Baby / Toddler — Daily Mothering

Homemade Peppered Chicken & Herb Vegetable Soup

November 20, 2011 33 Comments

This is a delicious recipe I like to make for the whole family. It's warm, tasty, and goes with so many side dishes. The chicken is baked beforehand so it is moist and tender, adding a lot to this flavorful soup. Serve it with salad or a baked potato for a healthy lunch, or with warm bread and butter for dinner. It's great with my cornbread recipe, and you can also serve it on top of rice. Add noodles and you've got an instant chicken noodle soup for a natural cold remedy. Jar it up and tie a ribbon around it for a wonderful gift. It's a … [Read more...]

Secret Ingredient Baked Shells & Cheddar

November 9, 2011 55 Comments

This is my special baked macaroni and cheese recipe. It is absolutely divine. Super cheesy, ooey gooey, perfectly indulgent snack or side dish. I like to make a huge pan of it and freeze it in portions to reheat later. The whole family loves it! I use shell-shaped noodles, but you could use elbows, spirals, etc. Whichever is your preference. If this recipe makes too much, simply cut the measurements in half, use a smaller baking dish, and reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes. You will need: 2 lbs Shell Noodles 1 stick … [Read more...]

Making & Freezing Fresh Veggies for Babies & Toddlers

November 4, 2011 25 Comments

I like Baby M to have vegetables at just about every meal (except breakfast), but I don't always have time to prepare them on the spot. Canned vegetables lose a lot of nutrients, and most store-bought frozen vegetable melodies I have tried simply do not taste very good (the green beans are chewy, the carrots are rubbery, and nothing has much flavor). So, I like to make Baby M a fresh vegetable melody to freeze and have on hand for quick healthy meals. I usually make enough for about 3 weeks at a time. So easy, so tasty, and so much better … [Read more...]

Avocado Banana Pudding for Babies & Toddlers

October 29, 2011 43 Comments

Avocado Banana Pudding Recipe for Baby / Toddler

My son absolutely loves this quick, healthy snack. In fact he has enjoyed it since he was about 5 months old (he's 13 months now). It is light, silky smooth and sweet, and a perfect little snack for your little one whether they are just beginning solids or are eating like a champ. I have a Tribest Single Serving Personal Blender that I use to puree this recipe. It works WONDERFULLY, blends everything silky smooth, and is SO easy and quick to clean (much easier than a regular blender or food processor--just two small pieces total that … [Read more...]

Homemade Rice Cereal for Babies & Toddlers

October 26, 2011 17 Comments

Homemade Rice Cereal for Infants, Babies & Toddlers

Fresher, healthier, cheaper, and much tastier than prepackaged rice cereal mixes! To top it off, homemade rice cereal is super easy to make! Baby M started early on solids at 4 months old and this was one of his very first foods. I didn't like the idea of feeding his tiny, newborn digestive system packaged foods with preservatives or jarred baby foods that lacked the nutrients that fresh foods have, so I made my own rice cereal and baby food for him. Now he is 13 months old, and he still enjoys this rice cereal every night before bed. … [Read more...]

Lasagna with Italian Sausage & Herbs

October 21, 2011 24 Comments

Do you love lasagna? My family (DH, Baby M and me) looooves lasagna. It's one of our favorite meals. I've put together my own recipe through the years and I have to say it's delish! I like to make a big pan of it for dinner and freeze the leftovers in meal-size portions. Usually I freeze the portions in these Pyrex glass containers. Take 'em out of the freezer, pop them into the microwave or oven, and there you have it -- absolutely delicious homemade lasagna, 1000x better tasting than Stouffer’s, and better for you too! Look at this … [Read more...]

Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

October 15, 2011 26 Comments

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese (Mac n' Cheese) Recipe

This is a yummy side to have with lunch or dinner, and it is also a fantastic toddler recipe. Who doesn't love mac 'n cheese? Made with fresh ingredients, you can bet this homemade version is a lot healthier for you than Kraft or other boxed, frozen or pre-made macaroni and cheese. And, it's really easy to make! You will need: 1 pound Macaroni Noodles (I like to use elbows or shells) 8 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese 3/4 stick Butter 1/3 cup Milk 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Instructions: In a large pot, … [Read more...]

The Best Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe Ever

October 10, 2011 33 Comments

I've never tasted better cornbread than this! Try it and I think you'll agree. It is super easy to make, and comes out perfect every time. Moist, buttery, and delicious! It goes perfectly with soups and this incredible chili recipe. Baby M enjoys it with some vegetables for a healthy toddler meal. This recipe makes 9 pieces. You will need: 2 sticks (1/2 cup) Butter 1/3 cup Sugar 2 Eggs 1 cup Buttermilk 1 cup Cornmeal 1 cup Flour 1/2 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Salt Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). … [Read more...]

Toddler Breakfast: Oatmeal with Pears and Blueberries

October 5, 2011 39 Comments

Cinnamon Oatmeal with Pears and Blueberries

Baby M loves this delicious and healthy breakfast. He has it almost every morning right when he wakes up. It is warm and filling, the perfect breakfast for chilly fall mornings. The fruit adds a lot of flavor, and the oatmeal is very tasty with a hint of Cinnamon for spice and Agave Nectar for sweetness. You will need: 1/4 cup Quick Quaker Oats 3/8 cup Water 2 tbsp Milk 1/4 tsp Agave Nectar 1 small pinch Ground Cinnamon 1 Pear, peeled and cubed 5-10 Blueberries Instructions: Combine Oats and Water in a small bowl and … [Read more...]