Baby Food Made Easy

Though it may be hard to see in the picture, Baby J is smiling because she has just finished a serving of "Enlightened Macaroni and Cheese," a recipe by our Resident Chef, Amanda Skrip, from July's "Baby Food Made Easy Series." It's so good (read: easy to make) that mom and dad even like it too! For more recipes like this one, join us at Bump Club and Beyond's popular series, "Baby Food Made Easy presented by Whole Foods Market and Baby Brezza." For now, give this recipe a try! I am sure that baby (and the rest of your family) will love it!

Enlightened Mac + Cheese
Ingredients:
2 cups peeled and chopped carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
8 oz. of noodles
2 oz. of organic cream cheese
1 1/4 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)

Fill Baby Brezza with 160 mL of purified water. Add carrots and set machine to 'steam and blend' for 25 minutes. (If you do not have a Baby Brezza, you can steam and mash the carrots, or steam and puree in a blender. Transfer mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking liquid, and drain pasta. Return pasta to the pot and add carrot puree, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and reserved cooking fluid. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes---until sauce is thickened and pasta is coated. Stir in cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and paprika (if desired); stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a medium baking dish. Broil, on high, for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.

Bon Appetit!

Baby Food Made Easy will begin it's third run at various Whole Foods locations around the Chicago on October 13, 2011. All participants not only will go home with knowledge about what to introduce to baby and when, but how to prepare it in an easy way. Everyone will also take home a shopper tote filled with products and goodies from many of our partners who are sold at Whole Foods Market. Snacks and refreshments provided at each class. For more information, visit www.bumpclubandbeyond.com.