Welcome back to our three-part series on making your own baby food! In the first post, we discussed ingredient selection and now we're moving on to cooking techniques. As always, we're partnering with Two Pillars, an eco-friendly kitchen brand that offers innovative products for every cooking need.
First up, let's talk about steaming. Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables and fruits for baby food because it retains the nutrients and flavor. To steam your ingredients, you'll need a large bowl or pot and a steaming basket. Place your ingredients in the basket and add water to the bowl or pot, being careful not to let the water touch the basket. Cover with a Duo Cover®, a silicone microwave splatter guard mat that also works for stovetop steaming. The MoistureLock™ technology will keep your food moist while cooking and prevent any splatters from making a mess. Plus, the Duo Cover® has microwave-safe magnets that allow for easy stowaway and a vent to release steam. Once your food is cooked, let it cool and then blend it to the desired consistency.
Another great cooking technique for baby food is roasting. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and is a great way to introduce new flavors to your little one. To roast your ingredients, preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut your vegetables or fruits into small pieces and toss with a bit of olive oil. Place them on the baking sheet and cover with a UniLid®, a universal lid that fits all shapes and sizes with food tracking. The UniLid® is an eco-friendly replacement for plastic wrap and will keep your food warm while roasting. Once your ingredients are roasted, let them cool and then blend to the desired consistency.
Finally, let's talk about boiling. Boiling is a simple and quick way to cook fruits and vegetables for baby food. To boil your ingredients, bring a pot of water to a boil and add your fruits or vegetables. Boil until they are soft and then drain the water. Use a ZipBag®, a reusable silicone storage bag, to store your leftovers. The ZipBag® is perfect for storing fresh produce or leftovers and is a great eco-friendly option for the environment. Plus, it's dishwasher safe and can be used for cooking sous vide!
Stay tuned for the final post in this series where we'll discuss storage and serving suggestions. And remember, making your own baby food not only saves money but also ensures that your little one is getting the best possible nutrition. Plus, with the help of Two Pillars' innovative Products, it's easier and more eco-friendly than ever before!