Nine Months

Nine Months

 At nine months, you can start to introduce foods to your child that make eating far more flavorful and nutritious.  

Time saver: peel fresh garlic faster by
 placing entire pod in a tightly covered
pan and shaking it.  Then remove the tips,
chop and cook.

Garlic: some lists will say that you may start garlic as early as 7-8 months, as it is not a common allergen, but certainly by nine months, garlic should be a staple in your child’s diet.  Garlic has many purported health benefits, including being a natural broad-spectrum anti-biotic, which many recommend as part of a home-remedy for ear infection and good source of iron, but the best part of garlic is its flavor.  Garlic can be strong and cause stomach aches, especially if eaten raw, so until your child’s digestive system develops further, stick to cooked garlic, which can be baked to have a sweet flavor. 

Garlic can be bought fresh in a clove or pre-minced, etc. in a bottle.  Some contend that bottled garlic has a bitter taste but it is certainly faster to use.  I prefer fresh garlic, which to flavor a food that will be cooked and pureed, need only to have its ends cut, crushed by the side of the knife and the peel removed; if the garlic is to be incorporated into a dish, it will need to be chopped further so as not to overwhelm.

Onions: Onions are a member of the same family as garlic, have many of the same properties and benefits, including being a great natural way to fight colds, and a great source of fiber and flavor. 

Also, at this time, you may start to introduce herbs and spices, including pepper, basil, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, mint, ginger, rosemary, and dill. 

Beans: the school yard song was true; beans really are good for your heart!  You may either buy dried beans in a bag, which are slightly healthier or purchase them in a can.  Dried beans take a long time to cook and a bag can feed an army, which is why I purchase low-sodium beans in a can and thoroughly wash and drain them before serving them to my son, who eats them like candy.  Be advised: 1. Washing will not remove all of the sodium, which can be substantial in canned beans and 2. Beans can be a choke hazard so watch a child as they consume them.  Remember your child's love of beans as they mature, because they make a great finger food for children of all ages.

Recipe: Baby Mexican

1 thawed cube of chicken

1 glove of cook garlic

1 slice of cooked onion

1T avocado

2T your favorite beans

1T plain, whole milk yogurt

1cube squash or other vegetable

 

Microwave raw onion in a small container or water until soft.  Thaw other foods.  Mix thoroughly with fresh ingredients, modifying portions to match appetite, and blend to desired consistency.

Other great foods to introduce to a nine-month-old’s diet are white potatoes and mushrooms, cream cheese, and cottage cheese.

 

Mom and Dad Meals

 

Dragon Breath Pasta

(4 servings; 15 minute prep time)

Child's version: limit garlic and ensure
it is finely chopped as raw garlic
is strong and is chunks, crunchy.

Spinach or whole wheat pasta (according to package)

2T EVOO

8 cloves of fresh garlic (more or less according to taste)

2T fresh minced basil

1c Parm

1-2 hot peppers (optional)

2 medium tomatoes



Use a pasta with a lot of surface area, such as a spiral, so that the garlic can adhere.  Bowl water for pasta add a 2T of kosher salt and some olive oil to the water.  Cook pasta until it reaches the desired texture.
Choose a pod of fresh garlic.  Fresh cloves of garlic are heavier than older.  Mince well and place in bottom of bowl with EVOO, basil and optional hot peppers.  Once pasta is cooked, drain noodles, reserving 1/4c of water.  Toss reserved water and pasta in bowl with the above.  Once noodles are coated with mixture, add cheese and gently toss again.
Place in bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese and tomatoes according to taste.

Covering the Bases Couscous

So many people are unfamiliar with couscous, which packs a heavier nutritional punch than pasta, but much like pasta, is available in a wheat option. 

2/3c+ of sweet onion
8+ medium to large white mushroom
1c+ frozen green peas
1T Olive Oil

1 can wild salmon
 Near East Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Wheat Couscous
Parmesan Cheese

Dice onions and mushrooms and place with olive oil in a pan that has a lid.  Sweat the mushrooms for 5 minutes and add peas, liquid from directions on the box, and flavor packet.  Follow directions on box.  Serve with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan on top.  Prep and cook time approx. 15 minutes.