As promised in last week’s Transition series post on Baby Led Weaning, this week I am sharing two of my kids favorite, BLW-friendly, recipes. And the best part… I love them too because they are perfect veggies for kids, and can be made in large batches and frozen in individual serving sizes for future use! First up was Roasted Vegetables. Next, I am finally writing down the recipe I have probably shared in more text messages and Facebook comments to my mommy friends more times than I can count… Green Mac and Cheese!
Sneaky Veggies for Kids!
See what I mean by favorite – look at that empty bowl!?!? And not only is it green, it’s 80%+ broccoli, with a little cheese blended in for creaminess and flavor.
Green Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup water
2-3 slices American Cheese
8 oz small pasta (small shells, elbows or mini farfalle)Directions:
Prepare pasta as directed. I like to use whole grain or Barilla Pasta Plus, made with lentils and beans, for added nutrition. Strain and set aside to cool.
Steam broccoli with water. I usually use 1 cup of frozen broccoli florets in a glass measuring cup with 1/2 a cup of water. I steam it in the microwave for 2 minutes, or until broccoli is fully cooked. Then, using a handheld emulsion blender (or you could put into a regular blender), I puree the steamed broccoli with the water. Finally, I tear up the slices of cheese and continue to blend it with the hot, pureed broccoli. This makes your ‘green’ cheese sauce.
I add a few tablespoons of sauce to each individual serving of pasta, and mix. Any leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator. The sauce and pasta will keep better if stored separately.
That’s it – the longest part of the process is making the pasta. The Ms love, and regularly request, green mac and cheese – they will eat 2-3 servings… even when they act like I’m trying to kill them when I serve them whole broccoli!
[bctt tweet=”Sneak more veggies in your kids’ diet! Green Mac & Cheese #kbneats #kidsfood”]
What are your favorite recipes for getting more vegetables in your child’s diet? What meals do your kids regularly request? Like our Green Mac and Cheese – pin it on Pinterest and follow our Baby Led Weaning board for all our favorite BLW recipes and tips!
6 comments
[…] of the girls favorite recipes? Green Mac & Cheese and these Roasted Veggies. You can find more great lists here and here. And for some added […]
[…] Both Ms loved the roasted vegetables and fruit so much, they never lasted 8 weeks in the freezer! Next up, the always requested fan favorite – Green Mac and Cheese! […]
I love how almost anything served with pasta is suddenly made bearable! Such a cute expression on her face, too!
Thanks for linking up to the Party in the Kids’ Kitchen.
My kids are carb-fiends! Last night, Big M scarfed two servings of a world grain assortment (quinoa, long grain, wild rice, et al), that her Dad acts like I’m trying to kill him when I make it. Just don’t serve her whole broccoli 🙂
I love broccoli. Yummie! picture is adorable. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Me too – and this is about the only way I can get them to eat it, but they love it! I saw your Broccoli Risotto recipe – that looks delicious as well. We will have to add that into our menu rotation too!