When Big Sister approached 12 months, feeding time became a challenge. She was always a good eater, and i was very proud of that..then she pulled up a stunt on me.. refusing to eat foods that she used to love. We were both "experimenting" i think.. for her its the new world of homemade table foods..and as for me..adjusting to what will work for her appetite. Here's a few recipe that she loves to eat now ( without a fight!).. very easy and healthy and easy on the budget too. Some of these I make in batches, i would just freeze it in small containers ( im a forgetful one. so i put dates on each of the containers). Meaning i didn't have to cook everytime = more playtime with her..more me time..more family time. I added the cost too, though on some ingredients are already available in our fridge/pantry.

POTATO CHOWDER

1/4 C. cubed and cooked potato -- $1.99 / bag (8 lb bag on sale)
3 T. shredded mild Cheddar or American cheese -- $2.50 /package
1/4 C. milk
2 tsp. butter
Peas, carrots and/or corn, or shredded brocolli ( the only way I can get her to eat broccoli) - about $3.00 approx.
1/3 C. diced and cooked boneless breast or ground chicken  ( if you want to add..i didn't add meat this time)

Mix chicken, veggies, potato, milk, and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir in cheese. Serve warm.


BOWTIE PASTA WITH KALE 

1 package of bowtie pasta -- $1.00 ( on sale)
1 jar of alfredo sauce ( Ragu) -- $1.50
1/2 cup milk ( whole or 2%..its up to you)
1 cup kale -- .99 cents a bunch
1 cup diced zucchini -- $.89/lb
2 tbsp butter ( or EVOO if you prefer)
salt pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package direction ( add salt and olive oil). Melt butter. Saute kale until tender, then zucchini..add the Alfredo sauce. Mix with cooked bowtie pasta..add salt and pepper to taste.


VERY BERRY SMOOTHIE

1/2  cup Strawberry ( when the store have this on sale. i buy a few packages and freeze the, as they go bad easily..good for pancakes, shakes/smoothies, pies..etc) -- $1.25 /lb
1/2 Boysenberry ( or blueberries) -- $1.99
half sliced of banana - .24 cents ( approximate only)
1 cup whole milk - $2.19 a GALLON

Using a blender  , mix everything if wanted a lil thicker add less milk. I didn't put sugar as fruits is a good source of natural sugar.


GRILLED CHEESE WITH VEGGIE STICK AND AVOCADO DIP

2 slice of whole wheat bread
1-2 slices of Kraft American cheese -- $2.29 / package
butter
Carrots and Celery -- cut to strips
Half of avocado -- $1
milk ( i used Nido powdered milk, 1 tsp)

Heat grill pan or just a frying pan ( no big deal!) spread butter of each side of the whole wheat bread.. put the bread on the grill pan..top with cheese. ( a minute)..cover the bread with the other piece and press a lil. Set aside. For the Avocado dip, just mashed it and sprinkle with NIDO ( or any powdered milk ) ..mix until blended. serve with carrot and celery strips.