Baby Food  Spices

While looking for a friend I found this list of spice to give your baby from http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/tipspices.htm#.U-VI5uNdXVo

Spice Up Your Baby's World - Learn about adding Spices and Herbs to Baby's Homemade Baby Foods

When you make your own baby food, you are able to experiment with different tastes and textures for your baby and best of all, you have the chance to use a wider variety of ingredients than what is found in commercial baby food. Most conventional brands of commercial baby foods do not incorporate herbs and spices into their jars, which is really a shame. Take advantage of the versatility of homemade baby food and use everyday spices and herbs to liven up baby's foods. This is a wonderful way to help expand your baby's taste buds and get her used to the tastes of the family's foods.

Bland Baby Food is not Better!

In many countries, babies are not fed bland rice cereals as their first foods rather, they introduced to spices from the start. In India for example, they think nothing of adding a bit of curry spices to baby's foods at a very early age. Thai families often incorporate coconut milk, lemongrass, tamarind and even chili when feeding their babies solid foods. Latino babies are exposed to taste of wonderful herbs and spices such as cumin, cilantro and even chili peppers!

When Can I Add Herbs and Spices to Baby's Food?

A majority of pediatricians will recommend waiting until an infant is 8 months or older to introduce spices and herbs. This recommendation often has more to do with staving off digestive upsets than it does with possible allergic reactions. If your baby is doing well with foods and does not seem to have any digestive upsets, then jump right in with spices! Like any other new food, please follow the "4 day wait rule" when introducing spices and herbs. As always, please discuss the introduction and use of herbs and spices with your baby's pediatrician.

Don't forget, if you are a breastfeeding Mom, your little one is already tasting herbs and spices. Herb and spice flavors are transferred through breast milk, helping create and develop a taste for non-bland foods.

What Types of Spices and Herbs Can I Add to Baby's Food?

Often when we think of adding something to the foods we feed are older kiddos, sugar and/or salt may be the first items to come to mind. Why is that we as parents may seldom think about adding herbs and spices to our kids food and to our baby's food?

Fresh or dried, the types of herbs and spices you may add to baby's foods is entirely up to you. I would recommend that you use all the spices and herbs that are typically used when cooking foods for the "big kids". Using spices and herbs in your baby's foods is a great way to offer interesting flavors without the use of sugar or salt. While it is never recommended to add sugar or salt to baby's food, we always advocate adding some things to "spice up" or flavor your baby's food. Here are a few great herbs and spices to try:

vanilla *
pepper
garlic - minced or powdered
basil
rosemary
dill
oregano
lemon zest
ginger
cinnamon
mint
nutmeg
anise
curry powder (yes, you may offer your older infant a dash of curry powder in her foods. You do need to watch for any reactions as some components of curry or even chili powder may give baby a rash)

The spices noted above can be lovely additions to your baby's foods. If your family meals include a lot of herbs and spices then Introducing baby to spices that the family typically cooks with is important. Adding these flavorful extras does not have to wait until your little one has reached toddlerhood. BONUS! Introduction of spices early and often may one day find you thinking, "Wow, we have never used salt or sugar in any or our kid(s)' foods!". Imagine raising a child that is not reliant on artificial sweeteners to entice the appetite and please the tastebuds.

Spiced Up Baby Food Creations - a few examples

Try these spicy mixtures and put some baby zing into those everyday foods for baby:

Fruits:

Apple(Sauce): use cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla, ginger

Pears: use ginger, cinnamon, a drip of vanilla or even mint

Bananas: use cinnamon, ginger, allspice, vanilla

Dairy:

Plain Yogurt : use with mint, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, allspice, cardamom

Vegetables:

Sweet potato: use with nutmeg, cinnamon and/or cardamom

Pumpkin: use with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and dash of vanilla

Carrots: use with basil & garlic - baked cinnamon carrots are yummy too.

Green beans: use with garlic powder

Mashed potatoes(white) : use with dill weed or garlic

Winter Squash (acorn, hubbard, butternut etc.): use with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger

Cereals/Grains:

Pasta: use oregano, garlic, basil

Oatmeal or other cereals: use fruits, cinnamon & nutmeg, dash of vanilla

Rice (sweet) with cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla, cardamom, ginger
Quinoa (sweet): use cinnamon, nutmeg, dash of vanilla, cardamom, ginger for sweet

Quinoa (savory): use garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, basil, oregano and others

Meats:

Chicken/Turkey with cinnamon and/or coriander

Chicken/Turkey with garlic powder and basil

Chicken/Turkey with lemon zest and pepper

Chicken/Turkey with basil & oregano

Chicken/Turkey with garlic and pepper
Chicken/Turkey with sage, rosemary and thyme

Beef with garlic and pepper

Beef with onion powder and pepper

Beef with Orange Zest

I have been experimenting with this flour, it is gluten free but it is not Paleo so it is for special treats. 

Artisan Flour Blend

Delicious scratch baking will be back in your life! This flour blend has no dairy, no nuts, no salt, no leavening, no corn and no soy. It will work perfectly in most of your traditional recipes or with subtle tweaking such as adding more liquid. Now you can bake like you used to!

For recipes to make with this mix, see all of our Artisan Flour Blend Recipes.

Will be available in stores and on Amazon soon! Ask your local store for Pamela’s new mixes: download the flyer, print it out and bring it in!

Helpful Hints:

• The Artisan Flour Blend will work in most recipes as a replacement for wheat flour.
• Due to the subtle flavor of our Artisan Flour, seasoning and herbs will elevate the taste when making gravy, or coating meats and poultry.
• Batters may thicken as they sit and may require water to thin.
• For yeast breads, we suggest using 1 tsp dry yeast per cup of Artisan Flour. Additional water will most likely be needed. Add water until dough is a sticky batter similar to banana bread. For a taller loaf, use a parchment collar at least 3 to 5 inches above the edge around the interior of the bread pan.

Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, White Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Arrowroot Starch, Guar Gum, Sweet Rice Flour, Rice Bran. Allergens: None. Produced on equipment that also makes products containing tree nuts, soy, eggs, and milk. For more information, see our Allergy Chart. Click for Nutrition Facts go to their website for this info-  http://www.pamelasproducts.com/products/baking-mixes/artisan-flour-blend/

I am looking into a new stevia I just recently sent an email to Now Foods to ask them what the alcohol in their liquid stevia was sourced from : CORN.

I have bought gallons of this stuff! :(

To Thicken Meatballs Instead of Breadcrumbs

wellnessmama.com I married an Italian, so meatballs get made pretty often around here. His grandmother’s recipe calls for breadcrumbs, which I don’t use, so I just throw in a couple tablespoons of chia seeds (per pound of meat) in place of gluten bombs bread crumbs. Also works to thicken meat-loafs, batters, etc.

Very simple to make......make your own because almost all store bought mustards are not wheat and corn free even when they say gluten free. Vinegar is normally made from wheat or corn or some other troublesome grain. The containers are normally plastic also which can leach chemicals into the prepared mustard so....on to the recipe. The author say that this recipe is similar to Frenchs yellow mustard. 

Update from heartweed: I made this and just to let ya know my mustard is still on the hot side 6 days later. Its that kinda hot that doesn't linger but goes straight up your nose for that sinus burn for a few seconds and then stops. Great for clearing the sinuses. I kinda like it! :)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 8 tablespoons dry ground mustard(cut in half next time? too hot) 
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. arrowroot powder (optional used as a thickener)
• 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color not necessary) 
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Pinch of paprika

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan.  Whisk to combine.
2. Heat until boiling.  Simmer on low for 10 minutes or until sauce has reduced to the thickness you would like it.  Stir frequently.
3. Store in jar in fridge for up to a month.  For a more mellow mustard, allow to sit for a few days to become less hot.

Notes:

• Mustard is hot when first made.  Let is sit for a few days and it will lose much of its heat. (in fridge with lid on)
• Makes about 1 cup.
• She also says that it last about a month in fridge , at least that is as long as it last hers before eaten. She wonders if it can be canned , so do I.
• 
  

http://www.naturalvalue.com/got-milk

Coconut Milk 

Eden Foods, Organic, Crushed Tomatoes, with Sweet Basil, 25 oz 

Description

• Good Food Good Reason Health & Happiness
• Creation & Maintenance of Purity in Food
• No Salt Added
• Unpeeled
• Amber Glass Protected
• OCIA Certified Organic
• Kosher Pareve

Eden Organic Crushed Tomatoes with Basil are Midwestern family farm organic agriculture better. Red ripe harvested, cooked, and packed within hours capturing maximum flavor, aroma, and nutrients. Superior tasting and far more satisfying unpeeled, unsalted Romas. Big sweet basil taste in a thick rich sauce. Perfect for soups & stews and your own special creation.

Other Ingredients

Organic roma tomatoes, organic dried sweet basil

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 g)
Servings Per Container: about 12
	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	20
Calories from Fat	0
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	0 mg	0%
Potassium	170 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	3 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	5%
Sugars	2 g
Protein	1 g	2%
Vitamin A		15%
Calcium		2%
Thiamin (B1)		4%
Niacin (B3)		4%
Vitamin C		15%
Iron		4%
Riboflavin (B2)		4%
Magnesium

Bionaturae, Organic Tomato Paste, 7 oz (200 g)

In glass jar! 

Description

• USDA Organic
• No Salt Added
• Certified Organic by: QAI

The sweet and delicious flavor of tomatoes organically grown in Italy is truly exceptional. Our tomatoes are organically grown on small family farms and naturally ripened in the Mediterranean sunshine. Our packaging in glass jars delicately preserves this unparalleled flavor and can be conveniently resealed for storage. bionaturae Organic Tomato Paste adds authentic Italian flavor to soups, sauces, stews and grain dishes.

Suggested Use

Refrigerate after opening. Use within 10 days.

Other Ingredients

Organic tomato paste.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (33 g)
Servings Per Container: 6
	Amount/serving	% DV*
Calories	20
Fat Cal.	0
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Sat Fat	0 g	0%
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 g
Sodium	10 mg	0%
Total Carb.	5 g	2%
Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	3 g
Protein	1 g
		2%

Vegetable Broth

Looking for a safe vegetable broth/
1. Pacific
2. Imagine



http://www.pacificfoods.com/food/broths-stocks/broths/organic-low-sodium-vegetable-broth.aspx

This is from Pacific's website:

Organic Vegetable Broth Low Sodium

Nature's bounty is captured in our rich, organic vegetable broth that's a perfect start to so many dishes. We've simmered savory leeks, onions and garlic, adding carrots and celery and vine-ripened tomatoes for garden fresh flavor.

INGREDIENTS

• Water
• Organic Carrots
• Organic Celery
• Organic Tomatoes
• Organic Onions
• Organic Leeks
• Organic Garlic
• Sea Salt
• Organic Bay Leaves
• Organic Parsley
• Organic Thyme

SUITABLE FOR THESE SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian Diet

 

Vegan Diet

 

Lower Sodium

 

Kosher Parve

 

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

 

Corn Free

 

Soy Free

 

Wheat Free

 

Yeast Free

When you click on corn free (I didn't click on the others) it says: 

corn free diets

no corn, no problem

heartweed: LOVE THAT 

What is arrowroot?

Arrowroot is made from the dried root of a tropical plant. It is a thickening agent that may be used in place of cornstarch. As a thickener, it can be used for soups, sauces and puddings. It has no flavor of its own and is the easiest starch to digest. Arrowroot is best used at the end of your cooking just before boiling, as continued heating will cause it to lose its thickening ability. It is also an excellent ingredient for gluten-free baking or breading.

Bob's Red Mill products labeled gluten free are batch tested in our quality control laboratory. We use an ELISA Gluten Assay test to determine if a product is gluten free.

Can be purchased at www.iherb.com

I requested that they add this product to their line of food products and I am pleased they granted my request cause this is a most important ingredient in gluten free cooking. Now I can get all my supplies at one place.Thanks iherb!

Honey

I just found this yummy honey at Winn Dixie-to tell the truth Scott picked it up and I was skeptical because its not the clear amber fluid that I am use to. But I have been won over this white stuff is delicious, regular honey use to be so sweet it burned my throat but this is a smooth, creamy and it still sweetens just as well.

From their site:

Y.S. Organic Bee Farms is built on a foundation of four generations of hands-on beekeeping experience. We are the pioneer in certified organic beekeeping in North America, having been granted organic certification in 1995 after intense research and development for many years. Since then our organic commitment continues to the organic food industry and we maintain organic certification. As a result we have been the most long-standing and reputable national distributor of certified organic honey.

What makes your honey crystallize solid?

Where and what type of plants bees forage on will determine the nutrient level, crystallization, color, fragrance and taste. Y.S. beekeepers have the true knowledge of quality. The results produce a superior, energy packed (intense crystallization) honey with the highest possible levels of live enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healing agents as a functional food. Only truly raw state honey that has never been processed will crystallize with intensity and has full beneficial properties nature intended.

Beneficial Facts; Functional properties and health related applications

Antioxidant Activity: Known antioxidant compounds in natural sweetener to preserve food retarding deterioration, rancidity, and discoloration. The levels of antioxidants found in honey are similar to some fruits and vegetables weight for weight.
Athletic Performance: Honey is a great pre-workout energy source, aiding an athlete's endurance and helping the athlete's muscles recuperate following a race or workout.
Beauty Treatments: Honey is a natural humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and retain moisture. Try using honey in facial masks, bath oils, hair conditioners and more.
Prebiotic Properties: Help promote the growth and activity of bifidobacteria.
Other: Honey tastes sweeter than sugar, so less is needed to sweeten baked goods and beverages. Studies have shown that foods prepared with honey last longer and taste great.

Salt

When you see salt in a recipe I am currently using Morton's canning salt. There have been concerns raised about the dangers of possible mercury in sea salt. So when you see salt just remember Morton's canning salt found in the grocer aisle with the canning supplies. It is inexpensive and pure.