Family Meal Times
Stage Three 12m+
From around nine months your baby will show a desire to feed themselves, this can be fun but rather messy, so be prepared!
Most babies have a few teeth by now so you can try having the food lumpy rather than blending into a puree.
Now is also a good time to introduce finger foods such as vegetable sticks and slices of fruit. This is the stage to introduce lots of different textures and flavours whist your baby is receptive to new foods
Apricot porridge | Stage 3
The slow release energy from the complex carbohydrates in oats coupled with the iron and vitamin C in apricots make this a fantastic breakfast for a busy day ahead.
INGREDIENTS
•40g oats
•75ml whole milk
•6 ready-to-eat dried apricots, roughly chopped
METHOD
Add all ingredients to the Quick-Cook stir well before steaming.
Steam for 15 minutes, open the lid to let out excess steam and steam again for another 15 minutes.
Blend for up to 2 minutes for a smooth puree or 5 seconds for a more textured porridge for older babies.
While this stands to cool the oats will continue to absorb the milk and so the porridge will thicken.
Chicken Curry | Stage 3
Chicken thigh contains more iron than chicken breast and iron is one of the critical nutrients required during weaning, it also holds a lot of flavour and it wonderful in this mild curry. Introducing spices such as these can help your baby develop an adventurous palette for flavour, don't be afraid to offer strong flavours, you’d be surprised by what they enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• 100g chicken thigh, diced
• 25g red pepper
• 25g onion
• ¼ clove of garlic, crushed
• ¼ inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• ¼ tsp mild curry powder
• 1 tablespoon of coconut milk
METHOD
Add the chicken, vegetables and spices to the Quick-Cook and steam for 10 minutes.
Stir and steam again for a further 15 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Add the coconut milk and blend for 2 minutes for a smooth puree or 10 seconds for a chunkier texture.
Serve with boiled basmati rice.
Salmon Chowder | Stage 3
Oily fish provide omega 3’s an essential fatty acid which is another of your baby’s critical nutrients. Omega 3 is needed for vision but also the development of your baby’s brain.
INGREDIENTS
• 50g salmon
• 100g sweet potato
• 50g peas
• Few sprigs of fresh parsley
METHOD
Peel and chop the sweet potato.
Remove skin from Salmon and check for bones.
Add all ingredients to the Quick-Cook and steam for 15 minutes.
Drain off any excess water and blend for 4-10 seconds.
Chilli Con Carne | Stage 3
INGREDIENTS
• 50g lean beef mince
• 25g onion
• 25g red pepper
• 25g kidney beans (tinned)
• 50g chopped fresh tomatoes
• Pinch of chilli powder (optional)
METHOD
Add lean mince, diced onion and red pepper to the Quick-Cook.
Steam for 10 minutes and drain off any excess water.
Add the kidney beans, chopped tomato and pinch of chilli powder then steam for a further 10 minutes.
Stir then steam for a further 5 minutes. Blend for 4-10 seconds.
Mix with some cooked rice to serve.
Chicken Ratatouille | Stage 3
INGREDIENTS
• 50g chicken breast
• 50g courgette
• 10g red onion
• 25g red pepper
• 40g butternut squash
• 25g chopped tomatoes
• ½ clove of garlic
METHOD
Chop the chicken breast, red onion, red pepper and butternut squash and add to the Quick-Cook.
Steam for 10 minutes then stir.
Add the remaining ingredients and steam for another 10 minutes then stir.
Steam for a further 5 minutes drain off any excess water and blend for 4-10 seconds.
Mix with some cooked basmati rice to serve.
Rhubarb & Strawberry Fool | Stage 3
The tangy, tart taste of rhubarb combines really well with apple and strawberry. Did you know that strawberries contain more vitamin C than an orange!
INGREDIENTS
• 25g rhubarb, diced with tough stringy bits removed
• 50g strawberries, cut into quarters
• 125g apple, peeled, corded and diced
METHOD
Place all fruits in the Quick-Cook together and steam for 15 minutes.
Blend for 2 minutes till smooth and allow to cool.
Stir through Greek yoghurt or creme Fraiche.