JJ's Chew-Ease

As a new mom, thinking of feeding a human being other than yourself can be daunting, to say the least. Especially when this little human you are in charge of, needs the best nutrition possible so he/she can grow and learn and be amazing. Yea, that's right mama- that's on you (and papa if there are some fella's reading this too)!

When my family and I decided to live a plantbased lifestyle, I was in a whole other world of concerns about what to feed my vegan baby. This lasted only a short time, because I was new to it - and I, like so many other people, just didn't know enough about nutrition in general. 

So I too understand the worry and mom-guilt-type feelings when it comes to feeding baby. Making baby food for Jack wasn't easy at first - but like anything you work at and learn about, you get better at it with time - and, it becomes routine. Yes, from time to time I still use those convient little pouches of food from the store - but my goal is always home made meals for myself and my family. 

Tackling the food is one thing, but finding on-the-go, easy, "mess-less" (yea right), snacks for a baby who is between purées and solid self-feedings, is another hurdle. Of course there are always Mum Mum's, Puffs, Buiscuts and even Broghies (see All Things Broghie) which have saved us on more than one occasion from sudden-onset hangry baby. However, like a lot of store-bought baby snacks, they don't tend to last long, have too much sugar, zero nutritional benefit, messy, have questionable ingredients, or some combination of these. During a discussion the other day with a friend who has twins (Amanda, you amazing woman), we were running through our short list of healthy snacks to feed baby on the go. A few days later, I remembered I had put to rest my experiments with teething cookies, partly because Jack hadent been quite old enough to enjoy them, but also because I wasn't having much luck...womp, womp. Thus, I have to admit, this one wasn't a one hit wonder. I've tried to master the chew buiscuts on a number of occasions and I think have finally won a small victory with this one. These chew's are nutritious, long lasting, soften when chewed on, sweetened naturally, don't snap or break, almost no mess (crumb level = 4/10), easy to make and baby JJ loves them... and they are cute. 

Like with ANY food item, baby should not be left unattended! ...Of course I realize all you awesome parents know this - just had to say it for my own peace of mind. ;) 

JJ's Chew-Ease

Gluten, egg, dairy, nut free, vegan, nutritious & made with love.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. 

In a mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients then add the wet. 

Dry:

1 & 1/4 cup of brown rice flour (more for dusting)

1 tablespoons ground chia

1/2 tablespoons ground flax

4 tablespoons chickpea flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of pink sea salt (optional) 

Wet:

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 a ripe banana (mashed)

1 teaspoon vanilla 

With some rice flour, dust your counter and roll the dough about 1/4 of an inch thick. Cut your chews out - a round shape is best - avoiding sharp edges. I used a toothpick to personalize them for baby JJ, so nessesary! ;) 

Place chews on a baking sheet lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper. Bake for 17-20 minutes - or until desired firmness (softer = take a few minutes off). Let them cool on a drying rack completely before your chew-hungry babe, devours them. 

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for the week or freeze for a few months. 

This recipe yields about 10.5 chew-ease. Depending on the size of your chews, it may be different. 

Macro Nutients per Chew: 

Calories: 92, Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18.5g, Fat: 1g, Fibre: 2g, Sugar: 1g

HINT: These cookies are for experienced chewers, recommended for no younger than 8 months. 

If you make the chews smaller or large than my yield - cooking time and macro nutrients will vary. 

You can eat them too, but your experienced tastebuds may find them a little bland... dare I say? That's what peanutbutter is for.