Pear Fennel Baby Puree (also for adults!)
Once we realized we’d have a baby in our home, I started thinking about what kind of food we would give her. Derek and I are currently reading Hungry Monkey together and I will continue to search for more materials about food for kids. We’re both new to the parenting game so any recommendations would be appreciated! I am realistic and know that I won’t always have the time to make baby food, but wanted to at least try my hand making some. I really like the idea of making something that the baby and I can BOTH eat (with more complexity for us adults, obviously), I thought it would be fun for us to experience a food together. 🙂 Fennel came to mind because I know it’s an acquired taste and I thought incorporating it into our little one’s diet early on might increase the odds she’ll grow to like it, the way I do. ;). Then I started thinking about what fruit would pair well with fennel and landed on pear. This recipe keeps in mind how you AND baby can enjoy with slight modifications.
So, let’s get to it!
This puree is super easy! Start by putting your pear and fennel chunks in the crockpot.
I chose D’Anjou pears because they are easy to find in most stores and have a sweet taste, but choose whatever type you like just make sure they are ripe. Give it a stir and put the top on. Cook on low for six hours. During this time the pears will release their juices and both those and the fennel will get nice and soft.
First you’ll make your serving. Remove whatever you want from the crockpot and just mash it a little with a fork until it’s to your desired consistency. Add the celery seed and salt to your taste. It’s nice side for pork chops or as a topping for some roast chicken. I took a few scoops out for us and then left the rest for baby food.
Now to get the rest ready for the baby, use an immersion blender to puree it or carefully put it into a food processor and blend until it’s completely smooth. Depending on how ripe your pears are, the puree may have a little grit. If it does, push the puree through a fine mesh strainer.
You can store the puree in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it. I got these little jars and filled them to put in the freezer so they’re ready to go when baby is ready for solids. 🙂
I’d love to hear what other sites or books you all recommend for food ideas for kids.
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Ingredients
- 4 1/2 pounds (about 7 large) pears, peeled cored and cut into chunks
- 1 large or 2 small fennel, cut into chunks
- Celery seed and salt to taste for adults
Instructions
- Put pear and fennel chunks in crockpot. Cook on low 6 hours.
- For adults: mash with a fork to desired consistency and add celery seed and salt to taste.
- For baby: Puree until completely smooth. Push through a fine mesh strainer, if needed.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze.
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