Baby Food - Apple and Banana Oatmeal

2 TB gluten free organic oats (or regular oats if you're not GF)

½ cup water

1 to 2 organic apples peeled and finely chopped (green Granny Smith apples are best)

1 organic banana, mashed

1 TB organic raisins (green are best)

Organic ground flax seeds (optional)

Put the oats, water, apples, and banana in a saucepan and stir to mix.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the raisins (I cut them in half first), then set aside to cool and allow the raisins to plump and soften.  Then add the ground flax seeds for extra nutrients.  Puree in a blender or baby food processor.

I got a cheap coffee grinder for $12 and use it just for flax seeds. Once you grind the flax seeds, they go rancid quickly so it’s best to grind them right when you are going to use them.  You can add them to other baby foods as well, or to smoothies.  Flax seeds are high in omegas and are a great source of fiber.  You can also buy flax powder.  I like one by Navitas Naturals at the health food store or Whole Foods. 

You can get Bob’s Red Mill gluten free oats at Woodman’s, but they are not organic.  I had to order organic online at www.gfharvest.com.

You can also sub pears for the apples.  Green apples and oats have a calming effect.  Bonus! J