meal item monday

I received some great feedback on the inaugural Meal Item Monday so I am happy to continue the recipe sharing in hopes to further combat picky eaters or just offer some variety to meal planning. This Monday there are two items listed below (one main course and one snack or side item)

Snack item first. I l-o-v-e smoothies. Who doesn't? Hubs and I have periodically made smoothies for ourselves for at least half a decade. It just dawned on me last week...Ada would probably l-o-v-e smoothies too. All the antioxidants in the berries make me so happy. This simple snack was a great hit with Ada. Coupled with a cheese omelet and the smoothie became a complete meal for her.

Mixed Berry Smoothie

prep time: 10 minutes
nutrients: vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, iron, folic acids

16 ozs frozen mixed berries (I used the strawberry/blackberry/blueberry/red raspberry combo)
16 ozs vanilla yogurt (This is NOT to be confused with plain yogurt. Plain yogurt is bland and completely disgusting. You only have to make the mistake one time and it is never to be forgotten)

• Blend frozen mixed berries in blender until you have reached a smooth consistency. A couple of times during blending I take container off and shake it. My blender is seven years old so this may not be neccesary on new models.
• Add yogurt to blend all items together.
• Pour

Yum Factor: * * * * *
Ease of Recipe: * * * * *

My only dilema in offering this to an 11 month old was in what manner she was actually going to be able to drink it. I tried several different sippy cups and ended up opting for a topless sippy cup with an adult straw. I sometimes add ice for adults, but have not felt a need to do so for Ada's smoothie. Using frozen fruit makes for a nice consistency either way.

By the looks of it, I think she liked it. . .


Next...

Many of you are aware that we have made the decision to raise Ada vegetarian during this portion of her life or a fishetarian I should say. As she grows up she is welcome to make her own decision on meat, but for now only fish for her while her parents are complete hypocrites (I actually do not eat that much meat myself and while I do not consider myself a vegetarian I would not be completely opposed to the idea).

Fillet of Fish with Vegetables

prep: 10 mins cooking: 35 mins nutrients: beta-carotene, calcium, protein, B vitamins (including folate), and vitamin C

1 tbsp butter
2/3 c leeks, washed and finely sliced (left this item out bc the hubs did not get this at the store-purposefully or accidentally is unbeknowst to me :)
1 c carrots (used baby carrots since they are already peeled and "chopped" aka small)
2/3 c broccoli (cut into small florets-used frozen that were already in small florets)
1/3 cup fresh or frozen peas
1/4 lb cod, hake, sole, haddock or halibut fillets, skinned (used frozen halibut that was already skinned)
2/3 c milk
3 peppercorns
1 bay leaf
sprig of parsley

Sauce

1 1/2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

• melt butter in saucepan, add leeks-saute for 2-3 mins (did not use), add carrots, cover with water and cook for 10 mins. Add broccoli and cook for 5 mins. Stir in peas and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until veges are tender (add little more water if necessary)
• Meanwhile, put fish in pan with milk, peppercorns, bay leaf, and parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until fish is cooked. Set aside, reserving cooking liquid. Discard peppercorns, bay leaf and parsley.
• For sauce, melt butter in a pan, stir on flour, and cool for 1 min. Gradually whisk in fish cooking liquid, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat, add cheese, and stir until melted.
• Drain veges and mix with flaked fish and cheese sauce. Blend to a puree of desired consistency for the wee ones. Veges should be tender so they can be mashed or chopped for older babies who are starting to chew.
  

Yum Factor: * * * * *
Ease of Recipe: * * * *

I tripled this recipe so hubs and I were able to eat it for dinner along with Ada. We had leftovers so that Ada could have it for lunch two more times. The first time we set it before her she refused it before she had even tasted it. I truthfully forced her to at least try it. She loved it after that every time we gave it to her. It actually seemed she liked it the best on the third time she had it. This dish is suitable for freezing if you so desire.

I hope this dish is an even bigger hit with your little ones than the couscous (Reed, Anna Kate and Ada actually all ate couscous together this last week. Two out of three kids really liked it. My cousin told me that her little man Brooks also enjoyed the couscous so with this small sample of kids we are at 75% on the yum factor for the couscous). As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated.