preparing meat

[Colin Macs Mom]

I offered ds meat for the first time this past weekend, and he seemed to really like it. I was a little surprised since it resembled dog food all too much for me. I make 90% of his food, so I felt a little weird about meat in a jar, but I had it on hand and didn't want to waste it. Since he liked it, maybe I shouldn't feel weird about it - but I certainly wouldn't eat that.

My question is, does anyone prepare their own meats for their lo? If so, how do you prepare it? Boil and then puree like everything else?

Before I decide which route to go (jars vs. homemade) I want to gauge how much it would cost to do both ways as well as time spent. Any input is appreciated!

[*Natasha*]

Yes i prepare all of DD food except jelly and custard (will be preparing this when i can introduce egg). I just boil all her meat then puree it with the rest of her food. I have given her chicken,mince,lamb,beef,tuna and salmon.

[Colin Macs Mom]

Do you just add water while pureeing, or something else? Does it puree well or does it end up stringy/lumpy?

And what sort of beef works?

[GabrielleD]

I haven't made beef yet for DS, but I just boiled the chicken breast in water with a celery, a little onion, and a clove of garlic. I just made sure that I didn't add any salt. It actually smelled great when it was done and DS seems to like the homemade chicken more than the jarred kind. Homemade chicken is a bit grainy, but you can add a little water to it and it smooths it out somewhat.

[*Natasha*]

The beef i used was some steak we were having one night. I purify the meat up mixed up with her veges. Sometimes i add a bit of vege stock if it is to stiff.

[katesmum38]

I try to prepare all dd's food myself, but am lucky that we have progressed to more lumpy food.  With all meat I usually fry it in unsalted butter, which may sound bad but babies need a certain amount of fat.  I usually add some onion, pepper or other veg.  If it seems dry you could puree it with some cream (full fat), but water or formula/breastmilk would also do.  Have you got Annabel Karmel's book - there are lots of recipie ideas there.

Tina

[Colin Macs Mom]

Thanks you guys, this is really helpful!

[LŠuren]

I have cooked my own chicken and used the Heinz own jars as well.

The put the chicken foil in the oven and cooked that way. Then cut into small pieces, out into the blender with the juice and add a little extra virgin oil oil.  I PM'd 'italymum' and she adds oil and hens, etc.

It worked great.    

I haven't ventrured into making beef puree yet, I have just used the jar.

[Colin Macs Mom]

Sorry Stacy but it's true!!!!

I never used jarred beef after that first one, I've found that making it is pretty easy actually. Lauren, if you decide to try it, blend it with formula - that seems to work best to get a good consistency.

[Colin Macs Mom]

Yeah, I'm always amazed at the stuff that DS eats, totally disgusting but he loves it. Like the other night, beef, apple & pear, mixed veggie jar and barley cereal, all  mixed together.    He loved it!

[Colin Macs Mom]

Doesn't it though?? I swear the more disgusting it is the more he likes it!