Apple for Baby-Led Weaning

Step 1

In a medium skillet, add the butter and heat on medium heat. When the butter is melted add the apples and cinnamon and stir until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Then add in the water and stir again. Turn heat down to medium-low and sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the apples are tender when pricked with a fork. Note: I prefer to leave the apple skins on as they make an easier handle for baby to hold onto, but you can peel the apples if you prefer.

Step 2

On a cutting board, using a box grater, grate the apple until you have a handful of tiny apple pieces. If the grated apple is too watery, place the grated apple into a paper towel and gently squeeze to get rid of the excess liquid.

Step 3

On a cutting board, cut the half of an apple using a crinkle cutting tool or a sharp knife into 1/2" thick and 2-3" long strips.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, bring 2" of water to a boil over high heat. Add a steamer basket and add the apple slices to the basket in a single layer. Cover and cook for 1-3 minutes or until tender when pricked with a fork. Remove from heat, and place the apple slices on a paper towel or clean dish towel to cool.

Step 5

Using either the steamed apple or sautéed apple recipes from above, take the cooked apples and place in a small blender or food processor. Pulse for 5-10 seconds or until you have a chunky puree. You can also make a smooth puree by blending for 1-2 minutes. Note: you can easily have 3 different textures of apples to serve baby! Start by making a batch of the steamed (use an entire apple) or sautéed apples, set aside a portion for baby. Take the rest of the apples and pulse into a chunky puree, set aside a portion for baby. Then puree the rest of the apples into a smooth puree for baby.