Help I cant Cook

sassy8 · #1 (**permalink**) 29-07-10, 19:59

Hi Everyone my daughter is now 7mths old and up til now Ive been feeding her with jars, which I feel bad about this is mainly due to my lack of cooking skills & the fact I hate cooking. I have tried her on the stage 2 jars which she hates, as a result Im taking the bull by the horns and going to start making her stuff myself

Unfortunately she doesnt seem to like lumps, so I am looking for ways to introduce textures & lumps to her foods, she is willing to take toast and banana pieces. Any help much appreciated. Thanks

hiann · #2 (**permalink**) 29-07-10, 22:22

Hey and welcome!

Dont apologise abt using jars! i;m sure you're doing a great job and you probably are a good cook! If you're like me, I often find i dont like what i make usu as I've gone off the idea after spending time preparing it and cooking it!

Dont worry too much abt the lumps: she's only 7 months: it will come in time as she gets used to it!

Why not try using little pasta stars as they will be nice and soft: "overcook" them so they are past al dente so they are very soft. Assume you have tried mashing? Have you tried any meat yet? When I started giving Rhys mince, I often minced down the mince as bought mince can still be quite coarse for babies.

And btw, some babies go straight to hand held food like banana and toast so try searching for baby led weaning.

Also, I got a "net" thing in tescos by Nuby (abt £4) and you put food inside and the baby sucks it out: I use it with banana for Cara. That might be an idea? What abt dipping toast in lumpy purees too so she's the one that puts the food in her mouthwhen she wants to?

GL!

Anna07 · #3 (**permalink**) 30-07-10, 14:03

my younger daughter loved roasted vegetable sauce and cous cous when i first started introducing lumps.

i literally bunged a load of veg in the oven with a good few lugs of olive oil (red pepper, butternut squash, courgette, tomato etc) and cooked it all for about 40 mins. Then pureed this and stirred it into some couscous (literally you put the dry couscous in a bowl or tray pour a bit of boiling water on to just cover it, cover with a lid for about 5 mins till the water absorbed then fluff up with a fork).

the sauce was also great on pasta for us and my older daughter.

iwantone · #4 (**permalink**) 31-07-10, 13:21

Just take baby steps. You are probably good at cooking but have never really tried. At least that is what i was like when i was younger and it was my hubby that 'taught' me or got me cooking. Now i love it. There are loads of good / simple recipes on here in the recipes section to start you off. Good luck. x

Clairs27 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-10, 23:40

Aww i was very afraid when i first started the cooking. I love doing it for her now. I get such satisfaction knowing what she is getting. I started on the organic pouches (dont think i can give brands) then got a stock pile of food going. Literally just steamed single items in the early days and mixed and matched cubes so she got a different variety every day. I just started pureeing on number 1 on the blender to get my lumps and started adding well cooked baby pasta stars this week. So far so good! My baby doesn't get the whole 'finger foods' bit. She just won't hold it and pushes it out when i put a piece/chunk of fruit to her lips. Remember they are all different and do things at different stages! so wouldn't worry to much! I know i am not. She will get it, i have faith in her lol.
Honestly for your cooking, get a cooking apron. I did this and felt like a professional instantly lol. boost your ego! Just started the AK meal recipes, very very easy to follow. Honestly you can do it!!!!!!