7 Festive Baby Food Recipes for Thanksgiving
Baby's First Thanksgiving Menu
We've put a baby-friendly spin on everyone's favorite traditional holiday foods, many of which are probably already on your grocery list. From Turkey and Cranberry Puree to simple Mashed Sweet Potatoes, pick a few of your favorites for the big day, or make them all and freeze the extras. Trust us: Babies love Thanksgiving leftovers, too!
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes
If you're making sweet potatoes for your Thanksgiving crowd, set one aside for this simple recipe for a smooth puree for babies as young as 6 months:
Peel, rinse, and cut sweet potato into 1/4-inch slices, then cover slices with water and bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and blend in a food processor until smooth, adding water as needed, then finish with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (not both) if your baby has been eating solids for a while.
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Simple String Beans
Mom always said "don't forget your veggies," and we agree. Set aside some unseasoned green beans and make a puree for babies 6 months and up. Self-feeders can eat very well-cooked beans that are cut into kiddie bite-size pieces.
Taste tester-approved tip: Let Baby use some of the sweet potato puree as a dip -- this is one time when it's OK to play with his food.
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Turkey and Cranberry Puree
Grandma will beam when she sees her little prince gobbling her signature roast turkey -- just hold the gravy. Start with 1 slice of cooked turkey and 1/4 cup canned cranberry sauce, then place turkey in a blender or food processor. Blend with water (one tablespoon at a time) until consistency is smooth. Add cranberry sauce until desired consistency.
For babies 7 months and up who are already used to eating solids and meats, you can also chop the turkey very fine using a food processor or chef's knife and serve up as is.
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Simple Thanksgiving Stuffing
The aromatics (onion, garlic) and veggies (celery, carrots) in many stuffing recipes can be delicious to more experienced eaters, generally 9 to 12 months old. Skip the chestnuts and dried fruits, though, since they're allergy and choking hazards. Your best bet is to reserve some of the ingredients and make a simple stuffing for your baby to enjoy.
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Mashed Potatoes
Sweet potatoes get all the nutrient glory, but that doesn't mean you should skip white potatoes. Steamed, baked, or boiled, they're a good source of fiber. Give beginning eaters a taste of plain mashed potatoes -- or serve well-cooked, soft cubes to self-feeders -- and you just might avoid the French fry frenzy as they get older.
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Carrot-Apple Blend
It may be too soon for apple pie, but Baby can still enjoy this naturally delicious fruit. All you need is 1/2 medium apple, cored and peeled, 1/2 carrot, washed and peeled, 2 tbsp. fruit juice and 1 tsp. lemon juice. Puree all ingredients in blender and serve to babies 6 months and up.
To spice it up: Add an extra layer of flavor with a dash of cinnamon or cloves for more "seasoned" eaters.
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Banana-Tofu Pudding
And for dessert? Skip the pie and serve baby this sweet and creamy treat. Mix 2 cups firm tofu and 2 bananas in a blender until smooth. Then add 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Blend again until ingredients are combined then pour into bowls to chill before serving.
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More Thanksgiving Foods for Kids
Get more inspiration for your Thanksgiving kids' table menu: