Personal Chef

Little made an outstanding developmental leap this past weekend. He figured out that there are ways of eating that don't involve his mom and dad shoveling food into his mouth. In other words, we embarked on new mealtime adventures while trying to figure out age-appropriate finger foods so he doesn't develop scurvy from a steady diet of Cheetos and astronaut food (I kid). So, I spent the weekend doing some research online and in the kitchen to re-envision some of his favorite foods. He's not turned into a picky eater, just changed the game overnight, insisting that he selects what he puts into his mouth and when. Fair enough, I suppose, but it would have been nice to get a little warning. After a few meals (and a day of him not eating nearly enough) I think we've found some solutions. 

The little sir now enjoys a variety of nibbles that were prepared with love (and in exasperation) by his mother-turned-personal-chef. It's a job for which I'm entirely under qualified, but heck, I'm taking on all kinds of work beyond my scope, so why not tackle Little's nutrition as well. It certainly beats the stuff that's sold as baby snacks these days -- cheese puffs, sugary fruit snacks and biscuits, and crisps that claim to contain vegetables, but provide no dietary fiber and are of very little nutritional value. I'm sad that we're unable to incorporate yogurt and cottage cheese in his diet anymore, but we're finding new ways to introduce protein and calcium that are even more exciting.

A few things I've learned in my short stint as a nutritional consultant: 1) oatmeal and turkey loaf make wonderful splat noises on the bare hardwood floors 2) my otherwise useless Exxon shareholder reports have done a splendid job of catching rogue grapes and tofu bits 3) the five second rule applies over and over again 4) the sheer happiness on his face makes the frustration worthwhile. 

This Week's Specials:


Turkey loaf:(sounds gross, but quite delicious) made of ground turkey, carrots, applesauce, oat bran, spices, and herbs

Sweet Potato, Eggplant, and Zucchini Cubes: Roasted to creamy perfection with a dash of olive oil
 
Breaded Tofu: Rolled in Cheerio crumbs (easier for little fingers), also comes battered and baked for dinner menu


Oatmeal bites: A breakfast favorite cooked a little longer with applesauce and diced into small cubes. 


Diced fruit: Quartered grapes, cantaloupe, ripe pears, bananas, watermelon, and honeydew.