Kelnhofer - Baby food maker cookbook: 125 fresh, wholesome, organic recipes for your baby food maker device or stovetop

the top 12 ways to use your baby food maker after baby food

Even though my baby is now over one year old (where does the time go?), I still use my baby food maker all the time. Its perfect for preparing things that use steamed fruit or veggies, and it saves so much time. Here are some of my favorite things to create with the baby food maker once youre done using it solely for baby food (also see Block Five: Beyond Baby for a few ways adults can cook with the baby food maker).

batter for pancakes with steamed vegetables or fruit

Sweet potato pancakes are easy to make with the baby food maker. Just steam sweet potatoes and use the following recipe:

sweet potato pancakes

makes 14 small pancakes

cup Sweet Potato Puree ()

2 large eggs, beaten

cup whole milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup whole-wheat flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

teaspoon baking soda

teaspoon ground cinnamon

teaspoon ground nutmeg

In a medium bowl, stir together the sweet potato puree, eggs, milk, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and stir until blended.

Heat a skillet or griddle, spray with cooking spray, and pour the batter to form pancakes; I like to use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to make equal-size pancakes. Flip halfway through cooking, about 3 minutes, or when bubbles start to form on the surface and the underside is starting to turn golden brown, and cook about 3 more minutes. Enjoy the pancakes with maple syrup, butter, and/or banana slices on top.

NOTE: You can make many other kinds of fruit or vegetable pancakes. Use the above recipe and swap the puree of your choice for sweet potatoes. For example, you can make savory broccoli pancakes, squash pancakes, or carrot pancakes, replacing the sugar with shredded Cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

small-batch marinara sauce

Use the baby food maker to make a small batch of marinara sauce. Follow the recipe for Tomato Sauce on .

veggies for unique meatball filling

Cooked sweet potato, ginger, carrot, or cauliflower pieces make great fillings for meatballs. Next time youre making a batch of meatballs, try mixing in some vegetables that have been cooked in your baby food maker, just like the Baby Meatballs with Carrots and Herbs ().

small-batch vegetable and cheese sauce

As much as I like those neon-yellow boxed mac n cheese packages, I prefer to eat a more balanced cheesy sauce, and I achieve that by mixing in vegetables. Carrots or butternut squash makes a great addition to cheese sauce because their orange colors make the sauce look extra cheesy. See the Secretly Carrot Cheddar Cheese Sauce on . I also make Alfredo Sauce with Cauliflower (following).

alfredo sauce with cauliflower

make 2 cups sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

teaspoon garlic salt

cup grated Parmesan cheese

cup whole milk

cup plain full-fat yogurt

Prepare a batch of Cauliflower Puree () but before blending, add the butter, garlic salt, cheese, milk, and yogurt. Blend until smooth and enjoyits so good over pasta!

soups for lunches

Craving a cup of soup? With your baby food maker, single-serving soup is super easy and quick. Try the following recipes for a delicious soup:

White Fish Chowder ()