Strawberry Maple Muffins – a delicious finger food treat for little ones

This simple muffin recipe is a great way to offer your older baby a little “treat” that is actually pretty darn healthy. Make a batch of sugar glaze for topping off these muffins and serving to the bigger kids!

Strawberry Maple Muffins

1 1/2 cups white wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
pinch of salt
pinch of cinnamon
1/2 cup chunky strawberry puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and either grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners. (I use liners for easier cleaning!)
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, cinnamon and the baking powder. Mix well
Add the eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, strawberry puree and the oil to the dry ingredients
Stir well to thoroughly combine.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean

Butternut & Acorn Squash in the Slow Cooker – Diced

Age and Stage: 6 months+ | Stage One | First Foods and Beyond | 6 hours cooking

Butternut and acorn squash were much loved by all three of my boys. Whenever I cook it, I think of my grandma, who always had butternut or acorn squash at the Sunday dinner table, no matter what the season was. Food is not just to nourish the body—it can help nourish the soul, too!

Ingredients

2 pounds (907 g) fresh acorn or butternut squash
2 cups (475 ml) cold water

Instructions

Wash and halve the squash. Remove the seeds and peel away the shell. Dice the flesh.
Transfer the diced squash to the slow cooker and add the water.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Check after about 3 hours and add more water if needed.

Notes

The squash will simmer down to a very smooth texture as it cooks, so you may not need to puree it for your baby. If so, set aside a portion or two for baby’s meal and feed after the squash has cooled.

Preparation and Storage for Baby

If necessary, place the squash in a blender or food processor and process to a texture that is appropriate for your baby. Add water, formula, or breast milk as desired to create a thin puree. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for babies or up to 6 months in the freezer.

For the Family

Add butter, ground cinnamon, and a bit of vanilla to the extra squash for a tasty side dish that goes well with any main entrée. If soup’s on your mind, take out a saucepan and add 3 cups (710 ml) of chicken or vegetable broth and 1 1?2 cups (380 g) of cooked squash. Whisk together and warm on the stove-top. Dish out squash soup and top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream.

Strawberry Maple Muffins

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