Slow-Cooker Baby Food

A hint of cinnamon and vanilla turns basic applesauce into something special. Keep it chunky for older babies and toddlers or puree until very smooth for little ones just starting on solids. (Pssst! Try warm cinnamon apples and crushed graham crackers over vanilla ice cream for a last-minute dessert. Tastes like apple pie!)

Here's a perfect way to introduce iron-rich beef to your baby. This simple recipe comes together in a snap, thanks in part to an old-school convenience item from the frozen foods aisle.

Naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, this bright orange puree is a treat for babies. A little bit of nutmeg adds pizzazz, but other sweet spices (try cinnamon, ginger or even mild curry powder) work well, too.

This stew is hearty comfort food for the whole family. Remove a small portion and puree for baby, then serve the rest to your hungry crew for a warming fall or winter meal.

Butternut squash is easy to find in most markets, but any hard, winter squash like acorn, delicata, kabocha, or pumpkin works here, so mix it up from time to time. When choosing squash, look for one that's heavy for its size. It will have retained most of its moisture post-harvest and will be tastier as a result.

This is an especially great recipe to try when summer produce is at its peak, but frozen vegetables are a smart stand-in for farm-fresh any time of year--no thawing necessary! Just throw frozen beans and squash into the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe below.

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