Showing posts with label organic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organic. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Key Ingredients!

It's important to have a good list of things for your "safe" list when going grocery shopping.  As a rule....I try to make sure that if I can buy organic I do and I also look for the Non-Gmo Project label as well.  I have found a few items that we use and can rely on....and it's good to have that list for yourself as well.  I have found that Central Market items are organic and non-gmo.  The key for us is to maintain a balance and not completely eliminate all snack foods, so some of the foods on this list may not interest some of you...but that's ok. We are all different!  I am just providing a list of things that I keep on hand or in my mind when I go shopping.  The key to a successful shopping trip is to plan ahead of time and know what you are looking for.  It is easier to buy based on your needs if you map out a gameplan first.

Lärabar-http://www.larabar.com/about/special-diets

I can't say enough about Lärabar!  This is a great product!  Check out the link above to see their information on special diets.  Always make sure to check the individual bars to make sure they meet your needs...but know that this product is always organic and the ingredients are raw....meaning they haven't been cooked.  They are great for a snack or an addition to a small meal!

Kettle Potato Chips- You can check out their "Natural Promise" here: http://www.kettlebrand.com/about_us/our_natural_promise/

When we want to snack on a chip (in moderation of course ;) ) and we are tired of corn chips....these potato chips provide a great alternative!  I have also incorporated them into recipes as a substitute for bread crumbs. :)

Earth Balance Products-http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/#/heart-health/

We currently use the "butter" but I will be looking into their mayo as well.  We don't use a lot of butter...but it is very handy for recipes!  Earth Balance is non-GMO and dairy free!

Pacific Natural Foods-http://www.pacificfoods.com/our-foods/special-diets

Check out the above website for a variety of soups, broths, beverages, etc.  Pacific has a great selection of dairy free, gluten free, kosher, vegan, low sodium and fat free options.  The above link will take you there!  There are a few soups that are dairy and wheat free...and we really enjoy those.  Plus, Pacific is organic! :)


I will be adding to this list as I find more "staple" items. We are still searching for a non-GMO hummus and if you have any gluten free, dairy free and non-GMO suggestions....send them my way!  I welcome your ideas and would love to see what items make your list.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Baby Bites!

I have recently been trying to come up with creative ideas for finger foods for my 10 month old daughter as we move away from pureed food. She has picked up finger eating so quickly that I am struggling to keep up with her. I am trying to keep her mostly on fresh fruits and veggies....but I want her to have a variety in her diet so I decided to use the puree that I have been making in the Baby Bullet and combine it with her Organic puffs to create little baby bites!  Thus far I have done different combinations with sweet potatoes, brocolli, grapes, asparagus, carrots, apples and pears. 

First, I like to use Happy Baby Organic Puffs or Plum organics, which I am able to find at our regular grocery store, HEB,  as well as the Natural Grocer that we also use.  These puffs are organic, non-gmo and the plastic used in the container is BPA and PVC free.  Also, of the five varieties of puffs from Happy Baby, two of them are gluten free for anyone avoiding gluten. 

1. Cook whatever veggie you have chosen and puree it into a texture that you are comfortable with. For this example I used carrots and sweet potatoes.  The first few times I did this, I used the full puree, but you can use whatever texture your tiny one is eating. :)

2. Place your puffs in the blender, food processor or baby bullet.  If you have a Baby Bullet, you can use the milling blade to blend it up into a fine powder.





3. Slowly add the puff powder (you can using anything for the powder that you have milled**) to the puree mix until it creates an almost gummy substance. 

4. Make bite size balls and you are done.



**You can mill quinoa, rice, oatmeal, wheatgerm, etc and use in place or in combination with the puff powder.



Let me know if you try this out! I'd love to hear what combinations you tried and how this worked out for you.