The farmers’ market right now is sample heaven. One of the best parts about Sunday mornings for me is that I get a morning off and don’t have to cook breakfast for my son OR my husband. That’s because most farmers’ markets feature tray after tray of freshly cut-up fruit and vegetable samples that farmers are begging you to try (of course so you’ll actually buy a bag full of their produce, but how can you resist?!).
Stone fruit (any fruit with a seed in the middle such as apricots, peaches and plums) at this time of year is incredible. Last summer when Kenya was just starting purees, I made this for him every few days. This luscious puree of white peaches and pluots ( a hybrid of plums and apricots which is 3/4 plum and 1/4 apricot to be precise) is heaven for babies.
The main difference between yellow and white peaches, besides the color, is that white peaches are generally sweeter. Pluots are known for their super sweet flavor, juiceiness and for being rich in Vitamin A.
You can really use any type of stone fruit for this recipe such a nectarines, plums, apricots or yellow peaches. If your baby is in the puree stage right now you’re so lucky because purees don’t get anymore beautiful and delicious than this one.

White Peach and Pluot Puree (Make 8 Baby Serving, freeze half)

2 White Peaches
2 Pluots

1. Using a knife, make an X at the bottom of the peaches and pluots, just cutting through the flesh. Make sure to leave them whole.
2. Place the fruit in a steamer pot over boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until the skin starts to peel back from the fruit.
3. Let the fruit cool for a minute or two. Peel all of the skin off the fruit (if you’re using ripe fruit, it should come right off).
4. Cut the fruit into large chunks, discarding the pit and place in a food processor.
5. Puree until smooth.
6. Cool and serve.

When you go to farmers markets, you think about getting the freshest produce possible. I could eat peaches and apricots until I’m blue in the face, and truly mourn when the last crop of O’Henry’s finishes for the season. What better way to satisfy a craving then by eating dried peaches and apricots.
I buy the most delectable Golden Flame Raisins from the owners of Peacock Family Farms. They’re so plump, juicy and have a gorgeous flame color. Make sure to buy unsulfured dried fruit which is darker in color. The bright orange fruit you buy at the grocery is treated with sulpher dioxite which can cause allergic reactions.
This is one of the bases that I always keep in the refrigerator. It lasts for weeks and you can add it to all kinds of purees, yogurt and cottage cheese.
Dried fruit is naturally sweet and a fantastic sources of potassium and iron, which helps the blood carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Without sufficient iron, your child will feel tired and be more susceptible to infection.

Apricot, Peach and Raisin Puree (2 1/2 Cups)

1 Cup Dried Apricots , Unsulphered
1 Cup Dried Peaches, Unsulphered
1/2 Cup Raisins
Hot Water

1. Put all fruit in a bowl and cover with hot water.
2. Let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Puree in a food processor. Add hot water from bowl a tablespoon at a time or until puree is smooth.

I came up with this recipe on a whim. We didn’t have anything green in the refrigerator and I was combing through the freezer. I always try to keep it stocked with organic fruits and vegetables when I’m in the mood for something that might be out of season or just need something quick and fresh tasting.
As I looked at bag after bag, I came upon the edamame (or Soy Beans as some like to call them)..hmmm.. What can I make that will be fast and appealing? I must have looked like a mad scientist with some of the ingredients on the counter, but it got more exciting by the moment. Edamame, curry, apricots, yogurt. It’s an Indian dish with an asian twist. Even better, soy beans are the most nutritious of all beans and contain more protein weight for weight than any other food or vegetable of animal or vegetable origin.
As I added ingredients, spoon after spoon, I kept feeling like something was missing (for me it’s usually the salt, a no no for babies). Finally I decided to leave it up to my customer. When I tell you that Kenya wouldn’t stop eating it, I mean it. Sometimes, he will get burned out fast on a taste or flavor, but this dish we could have kept eating all day.

Curried Edamame (Makes 12 Baby Serving)

1/3 Bag Frozen Edamame
3 Tbsp Whole Milk Yogurt
1/2 Tsp Curry Powder
*2 Tbsp Apricot Puree
1 Tbsp Water

1. Heat water over a steamer pot with the edamame and heat beans for 3-4 minutes.
2. Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until pureed.
3. Cool and serve.

*To make puree, put a bag or dried, unsulphored apricots in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let stand 10-15 minutes. Puree in a food processor.