Family Food on the Table

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    • Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes -->This collection of easy chicken dinner recipes features some of our favorite family dishes, perfect for making a healthy, delicious home cooked meal on a busy night! Getting a healthy, home cooked meal on the table every night can be challenging. Particularly with the demands of work, school, activities and social obligations, well, it can be the last thing we want to do at the end of the day. So I’ve got tons of easy chicken recipes at my disposal that I turn to when I need to whip something up for us on one of those busy weeknights. (Or even busy weekends – dinners can be tough then, too!) And this collection of easy chicken dinner recipes has some that we make over and over again. It includes everything from skillet chicken dinners to slow cooker chicken recipes, one-pot chicken pastas, soups and salads with chicken, chicken burgers and meatballs, sheet pan chicken dinners and easy chicken casseroles. Are you looking for fast as well as easy? Me too. I’ve got collections of chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster still, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Or if you want to browse them all, my quick chicken recipes…
      • Easy Chicken Recipes with Few IngredientsThese easy chicken recipes with few ingredients include some great healthy lunch and dinner options, all made with 5 or fewer ingredients! I am all about the EASY when it comes to cooking. I don’t like to fuss much over my food and I certainly don’t like to spend a ton of time in the kitchen at the end of a long day. Easy chicken dinner recipes and healthy lunch recipes with chicken are much more my style. (As are chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster yet, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Cause life.) Speaking of life, a million trips to the grocery store also aren’t fun during a busy week. (Especially with little ones in tow!) So I’ve got these go-to easy chicken recipes with few ingredients that help me keep dinnertime simple. And my sanity intact. In fact, one of the first cookbooks I bought on my own, at a used bookstore in Washington, D.C., where I lived for a few years after college, was titled 3-ingredient recipes. I was pretty new to cooking and thought, I think I can handle that. My cooking skills have improved, but I still go for the simple chicken recipes…
      • Quick Chicken RecipesThis collection of quick chicken recipes features some of our favorite family dinners and go-to lunches, all ready in 30 minutes or less! From chicken skillet dinners to one-pot pastas, salads to burgers, you’re sure to find some new favorites! If you know me, you know I am ALL about the quick and easy recipes. I love making all of our homemade meals and home cooked dinners, but like you, I’ve also got a hundred other things to juggle and so keeping things simple in the kitchen is a must. And these quick chicken recipes include all of my chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, even faster, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Sanity savers for sure. Busy weeknights have nothing on us! A few of our favorites from these quick chicken recipes: Healthy chicken Alfredo with broccoli Creamy chipotle chicken 20-minute chicken and tortellini soup with kale Skillet salsa chicken Easy creamy chicken This collection also has some healthy lunch recipes with chicken for mixing up your lunch routine. (It doesn’t include my slow cooker chicken recipes though, since those aren’t ready in 30 minutes. But they can be super quick to prep in the morning and then…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 15 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pot wonders to salads, chicken skillets to tacos, you’re sure to find some new fast favorites! You know those nights when you walk in the door and need dinner pronto?! Like, 5 minutes ago? That’s when I turn to these quick and easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. I can make a healthy, home cooked meal for my family and be sitting down to enjoy it in no time. Cause plenty of evenings, 15 minutes is often all the time I have – or want to spend – on dinner. I’m not alone on that, right?! You can browse below but I thought I’d highlight a couple that I make over and over again. A few of our favorite easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes: 15-minute honey garlic chicken (gets rave reviews!) Southwest chicken skillet dinner (pile on your favorite toppings!) Quick chicken curry (perfect with rice and peas) One-pot low-carb leftover chicken recipe with spinach (my dad’s go-to recipe) This collection also includes some healthy lunch options that are quick to put together — like the Asian chicken mason jar…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 30 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pan meals to burgers, one-pot pastas to healthy salads, you’re sure to find some new favorites! Quick, easy and mostly healthy is pretty much the name of the game for dinner at my house. I love a home cooked meal and we eat a ton of chicken, which means I’ve come up with and found a lot of easy chicken recipes over the years. And this collection highlights some of my easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes, when you want something delicious but need it on the table pretty quickly. Is that every single night for you too? We’ve got everything from skillet chicken dishes to chicken pasta and from soups and salads with chicken to chicken meatballs and burgers. All the chicken love! Many of these recipes use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (though you could substitute chicken thighs if you prefer) while others use ground chicken and some rely on pre-cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken you pick up at the store or some leftover grilled or baked chicken. Lots of these 30 minute chicken dinners are complete meals but…
      • Healthy One-Pot Chicken DinnersHealthy one-pot chicken dinners are such a help on busy days! This collection includes everything from one-pot pastas and skillets to easy slow cooker and sheet pan recipes to help you get an easy, healthy and delicious dinner on the table any night! I am ALL about quick and easy meals. I cook our dinner 99% of the time, including on days when work has blown up in my face, or the kids have decided to coordinate their melt-downs, or we’re all just wiped out and hungry. And even though I love to cook, I definitely have those days when I’m just not feeling it. Enter some quick and easy one-pot chicken dinners for the win! These are great to have in your back pocket for busy days, busy weeks or in case of a “kids-are-making-me-crazy” kinda moment. (My husband also loves these meals because he’s on clean-up duty and it’s nice not to have a huge pile of dishes staring you down after dinner!) Many of these dishes are complete meals on their own. Others are low-carb as written, but can easily be paired with some rice, pasta, bread or potatoes to bulk them up a bit. Here are…
      • Slow Cooker Chicken RecipesThese hands-off slow cooker chicken recipes will put your slow cooker to work and have you coming home to a delicious, healthy dinner that’s ready to go! Some days, you just need someone else to make you dinner. I’m not talking takeout or delivery or a restaurant dinner. I’m talking about your crock pot or slow cooker. I find it supremely satisfying to go about my day, knowing that a delicious home cooked dinner is cooking up at home for me. I can play with the kids, take them to practices, run errands or just relax with a book and breathe easy. These slow cooker chicken recipes mean there is just one less thing to do in the evening and that’s a great thing on a busy day! This collection includes slow cooker recipes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well as chicken thighs (though you can usually sub either one). And many of these take just minutes to prep in the morning! 👍 Here’s a few of our favorite slow cooker chicken recipes: Slow cooker balsamic chicken Slow cooker bistro chicken thighs Slow cooker apricot chicken Crock pot Mediterranean chicken Slow cooker teriyaki chicken And be sure to check…
    • Easy Vegetarian RecipesEasy vegetarian recipes include main-dish meals that are hearty and satisfying and can stand alone for lunch or dinner (with a few savory breakfast options as well). Everything from one-pot veggie pastas to stuffed squash to chili to veggie burgers and hearty grain bowls and salads, there are meatless options here for everyone! I am a veggie lover through and through. 💚💚💚 I adore getting in as many vegetables as I can, throughout the day really, and I often make easy vegetarian dinners a couple of times a week. (Hello meatless Monday, I’m looking at you!) So over the years, I’ve created tons of great veggie-based meals that can stand on their own for lunch or dinner and be hearty and satisfying. And that are also mostly quick and easy, because I work as a health and nutrition editor and we’ve got a busy family so cooking on a weeknight needs to be low-key. My one-pot vegetarian spaghetti has been a hugely popular recipe here on the blog and you guys can’t seem to get enough of my grain bowls and salads. I know the feeling. 😉 I wanted to round up some of these in an easy-to-browse category that features…
    • Healthy Oatmeal RecipesA collection of healthy oatmeal recipes, including sweet and savory breakfast and brunch options as well as delicious, wholesome snacks and desserts. We are pretty much oatmeal fanatics in my house. ALL of us adore oatmeal and it’s a rare day that we’re not making or eating something with oats or oatmeal in it at some point during the day. And I mean all four of us – my husband, myself and our kids (currently ages 6 and 4). Our go-to 3-minute microwave oatmeal is a morning staple for my husband and a weekly staple for the kids and me. My kids eat overnight oatmeal jars at least twice a week for breakfast and we often have baked oatmeal another morning of the week. For school lunches or afternoon snack, we can be found munching on some no-bake cookie or energy balls with oats, oatmeal cookies of some variety or if they’ve asked nicely, I’ll make a batch of granola and we all just shovel handful after handful until it’s gone. Want to know some of our very favorites of the group below? OK, I’ll share! Our family’s favorite healthy oatmeal recipes: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Overnight oatmeal jars, 3…
    • Healthy Muffin RecipesA collection of easy, kid-friendly healthy muffin recipes for all times of day: breakfast, school lunch, snacking, dinner and dessert! We are BIG muffin lovers in this house, at all times of day! My kiddos love them for breakfast, brunch, school lunch, afternoon snack and sometimes even savory muffins at dinner. Muffins all the time! I’ve made thousands of healthy muffin recipes over the years and I love sharing them with you! There are plenty to browse below and plenty more I plan to add! (You can sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a recipe. You’ll also get my FREE e-book of easy weeknight dinners.) Wondering where to start? Spinach banana mini muffins and whole wheat pumpkin muffins are some of our constant favorites. Healthy peanut butter and jelly muffins are fun for lunch and easy cheesy cornbread muffins are great for a quick + easy dinner side, especially with soup or chili! And if you’re in the mood for a little chocolate (I know I always am!) you can’t go wrong with my healthy chocolate chip muffins. Hope you find some new favorite healthy muffin recipes! XO, Kathryn
    • Healthy DessertsThis collection of healthy desserts features everything from lightened up cookie bars and brownies to cakes, muffins and breads to no-bake energy bites. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with healthy choices! Healthy desserts are kind-of my jam. I like a dessert that gives back. One that has redeeming qualities. A sweet treat that’s going to treat me right. But of course, it also needs to be delicious so I actually satisfy those sweet cravings! The healthier dessert recipes you’ll find below are some of our go-to treats that are perfect for a healthier late-night option and many of which are great for offering kids a wholesome, but fun, treat for an after-school snack or tucked in their lunch box. Most of these recipes are whole grain and naturally sweetened, others are recipe makeovers that are lower in sugar and/or butter. A majority of them contain chocolate. 🍫❤️ And ALL are easy to make. (You can also check out my healthy muffin recipes and my entire category of sweets & desserts if you want more.) Here’s a few of our favorite healthy desserts: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Healthier no bake cookie bars No…
    • Healthy Fall BakingThese healthy fall baking favorites include everything from muffins and baked oatmeal to snacks to cookies and cakes. These fall recipes are whole grain and most are naturally sweetened for a wholesome, delicious treat at breakfast, snack, school lunch or dessert! Does anyone else get the baking bug when the cooler weather starts to roll in during autumn? I know I do! I get excited for all the apple baking projects, pumpkin baking projects and even getting ready for all the holiday baking to come! 🍎🎃 The spices, the warmth, the aroma of having something in the oven is just part of the season for me. Plus the love that comes from a homemade baked good – it just can’t be beat! ❤️ And y’all know my style is definitely a healthier version of baking. I use whole grains and most of my recipes are naturally sweetened. I try to lighten things up where possible and keep to mostly wholesome treats, maybe with a little indulgence here and there! 😉 Wondering where to start? Here are some of our healthy fall baking favorites: Chocolate chip apple cake Pumpkin baked oatmeal with chocolate chips Whole wheat pumpkin applesauce bread Easy healthy…
  • Baby Food
    • Baby Food Cookbook
    • Beginner Baby FoodsGet started with these easy beginner baby foods, including batch cooking ideas and detailed instructions.
    • Baby Food Combinations + RecipesA collection of favorite baby food combinations and lots of recipes for baby and toddler foods.
    • Baby Food ResourcesA collection of resources, information and ideas about making homemade baby food.
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Homemade Baby Food Guide

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Homemade baby food is a great way to provide wholesome, tasty, quality first foods for your baby. Check out the resources below, batch cooking ideas for beginner baby food basics, and our favorite combinations and recipes!A trio of different colored baby food purees with baby spoons and blocks spelling out b-a-b-y

Making your own baby food at home is really very easy.

I pinky promise! It’s also much less expensive and less wasteful than store-bought versions. And honestly, it’s more convenient. No, really.

Yes, you have to take the time to make the food, but once you have a routine down, you’ll always have plenty of food options on hand in your fridge and freezer and you won’t ever need to run to the store (with a hungry baby in tow – no fun!) to buy your weight in jars. 😳

I’ve got tons of information here on the blog – resources and recipes – but if you want everything in one place and in a beautiful book, check out my new cookbook. It’s called Healthy, Quick and Easy Baby Food and it’s got ALL the info you need to get started plus 100 recipes ranging from single purees to combinations to finger foods and toddler foods. It’s everything you’ll need for this journey. Oh, and it makes a great gift, too!

But you can also dive in here and get tons of information. Read on below for more info or click on one of these category buttons to get started:

Homemade baby food resources - tons of tips on getting started with making homemade baby food!                          Homemade baby food - beginner foods for baby, with tips on batch cooking to make it fast + easy!                          Homemade baby food combinations and recipes - our favorite foods for older babies and toddlers!

My story: I made ALL of the baby food for both of my kids – not a store-bought jar or squeezie pouch in sight. Maybe it’s because I’m a control freak, but I wanted to know what they were getting. I didn’t want any salt or sugar added to their first foods and I wanted to be a little more hands-on with their first experience with food. It’s a milestone after all!

But I also know that making your own baby food is just one more thing to do… and when you’re short on time and on sleep, one more thing can feel overwhelming. I totally get it.

So that’s why I want to bring you all of these homemade baby food resources in one place so you could see how easy it can be! (In fact, you can scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the short video to see it in action!)

And that’s why I have SIX rounds of batch cooking for baby food basics for you, five of which involve making 5 different baby foods in just 20 minutes. (Find them all under the Beginner Homemade Baby Foods category).

This way you can cook up a bunch of different foods at one time, pack them all up and be done for the week – or several weeks!

Let’s dive into it a bit more and talk about some commonly asked questions and concerns.

FAQs about homemade baby food:

When do I start introducing solids?

Currently, the recommendation is to introduce solids to a baby somewhere between 4 and 6 months old, depending on the child’s readiness. Signs include a baby who can sit up well without support, who has head control, a baby who can use its tongue to push food to the back of its throat to swallow (instead of just pushing it back out of its mouth), and a baby who reaches for food or acts curious about food. Talk to your pediatrician about when to introduce solids for your baby.

What homemade baby food should I start with?

Pediatricians and experts are now open to a variety of first baby foods, from the typical rice puree to sweet potatoes to peas or oatmeal. Make sure your puree is very thin for a baby just starting solids and you can add new foods from there. Here’s my sample introducing homemade baby food schedule for which foods are best at different baby ages.

What consistency should homemade baby food be?

Homemade baby food should be very thin and completely pureed and smooth (no solid pieces) for a baby that’s just starting solids. As a baby gets older and is accustomed to eating and swallowing, you can begin adding small amounts of texture to the baby food, as they are ready, gradually working up to a more chunky consistency to prepare them to transition to finger foods.

What do you need to make homemade baby food?

You don’t need any special baby food equipment to make homemade baby food. A simple blender or food processor will do to make almost every puree. A few other kitchen tools will make the job a little easier and more convenient, but they aren’t necessary. Get my full run-down of homemade baby food equipment recommendations.

How do I store homemade baby food?

It’s best to store homemade baby food in small containers with a tight seal. This allows you to portion out just a bit at a time to avoid wasting food. If freezing, you can use ice cube trays to make small cubes. Once they are frozen, transfer the cubes to a labeled freezer-safe bag. Get more info on our favorite baby food containers with my homemade baby food equipment recommendations.

How long does homemade baby food last?

You can refrigerate homemade baby food for up to 3-5 days and freeze baby food for up to 4-6 months. Just be sure to label everything and keep it tightly covered!

(Baby food that has been opened and eaten is considered contaminated. The baby’s saliva and germs have gotten on the food from the spoon and can potentially grow other bacteria. It’s best to throw away baby food that’s been partially eaten. And it’s a good reason to only portion out a small amount at a time!)

What homemade baby food can I freeze?

All of it! Fruit purees, vegetable purees, grain purees, bean and meat purees all can be kept in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. Make sure it is labeled and well covered. Defrost homemade baby food safely in the refrigerator overnight. Also, be sure to check the consistency once thawed to be sure the food, especially any grain or starch, isn’t too thick or gummy for your baby.

What can I add to homemade baby food?

Baby purees can be combined in a lot of different ways! Grains and starches go great with most fruits and vegetables, you can add any fruit to yogurt or applesauce, you can add fruits to meat purees, veggies to bean purees and so much more. Check out this post for lots of beginner and advanced homemade baby food combinations.

What do I do with leftover homemade baby food?

Leftover baby food can be used in so many ways! Stir leftover fruit purees into oatmeal or yogurt or use as a spread for toast. Add leftover vegetable purees to pasta sauces, mashed potatoes, meatballs or burgers. Use leftover bean or meat purees as a spread in quesadillas. Use combinations of leftover favorites to make homemade baby food squeeze pouches. I’ve got tons more information, ideas and recipes (plus a free printable!) on ways to use leftover baby food here.


Finally, I created a guide all about how to make homemade baby food purees to walk you through it step-by-step. It also includes the how-to on 10 popular beginner purees to get you started on your journey.

Whether you want to make all of your foods or you just want to supplement some store-bought basics, I hope you find these resources useful!

And I’m here if you run into trouble or have questions or need help. Or just need someone to say thank you, because that sweet baby won’t. I will. I’ll say thank you.

(You can sign up for my free e-newsletter to stay connected and so you never miss a new post or recipe! Bonus: You’ll get my free e-cookbook with 10 healthy weeknight dinners 👍)

Tag me on Instagram with pictures of your baby food, of your little one eating it (or smearing it or throwing it or just staring intently at it), of you making it happen. I will celebrate you!

Oh, and here’s that video:

Check out my baby food resources, beginner baby foods, and baby food combinations and recipes categories for more ideas. Happy cooking!

XO,

Kathryn

P.S. Pin this page to come back to for reference 👇

Homemade Baby Food can be so easy to make! Check out these tips for getting started, some beginner baby foods and our favorite combinations and recipes!

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two kids, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes and resources to help you get delicious food on the table for your family! More about me

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