WEEK 05: More Protein

I have started introducing whole milk at lunch and afternoon snack. With that introduction means less protein from formula. So, I am exploring new ideas for protein at mealtimes. The boys already eat tofu, egg yolk, chicken and turkey occasionally, but I am still thinking about the idea of learning to eat with the family and wanting to introduce more tasty options.

FOOD DESCRIPTION
We added a new Turkey & Spinach Meatloaf this week as a protein option. The sound of it doesn't sound too appetizing, especially if you already have an aversion to meatloaf. I used to, but in the past few years have really learned to love it. I have, however, never made one with ground turkey or spinach.

I also add pastina with this same meatloaf meal. It is an organic whole grain that is super-easy to prepare with just hot water.

PROCESS

• Turkey & Spinach Meatloaf I used the recipe from wholesomebabyfood.com with a few minor changes. I didn't have Italian breadcrumbs, so I just added a few spices to the meat mixture: rosemary, basil, and oregano. I also added a little garlic powder to the spinach and cheese mixture. Like I've said before, I LOVE GARLIC and my boys are used to it in spinach already. This website also has a list of spice options for babies 8 months and older. We've been adding some of these since about 9 months old. I felt like there was a little too much of the spinach mixture to fit in my trenches (middle picture below), so I went ahead and steamed the leftover (a little messy with the cheese) for lunch. 

WHAT I LEARNED
I actually liked the turkey meatloaf myself. It was a little hard to judge "doneness" as the turkey is so moist, but I pulled out my meat thermometer just to be sure and had it right on the nose. I did not eat it for my meal, but I did taste it and the added spices and moist texture made it tasty to me.

REACTION
The boys loved the meatloaf, but weren't so much fans of the pastina. It has a small, granule-type texture and I may have ruined it by offering it to start off the meal. They ate the bits, but with grimaces on their little faces. I moved on to the meatloaf for a few bits, then the avocado. Once they were well into eating, I added a little pastina on top of the avocado and they ate it with no problem.

SUMMARY
The boys ate more meatloaf in one sitting than I would have ever imagined. I fed it to them this time for dinner (as we are saving our messy learning meals for lunch right now) and they devoured almost a plate-full of chopped up meatloaf. I will try the pastina again and may continue to mix it with various options as we would with any other pasta. I'm excited about the "cooked meal" we enjoyed this week and am looking forward to more to come.

Please share your thoughts or ideas.
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