Sage Mommies

Royce & Brendan's Dinner - Spinach and Mango Quesadilla

2012-02-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

Quesadillas have to be one of my all time favorite foods. In addition to being healthy and delicious, they are incredibly easy to prepare, cook in about 2 minutes and can be made in counteless yummy combinations.

Tonight, I made quesadillas for the boys with mozzarella cheese, spinach and mango in a whole wheat tortilla with a side of fresh chopped tomatoes. It took less than 10 minutes to prepare, including the cook time!

What you'll need:
Makes 2 quesadillas
2 whole wheat tortillas
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups of washed fresh baby spinach
1 cup of sliced mango
1 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup of sour cream for dipping (optional)
Olive oil spray

*Spray a medium skillet with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high.
*When the skillet is hot, add 1 tortilla and place 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
*Lower the heat to medium and let the cheese melt for about 1 minute.
*Add 1/2 cup of the sliced mango and 1 cup of the spinch leaves.
*Using a spatula, fold the tortilla in half and let cook for about 30 seconds, then flip over and cook another 30 seconds on the other side.
*Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place on a cutting board. Cut it into triangles and serve with 1/2 cup of the chopped tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. I like to use a pizza cutter for quesadillas.
*Repeat above steps for 2nd quesadilla and enjoy!

Fun Fact Friday - Soybeans

2012-02-17T17:21:00.000-08:00

Did you know that soybeans are one of nature's superfoods? They are packed with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and anti cancer compounds. Soybeans are also rich in non meat protein, making them an excellent food for vegetarian babies. Also called edamame, cooked soybeans make a great finger food for babies 10-12 months and up. Soybeans are one of the largest genetically modified crops, buy organic whenever possible.

Look for soybeans that have bright green, firm shells. Fresh soybeans are perishable and will only stay fresh in your refrigerator for about 3 days. Frozen soybeans are great to use and will stay fresh for many months in the freezer.

Unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician, your baby can start enjoying soybeans between 10-12 months old.

Fun Fact Friday!

2012-02-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the saying, "If you feed your baby fruit puree first he won't like vegetables," is not true? Babies eat what tastes good to them and with homemade baby food everything tastes good, because its fresh! I recommend alternating between fruits and veggies. For example, if you gave your baby peas as his first food, try apple next. Or if her first taste was banana, try offering zucchini next.

Fun Fact Friday - Olive Oil!

2012-02-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

Did you know that olive oil is a wonderful skin emoliant? It is especially helpful during these cold winter months. Try putting some pure olive oil on your cuticles, you'll be amazed at how hydrated and soft they'll be! You can also put olive oil on your lips when they're chapped. Pure olive oil is incredibly hydrating, 100% natural and completely non-toxic - nature at it's best!

Toddler Tues - A Juice Alternative!

2012-01-31T20:42:00.000-08:00

I started playing around this summer looking for a juice alternative and fell in love with infused waters. They are easy to make and taste so great your whole family will love them. These delicious infused waters are a wonderful way to stay hydrated on a hot day or when your child isn’t feeling well and needs extra hydration. They have a yummy hint of flavor, but without the high sugar and calorie content of juice. Your baby, and the rest of your family, will love the refreshing taste of these waters!

Cucumber Mint

1 cucumber
3 mint sprigs
8-10 cups of purified water

*Wash cucumber thoroughly under cold running water.
*Slice into thin rounds and place into a pitcher along with the mint. Fill pitcher with water.
*Place pitcher in refrigerator and chill for a few hours or overnight.
*Stir before serving.

Mango Peach
1 Mango
1 Peach
8-10 Cups Purified Water

*Wash mango and peach thoroughly under cold running water.

*Slice mango into wedges by cutting fruit away from the pit. Slice the peach in half, remove pit and discard. Slice peace into wedges.
*Put fruit into a pitcher and fill with water.
*Place pitcher in refrigerator and chill for a few hours or overnight.
*Stir before serving.

Pear

2 Bartlett Pears
8-10 Cups Purified Water

*Wash pears thoroughly under cold running water.
*Slice pear away from the core. Discard core and cut pears into wedges.
*Put pear into a pitcher and fill with water.
*Place pitcher in refrigerator and chill for a few hours or overnight.
*Stir before serving

Whenever possible, use organic cucumbers and fruit, because you will be leaving the skin on.

Fun Fact Friday!

2012-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know that wild caught Alaskan salmon is perhaps the best fish choice for your baby? It is low in mercury and rich in nutrients, including vitamin B12. Additionally, it is one of the best natural sources of brain healthy DHA; just 2 servings per week will meet your baby's omega 3 needs. Salmon is also a wonderful source of protein. Look for salmon that is firm with a rich orange color and avoid any fish that smells "fishy." Raw salmon will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months when wrapped properly. Cooked salmon will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up top 3 months in the freezer. Once your baby is 10 months, try giving her a taste of this wonderful fish.

Toddler Tues - Siblings

2012-01-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

There's a really interesting shift in the dynamic my children have with one another going on right now. I see little shifts here and there every few months, but what's happening now is amazing. It's like they're really gelling together as siblings and becoming their own little unit.

Royce has gone from thinking his brother is the most annoying, horrible thing on the planet to seeing him as a comrad and live-in playmate....on most days. The tables have turned and now when Brendan tries to pound on Royce, he will say, "Hey Brendan, don't hit me I'm your buddy, I'm your big brother." He has also gone from complete indifference to Hayden to falling completely in love with her. He tiptoed into her room the other night when I was putting her down and gave her a kiss goodnight. I nearly fell off the rocking chair.

Brendan has thought Royce was the coolest from day one, even when Royce was pounding on him as brothers do. Having been a preemie, it has taken Brendan a long time to get to the point where he is physically capable of playing with his older brother, but he's there and it warms my heart to see them making up games and running around having the best time together. Brendan has always been crazy about Hayden and I don't think that will ever change. He sings to her and tells her little stories, it's adorable and I really need to get it on video.

Hayden is the happiest, coolest chick I know and she's only 10 months old. Nothing bothers her, she's just happy and if her brothers are acting like morons, she'll look at them, look at me and then roll her eyes like, "Who are these crazy boys?" She's a lucky little girl to have her two older brothers who love and protect her, but she'll probably hate it, because they'll scare the boys off.

We feel beyond blessed to have Royce, Brendan and Hayden in our life. Watching them grow, bond and defend each other is a journey I look forward to watching unfold.

Apricot and Cauliflower Swirl

2012-01-21T17:45:00.000-08:00

One of the many benefits of homemade baby food is the endless variety of flavor combinations. This deliciously unexpected combo is a perfect example of one you won't find at the store. A baby's tastbuds are developing the first 12-18 months of life, so the more tastes and textures we can expose them to the better. This not only helps them develop a love for mealtime, but helps prevent picky eating as well.

What you'll need:
2 cups of cauliflower florets
3 apricots, washed, peeled and chopped

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up and tastes great served warm or cool. When stored in Sage Spoonfuls jars, cauliflower apricot swirl will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. This recipe yields about 12 oz of puree. Always make sure the consistency is one your baby can handle. Mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months and up.

*Pour purified water into a large pot until it is about 1 inch deep and bring to a boil over high heat.
*Place the cauliflower and apricot into a steamer basket in the pot and cover with a tight fitting lid.
*Steam for about 7 minutes.
*Puree into a mushy mash using a food processor or immersion blender.
*Enjoy!

Hayden approved!

Vacation!

2012-01-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

For the past 5 years we have been so immersed in work and babies that the word "vacation" seemed quite foreign. I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about. I had forgotten the importance of making new memories. Not only for us as adults, but for the kids too. It's so important for everyone to get out of the house and away from work or school and have a little fun!

I hope you enjoy this little photo album of our holiday vacation. We truly had the time of our lives!

Welcome to Disney!

Alex took his score on the kiddie ride very seriously.

Royce and my dad, Papi, at the Disney Raceway. There's nothing my dad likes more than driving fast.

My sweet girl, nothing bothers her. It didn't matter that the Disney DJ was blasting Justin Bieber, when the girl wants to sleep, nothing's gonna stop her.

This was a remote controlled talking garbage can. It freaked Royce out...

.....and blew Brendan's mind.

Royce got to spend his 5th birthday in the Magic Kingdom! He also happens to share a birthday with my mom, Grammie!

I love getting pictures of Brendan smiling, because it's a challenge. Getting a photo of him smiling is like trying to photograph Big Foot.

Birthday cake a la Disney - they know how to do it right. Look at the pure joy on Royce's face, so cute!

As a special treat, Royce and Brendan got to meet Minnie and Mickey. Hayden was still asleep in her stroller!

Later that eveing, we had the great fortune to see the special Disney Candlelight Processional. My mom was the narrator. It was an incredible experience. There was a choir of 300 and an amazing orchestra. A very moving experience so close to Christmas.

Since Royce and Grammie share the same birthday, it has become tradition that the day belongs to Royce and the evening belongs to Grammie. After the processional performance we had a birthday dinner for my mom and we were joined by some very dear friends.

The next day, we went back to the park and Royce went on his first ever roller coaster - Space Mountain! Honestly, it was a lot scarier than I had remembered, plus it was torpedo seating so royce was behind me and in front of Alex. Halfway through the ride he was screaming, "I want to get off!!!!", but as soon as it was over he screamed, "I want to do that again!"

Miss Hayden and her new friends.

I love this picture. It really captures the magic and majesty of Disney.

My beach beauty, just hanging out by the water.

There's nothing more fun after a full day in Disney than to go back to the pool and have your dad launch you 10 feet into the air!

Royce kept asking if Santa would be able to find us at the hotel.

Here's Hayden with her first ever princess wand.

Playing Hungry Hippos with Grammie.

Hayden with my brother.

After Christmas breakfast we went on safari at Animal Kingdom. It was incredible, Disney has done such a phenominal job, you really think you're on a real safari.

This makes me laugh....

After the safari, we went over to Disney Studios where the boys got to meet some of there favorite characters.

Brendan was in awe, Lightning McQueen and Mater are his heroes!

The next morning, we hopped into our rental car and drove down to Palm Beach. I had forgotten how beautiful and relaxing it is there. We stayed at The Breakers, which is, hands down, the most wonderful hotel I've ever stayed at anywhere in the world.

Happy New Year 2012!

Hayden is just a ray of pure sunshine.

This was her very first dip in a pool and she loved it!

The sign of a great vacation? When the parents are drinking Pina Coladas....

......and the kids are passed out.

Sage Spoonfuls Goes Hollywood!

2012-01-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

Sage Spoonfuls was given the opportunity to be a part of the Boom Boom Room Celebrity Mom Pre Golden Globes gift lounge this weekend in LA and we were thrilled to attend!

Here we are with our "game shirts" on!

Our booth looked great!

Nancy O'Dell, co-host of Entertainment Tonight

I hadn't seen Nancy since I was Miss Golden Globe 2000 and we did a morning of satellite interviews together. There was a lot to catch up on!

Brooke Anderson, co-host of The Insider.

We have been friends with Brooke and her husband, Jim, for about 8 years. Coincidentally, she and I first met taping a CNN special segment on "Miss Golden Globe." They are some of the most down-to-earth and fun people we know! I am so happy for all of Brooke's incredible success. She is one of the hardest working women in show business, not to mention the sweetest!

We had the honor to meet this wonderful military family and give them one of our signature Homemade Lifestyle Packages. They are pregnant with their 4th girl!

Kym Whitley, she is seriously one of the funniest people I have ever met! Plus, she is best friends with Rodney Van Johnson who was on Passions with me!

Samanth Harris, Host of Dancing With the Stars seasons 2-9 and Entertainment Tonight correspndant. Samantha hosted the season my mom was on Dancing With the Stars - so fun!

Alex taking a much needed break at the Nap Nanny booth in their famous "Nap Daddy" show chair.

Gilles Marini, from Brothers and Sisters, and his beautiful wife. They were so incredibly nice and have a gorgeous little girl.

Jeremy Sisto, from Law and Order and Six Feet Under.

Here I am with Lisa Loeb, it was such a treat to meet her. Not only is she lovely, but she sang one of my all-time favorite songs, "Stay." It was one of the theme songs of my college years!

Esai Morales and his lovely wife, they were awesome!

One of the highlights for me was getting to chat with Jillian Michaels. She was so great and I loved talking to her about healthy eating for babies and children.

As much as we hated being away from the kids, it was fantastic being back in LA. Not only for this wonderful opportunity to spread the word about our amazing product, but to reconnect with dear friends we haven't seen in years!

Sage Spoonfuls was a hit in Hollywood!

Fun Fact Friday!

2012-01-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that sodium is an essential electrolyte that works together with potassium to help regulate blood pressure and maintain water balance in the body? It also aids in nerve, kidney, and muscle functions. While too little sodium can throw off the body's balance, too much is also bad, as it can stress your baby's kidneys and may even slow her growth. Avoid adding salt to your baby's food - let her get what she needs from the naturally occurring sodium in the food.

Nectarine Lamb and Brown Rice

2012-01-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Lamb mixed with nectarine and brown rice is such a tasty combination - your baby will love it! This is a surprisingly easy meal to prepare and it yields enough to freeze for a few additional meals. Roasted lamb chops are mild, yet flavorful and the brown rice adds a wonderful texture. Add in the touch of sweetness from the nectarine and this meal is sure to become one of your baby's favorites!

In addition to the yummy taste, this meal is packed with protein, iron, vitamin B12, fiber, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, riboflavin, phosphorous, vitamin C, vitmin A, potassium and carbohydrates.

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. All you have to do is adjust the texture and portion size. Always make sure the consistency of your baby's food is one she can handle.

What you'll need:

1/4 cup brown rice

2 lamb rib chops

1 ripe nectarine or peach

Yields 12 ounces

*Pre heat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.

*Put the rice into a standard blender and pulverize into a fine powder. It will take about 1 minute of blending.

*Bring 1 cup of purified water to a boil over high heat in a small saucepan. Add the brown rice and let boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wire whisk to prevent clumping. Reduce heat to low, cover and let cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occassionally, until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

*While the rice is cooking, place the lamb chops on baking sheet and brush lightly with extra virgin olive oil.

*Put the baking sheet in the oven on the center rack and roast for about 20 minutes. Then take the lamb out of the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes.

*Cut the meat off the bone and into small pieces.

*Wash the nectarine thoroughly under cold running water, peel and chop.

*Place the lamb and nectarine in the food processor and pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

*Combine rice, lamb and nectarine in a bowl and serve or store. This meal can be stored in Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Four Generations

2011-12-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

Hayden met her Great Grandmother for the first time today. It was wonderful to see the immediate bond they formed and extra special that we all got to spend the afternoon together. My grandmother still has the spunk of a teenager....maybe that's her secret.

Toddler Tues - Surprise!

2011-12-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

Royce's 5th birthday is coming up in a few days and we are taking him to Disney as a surprise. I have a few ideas in mind as to how we should tell him, but would love to hear your ideas.

Have any of you pulled off a great surprise for your kids? If so, how did you tell them? I would love to hear your stories!

Parmesan Green Beans with Barley

2011-12-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

Parmesan green beans with barley is an unexpected combination that will delight your baby's taste buds! Not only is this combo delicious, it is full of vitamins A, K and C, fiber, manganese, folate, riboflavin, iron, selenium and niacin.

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. All you have to do is adjust the texture and portion size! Always make sure the consistency of your baby's food is one she can handle.

What you'll need:
1/4 cup pearl barley
2 cups frozen green beans
pinch of parmesan cheese

Place barley in a standard blender and pulverize until powdery, about 2 minutes.

Bring 1 cup of purified water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Add barley and let boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently with a wire whisk. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring ocassionally, until all the water is absorbed and barley is cooked through. Add a little purified water, breast milk or formula to thin cereal, if needed.

While the barley is cooking, pour purified water into a pot until it is about 1" deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Place green beans into the steamer basket and cover with a tight fitting lid. Steam for about 7 minutes, until green beans are bright green and tender.

Place green beans into a heavy duty glass or stainless steel mixing bowl and puree with immersion blender until desired consistency is achieved. Mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months. Add a little purified water to thin puree, if needed.

Add the cooked barley to the pureed green beans and combine.

Sprinkle with a pinch of parmesan cheese and serve.....

Yum, yum, yum - I love veggies!

Store the rest in Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

This recipe yields 12 ounces of food for only $2.00!

Fun Fact Friday! Cutting Boards

2011-12-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

Did you know that cutting boards are a breeding ground for bacteria? It's a good idea to have seperate cutting boards, one for meat, poultry, and fish and another for fruits and veggies. While wood cutting boards are okay for produce, I highly recommend using a dishwasher safe board for meat, poultry, and fish preparation, so it can be properly cleaned and disinfected.

Toddler Tues - In the Audience

2011-12-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was Royce's Christmas concert and party at school. As a parent, I find few things more fun than watching my children in school plays, shows, concerts or anything where they get to dress up, sing and just let their personalities shine. Royce's little face lit up when he saw me in the audience and he waved from the stage. My heart melted. It's funny, my mother used to embarass me, because she would get so emotional watching us perform that she would cry at school plays.....and now i'm doing the same to my children.

I'm looking forward to Brendan's Christmas show on Thursday already :)

Fun Fact Friday - Good Fat

2011-12-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

It's Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that good fats are critically important for your growing baby? The good fats are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Saturated fats, while not so great for adults, are necessary, in moderation, for babies. These fats help fuel your baby's reserve energy, help the body use vitamins, and aid in the manufacturing of hormones. Good fats are also essential for brain development, nerves, and myelin (the nerve coating in the brain). Healthy fats are essential to your growing baby and should make up about 40% of her calories. Avoid giving your baby reduced fat or fat free foods until age 2. These good fats can be found in breast milk, formula, avocados, red meat, olive oil, cheese, tofu and salmon.

While good fat is essential, beware of the bad fats. These are trans-fats, often labeled "hydrogenated." Too much bad fat raises blood cholesterol and can result in inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease and arthritis, as well as asthma and eczema. Trans-fats are found in processed and manufactured foods such as potato chips, frozen pizzas, fast foods, and margarine. Avoid feeding your child any processed food until he is at least 2 years old. These foods are full of empty calories and, with childhood obesity on the rise, it's best to stay away from them as much as you can.

A Family Meal - Muscle Man Stir-Fry

2011-12-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I like to make up fun names for the meals I cook for my kids. My boys are 3 and 4 and are really into superheroes at the moment. It makes them happy to eat something with a fun name and it makes me ecstatic to see them devour a bowl full of veggies and quinoa. When my daughter gets old enough to have this meal, I will probably call it Princess Power Stir-Fry.

This recipe will serve 2 adults and 2 kids. It is suitable for babies 10-12 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. Always make sure the consistency is one your baby can handle.

What you'll need:

1 cup of quinoa

2 cups of low sodium vegetable stock

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon scallion, minced
1 large organic red bell pepper, washed and chopped
2 cups portobello or crimini mushrooms, washed and chopped
2 cups of brocolli florets
1/3 cup purified water
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup hoisin sauce

*Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Add the quinoa and let boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is absorbed. Add more water or stock if needed.
*Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
*Add the onion, ginger and scallion, reduce heat to medium, and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. You only want them to sweat, not brown.
*Add the bell pepper, mushrooms and brocolli to the skillet. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
*Remove a portion of the veggies that you will serve to your baby and set aside.
*Add water, soy sauce and hoisin to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes.
*Serve or store.
*Muscle Man Stir Fry can be stored in an air tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

This meal is best served warm. For variation, add different veggies, like snap peas and eggplant. For babies 10-12 months, puree the veggies without the sauce until chunk-a-licious and mix with the quinoa. For toddlers, be sure the veggies are bite size before serving. For adults, serve the stir fry and quinoa in a bowl and garnish with sliced scallion.

First meals - Applesauce

2011-12-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Applesauce is a perfect first food for your baby, it tastes great, is easy to digest and is not allergenic. Most varieties of apple, such as Delicious (Red or Golden), Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala, make yummy applesauce. Avoid tart varieties like granny Smith or Pippin. Red Delicious and Gala both rank on the UDSA's top 20 list of antioxidant rich foods. Apple puree can also be helpful if your baby is constipated or has diarrhea. Semi-frozen applesauce is very soothing on a teething baby's sore gums. Look for apples that are firm to the touch and are bruise free. Whole apples can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe is suitable for babies 4-6 months and up, toddlers big kids and adults. Always make sure the consistency of your baby's food is one she can handle. Smooth and creamy for 4-6 months, mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months. Applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg makes a yummy and healthy afterschool snack!

What you'll need:
4 large organic apples - Whenever possible, use organic apples as conventionally grown have some of the highest levels of pesticide residue.

Wash the apples thoroughly under cold running water, peel, core and chop.

Pour purified water into a pot until it is about 1 inch deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Place the apples into a steamer basket and cover with a tight fitting lid. Steam for 7-10 minutes, until apples are tender.

Place apples into a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy or...

.....place apples into a large, heavy duty glass or stainless steel mixing bowl and puree with an immersion blender. This method is perfect if you wan to make a large quantity of applesauce. For example, 8-10 apples or so.

Serve or store.

Applesauce will stay fresh in Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer!

Enjoy!

A Family Meal - Too Good To Be True Tomato Sauce

2011-11-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

This tomato sauce recipe has been in my family for generations. It is simple to make and has a delicious flavor that your family will love. The best part is that your whole family, babies and toddlers included, can enjoy it together!

This sauce is not only delicious, but is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants as well. Tomatoes and oregano, in particular, are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. For added nutrition, try different grain pastas like kamut, quinoa, and for babies over 12 months, whole wheat; these pastas have a higher nutrient content than traditional white flour pasta. Tomato sauce and pasta is a universal "go-to" dish and this recipe yields a large amount of sauce so you can store the leftovers in the freezer for future meals. A healthy and easy-to-prepare dinner for those busy weeknights!

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. Every baby is different so always be sure the consistency is one your baby can handle and do not introduce pastina or other small shaped pastas if he or she is not ready.

At 7-9 months, stick with small shaped pasta like pastina, it is the smallest shaped pasta on the market. At 10-12 months, you can move on to slightly larger pasta shapes like orzo, ditallini, and alphabet pasta, if your baby is ready. For extra flavor, add some grated parmesan cheese and fresh flat leaf parsley.

Serves 8-10
What you'll need:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2-4 cloves of minced garlic
2 28 ounce cans of organic crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tablesooon of dried oregano (2 if using fresh)
1 tablespoon of dried basil (2 if using fresh)
1 vegetable bouillon cube

*Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

*Add the onion and garlic, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The onions and garlic should not brown-you just want them to "sweat" and become transluscent.
*Add the bouillon cube and combine into onion and garlic, 1 minute.
*Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, oregano and basil. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil.
*Let boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat to low, partially cover and let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will cook down and the flavors will combine.
*Serve or store.
*This tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

1 Lonely Mango

2011-11-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday and I need to go food shopping. I took a look in my fruit basket to find this 1 lonely mango. I bought it a few days ago with all good intentions of adding it to a fruit salad. Never got around to it, so rather than let it sit there unloved and unused, I decided to puree it and store it in the freezer for Hayden. While mangoes are too tart to serve to babies on their own, they are delicious when mixed with other food. This 1 mango that could have gone unused will now produce enough puree to mix with:

blueberry puree and whole milk yogurt
mashed banana and oatmeal
chicken and black beans
parsnip puree

Mangoes have a deliciously sweet, tart taste and are easy to digest. They provide your baby with vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, potassium, thiamin, folate and disease fighting antioxidants. Mangoes are also a good source of fiber and can be helpful when your baby is constipated. Look for mangoes that have a smooth orange/red skin that gives a little when squeezed. Allow under ripe mangoes to ripen at room temperature for a few days. Whole, ripe mangoes will stay fresh at room temperature for about 1 week. If fresh mango is not available, frozen is great to use as well.

Mango puree is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up. Always make sure the consistency is one your baby can handle. Unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician, fresh, ripe fruits (with the exception of apple) do not need to be steamed before pureeing.

What you'll need:
1 ripe mango

Wash the mango thoroughly under cold running water, peel and cut the fruit away from the pit. Mango pits are woven into the fiber of the fruit so it is virtually impossible to remove the pit on it's own. That is why it is best to just cut the fruit away from the pit.

Place the chopped mango into the food processor and pulse until the desired consistency is achieved.

Serve or store. Mango puree will stay fresh in Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

I can't wait to give Hayden her first taste of mango tomorrow - I know she is going to love it!

1 mango yields 8 oz of puree for only $0.50!

The Family Meal

2011-11-18T23:26:00.000-08:00

There are few things in life I cherish more than sitting down to a meal with my family. No TV, no cell phones, no distractions...just us. It may only last 10-15 minutes, but it is precious time for us all to be together. One of my favorite things is watching my children interact with each other around the table. We have 3 kids under 5 so we never know what we're going to get. Some nights they are angels, taking turns and telling stories and other nights it's a scream fest, because one took the other's Thomas train and dinner winds up on the floor. Whatever the case may be, I love family dinner time and truly believe it is where some of our greatest family memories are made.

My absolute favorite family meal is a roast chicken and veggies. It requires little effort by the one cooking, fills your home with the most amazing smells and is so very delicious. It is also a meal that the whole family, babies and toddler included, can enjoy together.

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. All you have to do is make sure the consistency is one your baby can handle. Mushy-mash for 7-9 months, chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months and bite sized pieces for toddlers. Serves 2 adults and 2 children.

What you'll need:

1 whole, organic chicken between 3 and 4 lbs

3 organic carrots

2 small/medium organic yukon gold potatoes

1 sweet potato

1 large yellow onion

1 lemon

2-4 cloves of garlic

3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

kosher or coarse sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper for seasoning

If an organic chicken is not available, be sure to get one that is raised without the use of hormones, steroids or antibiotics. I recommend organic carrots, because they have a lower nitrate level than conventionally grown. I also recommend using organic yukon gold potatoes, because conventionally grown have some of the highest levels of pesticide residue.

It is important to wash your hands thoroughly and repeatedly with soap and water when working with raw chicken so as not to spread any bacteria. When I roast a chicken, I usually wash my hands 5-7 times during the process. You don't want to touch the raw chicken then touch your knife, then touch the refrigerator door, etc.

Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. Pour 2 tablespoons of the olive oil into a large roasting pan. Wash the carrots, potatoes and sweet potato thoroughly under cold running water. Peel and chop the carrots and place into the roasting pan. Chop the potatoes and sweet potato and place into the pan. Remove rough outer layer of the onion, cut into wedges and place into roasting pan. Season veggies with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt and toss with a spoon to combine.

Peel and mince the garlic. Move the veggies to the outside of the roasting pan and place the minced garlic in the center.

Okay, here's where it can get a little yucky, but trust me, it'll be worth it. On a seperate cutting board, unwrap the chicken, remove the insides and discard them (most whole chickens will have the insides wrapped in a package and stuck back inside). Trim off any excess skin and discard. Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towl. Cut the lemon into quarters and stuff inside the chicken along with the fresh rosemary. Coat the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season the inside and outside with kosher or sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

Tie the legs together with a piece of butcher's twine (available in most grocery stores) and place the chicken in the center of the roasting pan on top of the garlic.

Place the roasting pan in the oven on the center rack and roast for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, move the veggies around the pan so they roast evenly. Continue roasting for another 25-30 minutes, depending on how big the chicken is.

Remove roasting pan from the oven and place the chicken on a seperate plate for 10 minutes. During this time the juices will redistribute so it will be incredibly flavorful. Scoop the veggies onto a seperate plate and cover loosely with foil. Squeeze 2 of the lemon wedges onto the chicken and the other 2 into the pan. The natural cooking juices and garlic in the roasting pan mix with the lemon juice to form an amazingly flavorful and light sauce.

Carve the chicken by slicing down the middle and removing the breast meat. Then remove the leg and thigh meat. Turn the chicken over and remove the dark meat. Dark meat is higher in iron and protin than the white meat. Place any excess juices back into the roasting pan to add to the sauce.

For babies 7-12 months, place some chicken and veggies into the food processor with a little of the pan juices and pulse until the consistency is one your baby can handle. For toddlers, cut into bite sized pieces and top with the pan juices.

The leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

While the thought of roasting a whole chicken can seem intimidating, it's easier than it looks. The oven does most of the work, but you will get all of the credit - enjoy!

My Little Tiger

2011-11-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

Today is World Prematurity Day and as the mother of a preemie and an Ambassador Mom for the March of Dimes, there is no better day to share a personal story with you.

My second son, Brendan, arrived two months premature and spent 6 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The experience of having a premature baby who had to fight for his life, and whom we nearly lost, was a life altering experience that I will never forget. It has brought the topic of preemies and their care extremely close to my heart. Bringing a preemie home is a far different experience than bringing home a full term, healthy baby. I am sure many of you know what I’m talking about.

With my first son, Royce, everything was happy, easy and as it should be. Milestones came naturally and when it was time to start on solids, at 5 months, we just did with no worries. With Brendan, we were overwhelmed with worry, doctor’s appointments, mixing breast milk with special formula, and handling him with such extra care that the thought of starting on solids seemed a million years away. It wasn’t until an appointment with one of Brendan’s primary doctors when he was 5 months old (from his birth date, not due date) that my eyes were opened.

The doctor asked me when I planned to start Brendan on solids. I told him I hadn’t even thought about it. He told me that it was time. I looked at him cross-eyed and said I was scared to change our routine-what if something happened? He said that Brendan was stable, putting on weight, and, while he still had a lot of catching up to do, he was otherwise healthy. He told me not to be afraid. He said that most preemies have such an intense start to their lives that the simple pleasure of a homemade meal can do wonders. I was sold. As soon as we got home, I mashed a banana and mixed it with some warm breast milk. The doctor was right. Not only did Brendan take to swallowing solid food immediately, he ate the entire 4 ounce meal! I was completely shocked. He was so happy eating and turned out to have quite an appetite for such a little guy. That was a real turning point for both of us. The best part is that Brendan began to thrive in a way I hadn’t seen before.

As parents of preemies, we are all part of a special extended family, one that supports, encourages and gains strength from one another. During our toughest, darkest days we found tremendous strength sharing our story and listening to the stories of the other parents in the NICU, who have now become lifelong friends. We take incredible joy in seeing each other's children thrive and overcome challenges, it is a vital support system that I could not and cannot live without.

I can't say that everything is perfect and I can't say that I don't think about all the "why's" surrounding Brendan's prematurity, but I can say that we are extremely lucky. Brendan is a fighter, I call him my little tiger, and we are beyond blessed to have this bright, fiery redhead in our lives!

We are eternally grateful to the doctors and nurses at Winthrop University Hospital on Long Island who saved his life.

*Every preemie is different, not only developmentally, but medically as well. It is of the utmost importance that you consult your preemie’s doctor(s) before starting him on solids or straying from his normal routine in any way.

Apple and Zucchini Puree

2011-11-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

Apple and Zucchini puree is a great combination of savory and sweet, offering your baby the goodness of both a fruit and a veggie. This is a super easy puree to prepare and offers a delicious, crisp taste your baby is sure to love. Apple and Zucchini puree provides your baby with a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, fiber, riboflavin, folate, potassium and vitamin K.

This recipe is suitable for babies 4-6 months and up. Before combining foods make sure your baby has tried each one individually first.

What you'll need:

2 medium/large organic apples

I like using Honeycrisp apples at this time of year. They are currently in season and are fresh and crisp with a light sweet taste. Gala, Fuji, Red and Golden Delicious are also great in this recipe. Conventionally grown apples have some of the highest levels of pesticide residues, buy organic whenever possible

3 medium/large organic zucchini

Zucchini have tender edible skin and seeds which contain most of the nutrients. Buy organic whenever possible so your baby can eat the nutrient rich skin.

Pour purified water into the pot until it is about 1.5" deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Wash the apples and zucchini thoroughly under cold running water. Peel, core and chop the apples. If the zucchini are organic, there is no need to peel, just chop. If not organic, peel and then chop. Place the apples and zucchini into a steamer basket and cover with a tight fitting lid. Steam for about 7 minutes until apples are easily pierced with a fork.

Transfer the apples and zucchini to a large, heavy duty glass bowl for mixing. Using the immersion blender.....

.....pulse the motor and work in a circular, up and down motion until desired consistency is achieved. Smooth and creamy for 4-6 months, mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months. You will not need additional liquid for thinning. Add a little baby brown rice cereal, baby barley or baby oatmeal to thicken puree, if desired.

Serve or store.

This recipe yields 24 ounces of baby food for about $4.00!

As a variation, this puree is delicious mixed with potato, sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, butternut squash, chicken, turkey and baby cereals!

Black Bean Banana Mash

2011-11-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Black Bean Banana Mash is possibly one of the most versatile all around baby food purees. It is not only a no-cook puree that can be prepared in under 2 minutes, it is also a protein packed meal perfect for on-the-go and is super easy to prepare when travelling away from home. Additionally, this meal is packed with folate, protein, thiamin, magnanese, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and good carbohydrates for energy. Tasty, healthy and versatile - what could be better?

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up. Make sure the consistency is one your baby can handle. Black Bean Banana Mash also makes a great dip or spread for toddlers and big kids, serve with some toasted pita bread or baked tortilla chips for a yummy after school snack!

What you'll need:
1 large banana
1 can of pre-cooked black beans (I prefer to use pre-cooked black beans to save time)

Pour black beans into a large strainer and rinse under cold running water to remove liquid and excess sodium.

Place black beans into the food processor and add about 3 tablespoons of purified water to help develop a smaooth consistency. Add more if needed.

Pulse until smooth.

Place the banana in a bowl and mash with the back of a fork until smooth and creamy.

Combine black beans and banana in a large bowl and combine well with a spoon.

Serve or....

....store. When stored in Sage Spoonfuls jars, Black Bean Banana Mash can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

This recipe yields 10 ounces of baby food for only $1.25!

Baby's First Chicken

2011-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Chicken blended with leek and sweet potato is a wonderful first poultry recipe for your baby. This puree combines the mild flavor of the chicken with the sweet flavor of the sweet potato and is accented with the leek for a little punch of extra flavor. Cooking meat, poultry or fish for your baby can seem intimidating, but you'll be surprised at how truly easy it is. Plus, there is absolutely no comparision to the delicious flavor and enticing aroma of a homemade chicken meal vs a store bought baby food chicken meal. Homemade wins hand down, every time.

In addition to the amazing flavor and aroma, this puree is loaded with nutrients. The chicken provides protein, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorous. The sweet potato is loaded with vitamin A and the leeks are an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese.

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up. Before combining foods, make sure your baby has tried each one individually first.

What you'll need:

1 medium leek

1/2 pound of ground organic hormone/antibiotic/steroid free chicken

1 large organic sweet potato

Cut off the rough dark green top and root of the leek and discard.

Slice the leek lengthwise and then crosswise.

Place the sliced leek into a strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Leeks often have dirt and sand in between the fibers, so be sure to rinse well.

Rinse, peel and chop the sweet potato.

Pour purified water into a pot until it is about 2" deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Place the sweet potato and leek into the steamer basket, cover with a tight fitting lid and steam for 12-15 minutes until the sweet potatos are easily pierced with a fork.

While the sweet potato and leek are steaming, pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of purified water or organic, low sodium chicken stock into a medium skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat, add ground chicken and reduce heat to medium-high. As chicken is cooking, continuously break it up with the end of a spatula so the pieces stay nice and small.

Cook until chicken is opaque all the way through and is no longer pink, about 3 minutes.

Place the cooked chicken, sweet potato and leek into a large, heavy duty glass mixing bowl. I love the Pyrex bowls. Using the immersion blender, pulse in an up and down motion until desired consistency is achieved.

Add a 2-3 tablespoons of low sodium chicken stock, breast milk or formula to thin the puree, if desired. Consistency should be mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious (soft chunks) for 10-12 months.

Mushy mash - perfect for Hayden!

Another Hayden approved yummy combination!

With the incredibly delicious smell of her food, miss Hayden can't wait to get a big bite!

"I got this Mom, I don't need any help."

This recipe yields 22 oz of baby food for only $5.00! This puree can be stored in Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. It will thicken during storage, add a little purified water, low sodium chicken stock, breast milk or formula to thin when reheating.

Blueberry Apple Quinoa

2011-11-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Blueberry apple quinoa makes a yummy warm breakfast on these increasingly chilly mornings. It is not only delicious, but loaded with nutrients and antioxidants to keep your little one growing healthy and strong. The blueberries are a wonderful source of vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants. The apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C while the quinoa provides protein, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorous and carbohydrates for energy.

This recipe is suitable for babies 7-9 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. All you have to do is adjust the portion size and consistency.

What you'll need:
3 medium/large organic apples (Gala, Red/Golden Delicious, Fuji and Pink Lady are my favs)
1 cup organic blueberries
1/2 cup quinoa

Bring 1 1/2 cups of purified water to a boil in a small sauce pan over high heat. Add quinoa and let boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low/simmer and cover. Let cook for 15-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Remove lid and fluff quinoa with a fork. Set aside.

While the quinoa is cooking, wash the blueberries and apples thoroughly under cold running water. Peel, core and chop the apples. Place blueberries and apples in a steamer basket and steam for about 7 minutes, until apples are easily pierced with a fork.

Place quinoa, blueberries and apples into the food processor and pulse until desired consistency is achieved. 7-9 months mushy mash and 10-12 months and up chunk-a-licious.

Serve.....

Yum, yum, yummy!

...or store. It will thicken during storage, add a little breast milk, formula or purified water to thin meal when reheating.

This recipe yields 16 ounces of baby food for about $4!

Broccoli Cauliflower Mish Mash

2011-10-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you had cauliflower? Probably as long ago as me, until I started making baby food. I forgot how completely delish - and surprisingly mild it is. It also mixes well with so many different foods, including fruit! Most importantly, cauliflower offers a host of health benefits for your baby. It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and as a member of the cabbage family, it is rich in cancer fighting phytochemicals. Look for cauliflower that has crisp green leaves and white flower heads. It will stay fresh in a bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Frozen cauliflower can also be used.

We all know broccoli is amazingly healthy for us and our children. It is a wonderful source of Vitamin C, Folate, Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and disease fighting phytochemicals. Broccoli also contains lutein which helps promote healthy eyes. Fresh broccoli should have an even, deep green color and firm stalks and stems. It will stay fresh in a bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Frozen broccoli can be used as well.

This Broccoli Cauliflower Mish Mash is so easy to make, is completely delicious and is packed with yummy goodness for your little foodie-in-training. This recipe is for babies 7-9 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults - all you have to do is adjust the texture and portion size to what is appropriate for your baby/child.

What you'll need:

1 cup of broccoli florets

1 cup of cauliflower florets

Wash the broccoli and cauliflower thoroughly under cold running water and chop.

Pour purified water into the pot until it is about 1" deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Place broccoli and cauliflower into the steamer basket and cover with a tight fitting lid. Make sure the water

is not touching the bottom of the veggies.

Steam for 10 minutes.

Place the broccoli and cauliflower into your food processor and pulse until the consistency your baby can handle is achieved, smooth and creamy for 4-6 months, mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months and up (this is a guideline, every baby is different). Add a little purified water, breast milk or formula to thin the puree, if neccessary. To thicken, add a little brown rice baby cereal, if desired.

Mushy Mash is perfect for Hayden!

Who says babies don't like veggies? If they're homemade - they'll gobble them up!

This recipe yields 6 ounces of baby food for only about $0.50!

Gingery Carrots

2011-10-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Carrots are a staple food for babies, so why not jazz them up a little with a hint of fresh ginger? This puree is brightly colored, smells delicious and has a crisp, fresh taste your baby will love. Carrots are loaded with Vitamin A (great for baby's developing eyes) and disease fighting antioxidants. Buy organic carrots whenever possible as they are lower in nitrates than conventionally grown. Look for carrots that are crack-free, have a nice orange color and are not rubbery. Whole carrots will stay fresh in a bag in the refrigerator for about 10-12 days. Ginger adds a fragrant, slightly sweet and spicy flavor to the carrot puree. Ginger is packed with health benefits as well. It has long been known to help provide relief from tummy troubles and can be helpful when your baby has gas, an upset stomach or motion sickness. Look for fresh Jamaican ginger. It should be firm to the touch and have smooth skin. Un-peeled fresh ginger will stay fresh in your refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

This recipe is appropriate for babies 4-6 months and up, toddlers, kids and adults. All you have to do is adjust the texture to what your baby/child can handle.

What you'll need:

6 large, organic carrots

1/2 tablespoon, peeled, minced fresh ginger

Wash carrots thoroughly under cold running water and chop. Pour purified water into a pot until it is about 1 inch deep. Bring to a boil over high heat. Place the chopped carrots and minced ginger into the steamer basket and cover with a tight fitting lid.

Steam for 10-12 minutes until carrots are cooked through.

Place cooked carrots and ginger into the food processor and add 2-4 tablespoons of purified water to help develop a smooth consistency.

Puree until desired consistency is acheived. For 4-6 months smooth and creamy, 7-9 months mushy mash (pictured) and 10 months and up chunk-a-licious (soft chunks).

Serve or store. As a variation, try adding a little breast milk or formula and baby rice cereal.

Two jars go into the fridge for use within 3 days....

...and the rest go into the freezer for use within 3 months.

This recipe yields 20 ounces of baby food for only about $1.25!

Comfort In A bowl

2011-10-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

As the temperatures drop and the leaves change, is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning? Oatmeal is a wonderful meal with endless flavor combinations-it is a breakfast that your children will enjoy for years to come. Oats are rich in nutrients, including protein, iron, fiber, manganese and good carbohydrates. Baby oatmeal makes a great staple in your child's diet. While you can use quicker cooking rolled oats, stay away from oatmeal packets, because they can have added sugar and preservatives. Additionally, the oats lose nutrients during processing. Rolled oats will stay fresh for about 2 months when stored in an air tight container in a cool, dry place.

This recipe is appropriate for babies 4-6 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults! Always make sure the consistency is one your baby can handle, 4-6 months smooth and creamy, 7-9 months mushy mash, and 10 months and up chunk-a-licious (soft chunks). For added flavor and nutrition, mix oatmeal with your baby's favorite fruit puree.

What you'll need:

1/2 cup of rolled oats
1 cup of purified water
2 tbs breast milk, formula or milk (for babies 12 months and up)
Pinch of organic cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

I love Bob's Red Mill organic rolled oats. They're available at most organic markets and natural stores. They can also be found at www.bobsredmill.com.

Place the oats in your Sage Spoonfuls food processor or a standard blender.

Pulverize for about 1 minute until oatmeal....

....has the consistency of powder or fine flakes.

Bring 1 cup of purified water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Add pulverized oats and let boil for about 1 minute while stirring with a whisk. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until all the water is absorbed. Add 2 tablespoons of breast milk or formula for a creamy consistency.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice and serve or....

....place in Sage Spoonfuls jars and store. Cooked baby oatmeal will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. It will thicken during storage, add a little breast milk, formula or purified water to thin cereal when reheating.

This recipe yields 6 oz of baby food for only about $0.20!

Smoothies! A Great Anytime Snack!

2011-10-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Smoothies are such a great go-to meal. They make a perfect afterschool snack or a quick and healthy breakfast. Smoothies are a delicious way to fill your family's bellies with nutrients. Even when my kids aren't feeling well and don't have much of an appetite, they still always drink their smoothies. It's a great way to keep them hydrated while giving them added nutrients. This smoothie will fill your family with Potassium, Calcium, Antioxidants, Fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, Protein and Omega 3 fatty acids.

This recipe is appropriate for babies 12 months and up, toddlers, big kids and grown-ups. I like to use wild blueberries because they rank #2 on the USDA's list of the top antioxidant rich foods.

What you'll need:
1 cup of organic milk (whole, 2% or 1%)
1 large, ripe banana
1 cup of frozen organic wild blueberries (I love Woodstock Farms brand)
2 tablespoon organic, ground flaxseed (a wonderful source of omega 3's and lignans)

This recipe serves 2 adults and 1-2 kids.

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend on high for about 30 seconds until nice and smooth.

For adults, serve in a tall glass and for toddlers or kids, in a cup with a straw.

"This is just what I need after a long day of school, thanks Mom!"

Petite Peas For My Petite Princess!

2011-10-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Creamy yukon gold potatoes and sweet petite peas are such a yummy combo for your little one! Potatoes have a smooth creamy texture babies love and petite peas have a sweet and bright flavor that blend together for a perfect puree. In addition to the delicious taste, this puree is full of Vitamin K, Fiber, Thiamin, Folate, Vitamin B6 and carbohydrates for energy.

This recipe is appropriate for 4-6 months and up, before combining foods, make sure your baby has tried each one individually first.

What you'll need:
3 yukon gold potatoes
1 10 oz bag of frozen petite peas

Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water.

Peel and chop the potatoes. Pour purified water into a pot until it is about 1" deep. Bring to a boil over high heat. Place the potatoes and peas into the steamer basket and cover with a tight fitting lid.

Steam for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are cooked through.

Place cooked potatoes and peas into the food processor.

Pour about 2 tablespoons of breast milk, formula or purified water to help develop a smooth and creamy consistency. Add more if needed.

Puree until smooth and creamy......

...and serve. Be sure texture is one your baby can handle. Smooth and creamy for 4-6 months, 7-9 months mushy mash and 10-12 months and up chunk-a-licious (soft chunks).

Open wide.....

"This is delicious mom, let me have the spoon!"

"Okay, I'm just going to lick the spoon while you put the rest of this super yummy puree away - thanks Mom!"

2 jars go into the fridge for use in the next 3 days and....

....and the rest for another time. They'll stay fresh in your Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 months in the freezer.

This recipe yields 28 ounces of food for only $3.50!

Roasted Acorn Squash

2011-10-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Roasted acorn squash is a delicious fall treat for your baby. Acorn Squash look like a cross between an acorn and pumpkin and taste like a mix of butternut squash and pumpkin. Roasting the acorn squash really brings out and caramelizes the natural flavors. Your baby will love the taste and you will love that he is getting a healthy dose of Vitamin A, Fiber, Vitamin C, Iron, Thiamin, Vitamin B6 and Folate!

What you'll need:
2 medium acorn squash

Wash the acorn squash thoroughly under cold running water and pre heat the oven to 425 degrees.

Cut the rough stems and pointed bottoms off and discard. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon and discard.

Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet lined with unbleached parchment paper. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven.

Roast for 35-45 minutes, until the squash is completely cooked through and easily pierced with a fork.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven using a mitt and let the squash cool for about 5 minutes.

After the squash has cooled for about 5 minutes, you should be able to just peel the skin right off and discard.

Place the acorn squash into a large, heavy duty glass mixing bowl and puree using the immersion blender. Work in an up and down motion while pulsing the motor until desired consistency is achieved. Smooth and creamy for 4-6 months, mushy mash for 7-9 months and chunk-a-licious for 10-12 months. Acorn squash is naturally juicy when roasted, you won't need additional liquid for thinning.

Smooth and creamy - perfect for Hayden!

This recipe yields 16 oz of baby food and costs only $2.00!

2 jars go into the fridge for this week...

...and 2 go into the freezer for later.

"I can't wait to try it Mom!"

A Classic Combo

2011-10-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sweet potato and apple has to be one of the most classic and universally loved flavors. The velvety texture of the sweet potato mixes beautifully with the crisp and juicy apples to form one of my children's all time favorite yummy combinations! Not only does it taste delicious but it provides your baby with a healthy does of Vitamin A as well as fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

What you'll need:
1 Sweet Potato
2 organic Gala apples

Wash the sweet potato and apples thoroughly under cold running water.

Peel and chop the sweet potato.

Pour purified water into the pot until it is about 1.5" inch deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Place chopped sweet potato into steamer basket and cover with lid. Set timer for 7 minutes.

While the sweet potato is steaming, peel and chop the apples. When the timer rings, after the 7 minutes, add the apples to the sweet potato.

Place cover on pot and steam apples and sweet potato together for about 7-8 minutes.

Place the steamed sweet potato and apples into the food processor together.

Pulse until smooth and creamy. If necessary, add a little of the cooking water, breast milk or formula to thin the puree. To thicken, if desired, add a little baby rice cereal or baby oatmeal. For 4-6 months the texture should be smooth and creamy, for 7-9 months it should be a mushy mash and for 10-12 months it should be chunk-a-licious (soft chunks). Be sure the puree is a texture your baby can handle.

Sweet potato and apple puree can be stored in Sage Spoonfuls jars for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

This recipe yields 16 oz of baby food and only costs about $1.25!

......and what does Miss Hayden think about her sweet potato apple puree?

"Thumbs up Mom!"

You're Going Out For a Sandwich?!

2011-10-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Years ago, Alex was leaving for a week long business trip and Royce was visibly upset, he told Royce, "Don't worry, I'm just going out for a sandwich I'll be right back." When he didn't come right back, Royce had a meltdown and I was left to explain to him about work and travel and that Dada would be home in "a few sleeps." After he calmed down, he actually seemed to appreciate being told the truth and didn't have any other meltdowns the entire week about his dad being away.

Kids are smart and they remember what we tell them. I am serious when I say that for 1 whole year, every time Alex was actually just going out for a sandwhich, Royce thought he was going away for a business trip and not telling him! He would freak out and scream and cry until Alex came home. Yet, when we told him about trips the night before and looked on the map to see where Dada was going, he was calm. While he wasn't happy his dad was leaving, he understood the situation and there were no meltdowns.

As parents, we'll do anything to make sure our kids are happy and calm. We may tell them little white lies like, "Don't worry, we're not going out to dinner," or "Okay, we'll stay home," because we think it will make them feel better. I truly believe that it is better to be completely honest with our kids so they learn about coming and going. While it may be frustrating and we may be late to some things for a while due to child calming at home, I believe it is worth it in the end. Our children learn that we will indeed be back and won't freak out every time we leave the house.....hopefully.

A Taste Of Fall

2011-09-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Parsnip and Pear Puree

This parsnip and pear puree will fill your kitchen with the smell of fall. The hearty taste and texture of parsnips mixes with the light, sweet taste and texture of the pears to form a super delicious puree your baby will love. In addition to the yummy taste and enticing aroma, this puree is packed with Vitamins A and K, Manganese, Fiber and Folate.

What you'll need:
4 medium sized, organic parsnips
3 ripe, organic Bartlett pears

Wash the parsnips and pears thoroughly under cold running water.

Peel and roughly chop the parsnips and pears.

Pour water in the pot until it is about 1 inch deep and bring to a boil over high heat. Place the chopped parsnips and pears into the steamer basket and cover with a lid.

Steam for 10-12 minutes until the parsnips are easily pieced with a fork.

Scoop the parsnips and pears out of the steamer basket and into your Sage Spoonfuls food processor.

Click on the top with the hand motor and pulse until the puree is smooth and creamy. If necessary, thin the puree with a little purified water, breast milk or formula.

You can serve some right away.....

Yummy!

.....and store the rest.

This recipe yields 28 oz of puree and costs only $3.50!

Yummy Tummy Waffles!

2011-09-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday morning and I woke up with waffles on my mind. My kids, and husband, all love these waffles. What they don't know is that these super delicious waffles are full of healthy whole wheat and ground flax seed, what they do know is that they taste sooooo good!

What you'll need:

1 cup of unbleached, all purpose flour

1 cup of whole wheat flour

4 teaspoons of baking powder

3 tablespoons organic cane sugar

2 tablespoons of ground flax seed

1 teaspoon salt

2 organic eggs

1 1/2 cups organic whole or 2% milk

1 stick unsalted butter (melted)

1-2 cups chopped fresh organic berries

Maple syrup

Waffle iron

Non stick cooking spray (I like Spectrum Natural Canola Oil Spray)

Yields 3 waffles

Plug in your waffle iron so it gets nice and hot while you prepare the batter. Place the flour, baking powder, sugar, flax seed and salt into a large mixing bowl.

Combine dry ingredients with a fork to make sure they are evenly distributed.

Add the eggs, milk and melted butter to the bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon.

Lightly spray your waffle iron with the non-stick cooking spray. Using a small ladel, scoop some of the batter into the waffle iron.

Be careful not to pour too much batter into the waffle iron or it will overflow and make a big mess (I learned this the hard way). Allow the batter to spread out a little before adding more. Close the waffle iron.

Let the waffle cook for about 5 minutes. You will see steam coming out of the waffle iron. After 5 minutes, open the waffle iron and lift the fluffy waffle out with a fork.

Place the waffle on a plate and top with berries and maple syrup.

A nice big bite......

.....and a nice big smile!

I hope your family enjoys these Yummy Tummy Waffles as much as mine!

My Big Launch Day!

2011-09-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the official launch of Sage Spoonfuls with our national media tour! It was a moment I've been dreaming of for over 2 years. It was such an amazing day and the start of a new adventure!

I look forward to sharing this new journey with all of you!

Ready, Set, Go!

2011-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

As I sit here writing my very first blog ever, I am full of such joy and excitement! I have been developing Sage Spoonfuls for over 2 years and here we are at the launching point! Many people have asked me why I decided to shift from actress to momtrepreneur (love that word ). The answer is, my children.

I started making homemade baby food after my first child was born, my son Royce. I couldn’t find a complete system on the market and I was just piecing the whole thing together. I remember labeling food with masking tape and sharpie pens. It was then the lightbulb went off in my head and the idea for Sage Spoonfuls was born.

My second child, Brendan, was born 2 months premature and spent 6 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was an incredibly rough road, in fact, we almost lost him. My husband and I knew that this baby was going to need a very special and high level of care. Needless to say, I wanted to be and needed to be the one taking care of him. It was at that moment, I knew I would not go back to work in the traditional sense for at least 2 years and I decided to begin developing my idea for Sage Spoonfuls, because I could work from home.

When I became pregnant with our third baby, our daughter Hayden, I was terrified that something would happen and that she would be born early as well. I went on bed rest at 23 weeks. That was when I finished my book. I am happy to report that Hayden came into the world full-term, happy and healthy!

Royce was the initial inspiration for Sage Spoonfuls, Brendan was the decision to pursue it and Hayden was the catalyst to get it all pulled together.

Sage Spoonfuls is a complete and beautiful line of products that I am incredibly proud of. I designed Sage Spoonfuls to fit the needs of all moms and our busy schedules, whether we are busy stay-at-home moms, busy working moms…or both! I look forward to developing a community here where we can share stories, ideas and information with each other – from one mom to another.