When To Feed Your Baby Solids

"Did you know babies are nauseated by the smell of a clean shirt?" - Jeff Foxworthy

   I was listening to NPR today and a segment came on titled Survey: Parents Risk Babies' Health By Feeding Them Solid Food Too Early. A couple of things were mentioned that solidified why we do what we do in our home. The Wife, as has been mentioned before, is a research nut. It's really a talent of hers and she's tried to keep up on all the recommendations when it comes to care for our children. She's been diligent with nursing, even when our little ones treat it like they're being water boarded. Her diligence includes not giving solids to the little ones until 6 months old. We're there now.

   The NPR segment mentions that those who choose to start early are running the risk of chronic conditions such as childhood obesity.The CDC has some Childhood Obesity Facts that are a good reminder of why we need to keep that in check. The epidemiologist that was interviewed, Kelly Scanlan, mentioned that there is no good reason to start an infant early on solid foods. The study that was conducted said that about half of mothers got the impression from their health care providers that it was okay to introduce solids before 6 month, which is untrue. So we're needing to be more clear with our doctors, and they with us.

   This all being said, it's a lot of fun once we can introduce new foods. I've always tried to get video of each new food we try out on each child. The reactions are priceless, whether they be super excited for more, or make the face of utter disgust. I love the gusto in which my little ones go after their food. If it ain't all over, it ain't a good meal. Our kitchen looks like the end of the Animal House food fight. It's a lot of work, but getting our little ones started out right is a huge priority. How are you all doing? Thoughts?

J. 

10 Steps To The Best Sweet and Sour Chicken

(Photo courtesy of The Cheeky Cafe)

“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” ― Orson Welles

   In the recent quest to find ways to cook at home and make it oh-so-tasty, The Wife stumbled across a recipe at Made It And Loved It that is to DIE for. The Wife made it, and yes, we loved it. It's only been two or three weeks and we've made it 4 times, with leftovers that are just as good as when it's fresh. I've been trying to round it to 10 easy steps so that 'yer done before you can say "COMBO NUMBER 5!!!"  Check it out. 

The Cheeky Daddy's 10 Steps to The Best Sweet and Sour Chicken

(prep time: 20-25 minutes   -   cook time 30 minutes)

Chicken Breading:                                     Sauce:
3-5 chicken breast salt and pepper                3/4 cups sugar
1 cup cornstarch                                          4 Tablespoons ketchup (or barbecue sauce)
2 eggs, beaten                                            1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
1/3 cup canola oil                                         1 Tablespoon soy sauce
                                                                  1 teaspoon garlic salt

1. Rinse chicken, trim off fat or extras and then cut into 1 inch cubes. season with salt and pepper.

2. Set out the bowl of corn starch and bowl of the two scrambled eggs. 

3. Dip chicken into cornstarch and coat all the way and then into eggs.

4. Heat oil in large skillet. Cook chicken until browned.

5. Be sure to lightly separate pieces so there's not one giant piece.

6. Combine sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth. 

7. Place chicken in non-stick baking pan and pour sauce over chicken. 

8. Mix in chicken lightly to coat both sides. 

9. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then flip chicken pieces over and bake for another 15 minutes. 

10. Serve over rice with any combination of vegetable to taste, and prepare to be amazed. 

(10 steps photographed)

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Step 4	Step 5	Step 6
Step 7	Step 8	Step 9

Step 10

   I hope you try this one out. I've enjoyed this dish as much as, if not more, than any restaurant I've been to. It's now a reward for me helping more around the house, with the kids etc. The Wife KNOWS she's got me. I don't mind,...it's just soooooo good!

J. 

Pumpkin Chili - A Rainy Day Dish

 

 

"Are you crazy! You fed a baby chili?!" - Mr. Mom

 

   The Wife and I are always looking for quick, easy, yummy, and relatively healthy meals to cook at home. The Wife found this recipe and we've fallen in love with. It's especially tasty during the colder months. We've tried minor variations to see how we can improve or change it to our liking, but with the original recipe, one can never go wrong. It's got so many flavors, colors, and textures that I'll take it any day of the week. It re-heats well and can either add to you children's favorites, or be used as punishment if they don't eat their own dinner (your choice parents!).

 

 

The Cheeky Daddy presents - Pumpkin Chili

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped peppers
Pkg of lean ground turkey/beef
1 can lite coconut
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can sweet corn
1 can pure pumpkin
1-2 can strained kidney beans

Heat 1 tbs oil, sauté onions and peppers
Add meat and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess oil.
Add canned goods, stir in well
Add 2+ tbs of chili powder
Add 2+ tbs curry powder
Add optional pumpkin spice
1 tsp ground pepper
Dash of salt
Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Serve in bowls and add cheese and dollop of sour cream if desired.

 

Enjoy and let me know if any of you get around to trying it out.

 

J.