Recipe ideas for babies and toddlers this autumn

Autumn is a great time to introduce your baby or toddler to new seasonal flavours and ingredients. Here are ten autumn-inspired recipes that are suitable for little ones:

For weaning babies

1. Pumpkin and Banana Puree:
   • Ingredients: 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 ripe banana, a pinch of cinnamon (optional).
   • Instructions: Mash or blend the pumpkin and banana together until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. This puree is packed with vitamins and fiber.
2. Sweet Potato and Apple Mash:
   • Ingredients: 1 small sweet potato, 1 apple (peeled and diced), a dash of nutmeg (optional).
   • Instructions: Steam or boil the sweet potato until soft, then mash it with the diced apple. Add a dash of nutmeg for extra autumn flavor. This mash is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
3. Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup:
   • Ingredients: 1 cup butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 1 carrot (peeled and chopped), 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
   • Instructions: Steam or cook the butternut squash and carrot until tender. Blend them with the broth until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed. Serve warm.
4. Apple porridge:
   • Ingredients: 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/2 apple (peeled and finely chopped), 1/2 cup breast milk or formula, a pinch of cinnamon (optional).
   • Instructions: Cook the oats according to the package instructions, adding finely chopped apple and a pinch of cinnamon. Once cooked, cool and mix with breast milk or formula until you achieve the desired consistency.
5. Homemade Applesauce:
   • Ingredients: 2 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced), 1/4 cup water, a pinch of cinnamon (optional).
   • Instructions: Place the apple slices and water in a saucepan. Cover and cook on low heat until the apples are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Mash or blend the apples until smooth. Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Let it cool before serving. Nice added to yoghurt, porridge, as dip for toast, served with pork or frozen in moulds to make lollies for teething little ones.

For older babies and toddlers

1. Mini Pumpkin Pancakes:
   • Ingredients: 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, over 1 year olds only), cooking oil for the pan.
   • Instructions: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour small amounts of batter onto the griddle to make mini pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
2. Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas:
   • Ingredients: Whole wheat tortillas, thinly sliced apples, shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Instructions: Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and sliced apples. Top with another tortilla. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas are lightly browned, then cut into wedges for easy handling.
3. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese:
   • Ingredients: Cooked macaroni, butternut squash puree (steam or boil butternut squash until soft, then blend until smooth), grated cheese (e.g., cheddar), a dash of nutmeg, milk (as needed for desired consistency).
   • Instructions: Mix the butternut squash puree, cheese, and a dash of nutmeg in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in cooked macaroni and add milk as needed to reach the desired creamy consistency. Serve warm.
4. Sweet Potato Fries:
   • Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, a pinch of paprika (optional), a pinch of salt (optional).
   • Instructions: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut sweet potatoes into strips to make fries. Toss them in olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt (optional). Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, turning them halfway through.
5. Pumpkin and Oat Muffins:
   • Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (over 1 year olds only), 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt.
   • Instructions: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Spoon the batter into muffin cups and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

We hope you and your children enjoy these recipes this autumn.

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