Spoons in a Jar

L was fascinated with dropping measuring spoons and baby spoons in an empty orange juice jar for about 2 months.  It took a lot of practice for him to be able to place the spoon in the small mouth of the jar and when he did, he loved watching it drop to the bottom.  After a few weeks, he got really good at this skill.

Turkey Spinach Pinwheels

Basically anything yummy rolled in a tortilla and then sliced makes a pinwheel, so the possibilities are endless.  I was making pinwheels for myself long before the little guy came along.

Turkey Spinach Pinwheels

1 tortilla

3 tbsp hummus

thin sliced turkey breast

fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped

1-2 tbsp shredded cheese or a thin slice of cheese

Spread a thin layer of hummus on a tortilla (about 3 tablespoons). Add a thin layer each of turkey, spinach and cheese.  You don't want it to be too bulky, or else the pinwheels will be too large for baby to eat.  Roll it up, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, if possible - the pinwheels keep their shape better this way.  When ready to serve, unwrap it and slice in sizes that baby can handle.  I usually make 1/4 - 1/2 inch slices.

When I'm feeling super health conscious, I use organic deli meat that doesn't have any preservatives (i.e. nitrates or nitrites).  But sometimes I buy the regular deli meat and I feel that every now and then, that's fine too.

Hummus and Veggie Quesadillas

This was a quick and delicious lunch that L and I could both enjoy together.  I made the hummus the day before, so that made it extra easy to whip up.

Hummus and Veggie Quesadillas

2 tortillas (I used burrito size)
hummus (about 1/3 cup - recipe follows)
baby spinach leaves
grape tomatoes, small dice
paremesan cheese, grated
olive oil

Heat skillet over medium high heat and coat with olive oil.  Place a tortilla on the skillet for a few seconds, then flip.  Remove from heat and spread half the hummus evenly over the tortilla.  Lay spinach leaves over the hummus in one layer.  Sprinkle with tomatoes, then parmesan cheese.  Fold in half and return to the skillet.  Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cooked side is golden brown.  Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.  Repeat procedure with the second tortilla.  Remove from heat and slice a few wedges for mommy (or daddy) and cut the remainder in bite size pieces for baby. 

Hummus

This is a very mild hummus for baby.  I actually prefer my hummus to have red pepper flakes and lots of kick.  But I doubt L's tummy or palette could handle that!  I don't have exact measurements for this recipe because I usually just eyeball it.  Don't worry, you won't mess it up!

1 (15 oz) can chick peas (or garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed, reserving some of the juice
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp - 1 tbsp lemon juice
olive oil (about 2-3 tbsp)

In a food processor, add beans, garlic, lemon juice.  Process with a few pulses to process the beans.  Add some of the reserved bean juice and olive oil and pulse again.  Continue doing this until you get the consistency you prefer.

You could also add fresh parsley, fresh chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrot, sauted spinach leaves...endless possibilities. 

The Adventures of Self Feeding

There is a new side of his personality revealed in wathing L feed himself.  This picture just says it all.