Homemade Baby Food Favorites: Butternut Squash

One of the first foods that I made for my baby was butternut squash, followed by acorn squash.  Oh boy did she love it--still does!  Click here is some great information on making butternut squash puree for your baby.  A great way to make cutting butternut squash easier is to microwave the squash for 1 minute.  I like to cut the top off of the round bottom, then half each piece, so that when you are done cutting, you should have four pieces.

A delicious way to prepare butternut squash (acorn squash too) is pair it with apples.  Mmm... my baby just loves that!  Make sure that you have introduced both butternut squash (or acorn squash) and apples.

When baby is 8 months+ try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg.  Delicious!

**After you have scooped out the seeds from the squash, don't throw them away, make a yummy snack for yourself!  Lets face it, mommy deserves good food too.  While the squash is baking, rinse the seeds under cool water, and remove the pulp.  Drain the seeds.  Put into a small bowl, and mix with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.  Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, and bake seeds in 400 degree F oven for 10 minutes.  Remove seeds from the cookie sheet immediately.  Let cool for about 5 minutes before eating. Enjoy!**