Sweet Potatoes, two ways

I have a couple of simple baby food recipes that I have not yet written about, although Everleigh is getting to the point of growing out almost completely of purees. (Didn't I JUST post about how she refuses finger foods??) There are a few things she'll still allow me to spoon feed her, but it's got to be something she LOVES. Oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt, rice cereal, and sweet potatoes make the list.

My best friend has a little one only 2 months younger than mine and she gave me the idea and inspiration for putting a twist on sweet potatoes. One way is savory and the other is sweet. My daughter prefers the sweet, but I am not surprised. Her daddy has a thing about savory sweet potatoes. He doesn't even like to feed the baby the ones I've made. And if you dare offer him a sweet potato french fry, be prepared; he reacts like you want him to taste dirt. Sweet E is not quite this reactive when she eats her savory version, but she does indeed live up to her name and will INHALE the sweet version!

We are beyond pureed potatoes at this point, so really these are finely mashed. Sweet potatoes definitely grow with the child. You can start them off in the food processor and get them so liquid even a beginner on solids will love them. As your child wants more solid foods and wants to feed herself, you can just mash them like you would for yourself. Mashed sweet potatoes really helped Everleigh learn how to self feed because there is no grasping involved and it's a dish she loves so much she wouldn't push it away. They can also be roasted in the oven for a baked french fry for a fabulous finger food once they are able to grasp to feed.

A lot of homemade baby food books suggest baking potatoes when preparing them for babies. I have found that it is much easier and quicker to peel, dice and steam potatoes. They only need to cook for about 10 minutes before they are done. When you bake you have to scoop the potato out of the peel and I have always had a problem with this. I think I can never wait long enough for the potato to cool down so I end up burning my fingers. If you don't need to use them right away, baking is fine. But it takes some time and if you need it right out of the oven take care to protect your fingers!

Savory Sweet potatoes:

Mash one baked or steamed sweet potato with chicken broth to desired consistency.
Add the following spices to taste:
Garlic powder, cumin, paprika
Enjoy!

For roasted savory sweet potatoes simply toss diced potato with a little olive oil and the spices. Place on cookie sheet and put in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.

I am sure there are several combinations of spices that would pair well with sweet potatoes. I like these because they add a lot of flavor and are baby friendly. Cumin and paprika both add smokiness but in very different ways. I tend to go easy on the cumin (a little goes a long way) and heavy on the paprika (a much more mild spice). Herbs would add a lot also. Some options include chives, oregano, rosemary, sage, basil, or thyme. If I were to whip up some savory mashed sweet potatoes for grown ups I would add salt, pepper, and some ground red pepper for a kick!

Sweet Apple Cinnamon Potatoes:

Mash one baked or steamed sweet potato
Add 2 pureed baked apples or 1/2 cup applesauce
Add cinnamon to taste
Mix well and enjoy!

Mashed or pureed sweet potatoes freeze well both in cubes and in small containers. They are a cinch to reheat: just pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds or so.

The pictures are of my Little One eating her sweet potatoes. She liked them so much she licked the bowl clean. (or tried to at least!)

One Happy Baby!