I even surprised myself at how delicious this puree turned out. I had
5 people in the kitchen while I was making it and like good testers, we all took our spoons, tried a bite and in unison exclaimed, “WOW”! I don’t know whether Kenya was starving or just really loved it, but he insisted on eating an entire cup’s worth. There goes the theory that toddlers don’t like purees. Even though there’s no orange in the recipe, it totally reminded me of drinking an Orange Julius (a drink from a restaurant that I grew up near).
Since cantaloupes are 90% water, it’s nice adding banana and yogurt to give it a little extra body, rich flavor, and end up tasting like cream.
Cantaloupes are also a heavyweight when it comes to potassium and vitamin A. This is a perfect breakfast or snack food for the 10-12 month-old set or a great for dessert for a toddler (as Kenya so brilliantly demonstrated).

Cantaloupe Cream (6 Baby Servings)

1 Cup Cantaloupe, chopped
1/3 Cup Banana
1/4 Cup Yogurt

1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree
until smooth.
2. Serve.

Last week when I was heading out to the farmers market, my friend Zoe 
said, “You should make something with figs”. Zoe, mind you, is 14 years old. How many 14 year olds do you know think about figs let alone have tried them outside of maybe a Fig Newton bar? 

Zoe was so right and luckily there were figs all over the market — ripe, sweet and something that really feels like a great treat, so why 
not feed them to your little one?!
 I realize it’s not the most common first fruit to give babies, but 
they’re one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber and have 
the highest overall mineral content of common fruits. Their soft 
texture and the crunch of their teeny tiny seeds will give an interesting mouth 
feel for little ones.
Being the crazy frugal shopper that I am, after paying $4 at the 
farmer’s market for 8 perfectly ripe figs, I wanted to see how much they were at my local supermarket. $8 for 6! I was kind of shocked, but it’s proof again that when you shop at your local farmer’s market not only is the produce you’re getting superior to what you can buy in a store, but you’re also saving money.

I served this puree to Kenya by itself and he loved it. I even had him try 
it on top of yogurt and cottage cheese, again a total hit!


Fig Puree (Makes 10 Baby Servings)

8 Figs, stems cut off and quartered

1. Place the figs in a food processor and puree until smooth.
2. Serve.