make:

• Put about 8 prunes in a small pan with ~1 c. of water.  Bring to a simmer & cook about 10 minutes (covered).  The prunes should be plump and soft.  Puree the prunes and water together or just the prunes alone.  Add to anything!

Have you tried greek yogurt yet? Its AMAZING! Thick, rich, & creamy. It is perfect as is, or in place of ingredients such as sour cream.

For Margaux: I love to take greek yogurt and add in special seasonings.  A few favorites (for her & me!):

• yogurt + applesauce + cinnamon
• yogurt + sugar free jams (fruit only jams)
• yogurt + veggies

Give this type of yogurt a try. The best thing is to purchase it plain and add in your favorite items. Then there is no extra sugar, and certainly no hidden HFCS.

Note: a LOT of yogurts have high fructose corn syrup – including Yoplait which I used to love. AVOID any yogurt with HFCS!!  And especially don’t give it to a baby.

The photos will be fewer and far between, but I really want to get back to posting here more often.  I not only miss it, but I want to remember some of the fun foods I am making for the baby & for adults.

Yesterday we traveled to Portland and after landing I had my brother take us by New Seasons which is a fabulous grocer in the Portland area.  I picked up a bunch of fruits & veggies so I could make Margaux some food.  She tends to really enjoy Swiss Chard, so last night she got to try polenta & I added swiss chard to it.  She was a huge fan! The best thing about this recipe is its perfect for old & young alike, a great way to eat polenta & get more greens!

Swiss Chard Recipe:

• Wash & trim the leaves off one bunch of swiss chard.  Tear or chop the leaves and place into a glass container with a lid.  Add about 2 tablespoons water.  Cover and microwave for ~3 minutes.  Stir and microwave 1 more minute if needed.
• Remove and add everything to a blender.  Blend until finely chopped and smooth.
• For Margaux I add this puree directly to many dishes.  You can also freeze it if you do not want to use it all at once.  This can be added to adult dishes as well.  You will be shocked at what a small amount of puree this makes from such a big bunch of leaves!

Polenta:

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.  Add a generous pinch of salt.  Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of polenta.  Stir constantly and lower heat to low/med-low.
• Keep stirring and keep heat high enough to gently simmer the polenta.
• Polenta will cook in approximately 20 minutes – give or take.  It is best to stir nearly constantly.
• Remove from heat and mix in desired seasonings.  Good choices are: salt, pepper, butter, Parmesan cheese, spices, etc.
• For Margaux I added a small amount of salt, pepper, and a pat of butter.  Then I spooned out her portion and added a big tablespoon of swiss chard puree.

Perfect for kids of all ages!