Easy Gourmet Baby Food

Providing the best possible food for baby -- made in the home kitchen.

Easy Gourmet Baby Food features 150 homemade recipes, that are easy to follow with fantastic cooking and nutrition tips. From sweet pea puree to asparagus & roasted tomato to chunky pineapple ice pops, this book is packed with a variety of recipes and great information.

We had the opportunity to interview Jill Hillhouse, BPHE, RNCP, co-author of Easy Gourmet Baby Food.

Savvy Question: What was the inspiration for you and chef Jordan to write this book?

Jill: Getting the information out to the public is important. When it comes to introducing solid food to babies, providing the best nutrition is essential. This means using fresh, organic ingredients and paying attention to how food is prepared. For the very best, it means preparing those foods at home and introducing children to a variety of foods, nutrients and unique flavors

This book is not just for new parents. The recipes are for everyone, even the puree dishes are great for adults. For example, the mango puree recipe can be used in a smoothie, added to yogurt or can be drizzled over organic ice cream.

Savvy Question: How expensive is purchasing organic?

Jill: Organic whole foods don’t run up your bill. By purchasing whole foods, you actually get more bang for your buck. A tin of baby food ($0.39)—3 or 4 servings versus a butternut squash for a $1.29, you get a ice cube tray (BPA-free) worth of food (or more)!

Savvy Question: What are the benefits of making baby food?

Jill: Knowing exactly what you are putting into your baby’s body and being in control of that choice is ideal. That way you can maximize baby's nutrition.

A report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest compared fresh apricots with jared apricots from a leading baby food company and according to the USDA data food base, the commercial baby food contained less than 50% of the potassium and vitamin A that were contained in the fresh apricots.

Savvy Question: What was the most fun aspect of writing this book?

Jill: Getting to try recipes was the fun part! Jordan had an infant under twelve months when he was creating his newest recipes and I have teenagers at home, so it was fun to try out the recipes on them.

Savvy Question: What would be a general practical tip for new parents (from a parent to a parent)?

Jill: Keep introducing healthy foods even if your child says no. Exposing them to as much variety as possible is better for overall nutrition. Starting young, exposing children to a variety of flavors is a great way to get them eating healthy for life.

We get tired about thinking of new ideas when it comes to menu planning and Easy Gourmet Baby Food contains practical recipes. What’s great is the nutrition tip at each side of each recipe.

Savvy Question: What is your favorite recipe?

Jill: A great alternative to conventional macaroni is “Jonah’s Mac n’ Cheese” made with a sauce containing: sweet potato, parmesan cheese and a bit of sour cream.

The recipes are conveniently divided into age groups: 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and 12-24 months. Each recipe contains a complete nutritional analysis and nutrition tip. Many recipes transition seamlessly to older family members, so meals can be shared by everyone. Also included are instructions on how to create multiple-meal purées to be frozen and used later, plus extensive tips on meal preparation, nutrition and feeding.

Here's a small sampling of the many recipes provided in Easy Gourmet Baby Food:

• Apple and Fig Brown Rice Cereal

• Green beans with fresh basil leaves

• Roasted cauliflower and white bean purée

• Quinoa and Banana Pureé

• The Best Eggplant Parmesan

• World's Best "Fish Sticks"

• Gramma Jean's Turkey Meatloaf

• Mini Sweet Potato Muffins with Maple Syrup Glaze