Peanut’s gustatory journey through various pureed produce items continues!  Since trying (and enjoying) sweet potatoes, she’s experienced applesauce, mashed banana, and pureed peas – all homemade by Mom (or sometimes Auntie Em, in the case of the mashed banana).  We’re trying to get a rainbow of colors into this girl, and it was time for something green – and for Peanut to embrace her English heritage.  Hence: mushy peas!

Ready?  Let’s whip up some pea puree!

This is an easy one to make, because it calls for frozen peas.  No prep, and they’re available all year ’round – score!  Start with about 2 1/2 cups of frozen organic peas, straight from the freezer.  (That’s just shy of one bag, but you can go hog wild and put the whole bag in if you’d like.)

Add about an inch of water to the bottom of a large saucepan, and drop the peas into a steamer basket.  Steam 5-7 minutes, until the peas are just warmed through, but still bright green.

Transfer peas to a food processor or high speed blender (I used my VitaMix with the usual great results).  Process until peas are the consistency your baby prefers, thinning as necessary with water, breast milk or formula.  (I used formula: Enfamil EnfaCare preemie formula, to be exact.)  This would also be a great time to add some chopped fresh mint or basil to the puree, if your baby is old enough for fresh herbs.  We’re not doing any seasonings yet, so I didn’t.

Portion puree into baby food containers: this recipe makes just about 12 ounces of pea puree, so I divided it into 12 servings of one ounce each (Peanut usually eats about half a serving before getting bored or grumpy) and transfer to fridge or freezer.  (The puree will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days; longer in the freezer.  For food safety’s sake, don’t leave it on the counter!  I like to keep the jars in the freezer and take one out for the next day around the time that Peanut gets her solid snack in the morning.  The peas can thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the counter for about 20 minutes before baby eats.  Don’t heat them in the microwave – hot spots!  Ouch!)

Again, the crucial step: feed to the baby and make sure to get pictures of her little green beard.

Enjoy!

(Recipe adapted from Cooking for Baby.)