What age is to old for jars?

Kayalana99

Wow I really wasn't expecting so much response!!! I'm really grateful for everyones help. I have some little pots but not alot so will def get some more in for freezing things.

Just a quick question when people mentioning thawing so as long its cooked 100% before frozen, you take it out say the night before? And then mircowave till hot?

Going to take a quick shower as DS has only JUST gone off to sleep...he's not usally this bad but was really fighting it...then I am going to sit here with a pen and paper and write down all these recipes/ideas and make a meal plan for next week and some of these things mentioned I will have in so I can start this tomorrow

Will need to start adding veg to everything we eat (as well as eating healthier)...that is the major issue I have I think as although we do like veg things like steak and chips etc we just do as it is...

fashionlover10

I haven't read the whole thread so not sure if anyone's mentioned it but we use Philadelphia cheese as a sauce for pasta. Add some baked chicken and veggies or tuna and sweetcorn for a quick, tasty dinner for you and little one.

Wilma33

Everyone has given you good ideas for main dinners, but lunch and snacks can be much simpler. Fingers of cucumber, stick of cheese, bits of cooked chicken, fingers of (cooked?) carrot, a banana, slices of apple, a bread stick, yogurt, strawberries, cooked broccoli "trees", etc.

meritaten

okay - at age one they are they are usually interested in what mum and dad are eating - and don't take this the wrong way, but your diet is appalling! don't you want to be around to see your grandkids?
if you really cant cook then start with simple nutritious meals.
Cheesy mash - not the packet mix, but real potato cooked until tender then mashed and a couple of ounces of grated cheese (cheddar is best and use mature not mild as you can use less cheese and it tastes better) mixed in. the baby wont care it isn't then made into pie and baked in the oven (adult version) till nicely browned on top.
Curry - babies can enjoy a mild curry and rice! all mine and my grandkids loved my home made curry - but would eat the 'express' version too. which is a jar of Passanda curry sauce to which you add chunks of cooked chicken. express rice is fine too! its just rice!
pasta and a simple stir in sauce (check the ingredients list for salt and sugar and if its low its fine for baby) just don't use too much salt to cook the pasta! sorry, assuming you know how to cook pasta - for three people then about 200gms of dried pasta will need your largest saucepan and a lot of water to which you add about a half teaspoon of salt (for the babies sake -- for just adults I would use a full teaspoon), bring to the boil and add your pasta - now read the packet for timings and as you want it quite soft add a couple of minutes - adults would want it al dente. I find kids like it rather softer.

and well done for realising that your own diet is not really suitable for baby! perhaps the baby will teach you the joy of cooking good simple food and that eating healthily is not hard or time consuming and its ok to take shortcuts!

you CAN take meals straight out of the freezer - just defrost in micro (cant give timings as it depends on too many factors) and cook on high til piping hot! just think of micro meals from the freezer - they usually specify say 5 mins on defrost and 8 mins on cook. you will soon learn how long your portions take to defrost and cook. I preferred to take them out the night before - but that isn't always possible. just make sure the food is cooked right through and let it cool down before giving to baby.

neneromanova

Spag bowl is a huge winner for us, and you can make sooooo much of it

250g mince beef
1 small tin chopped tomatos
1 veg oxo cube in 1/4 pint hot water
Onion diced
Garlic clove chopped finely
Carrots, peas, courgette, etc. (anything you like really) grated up (not the peas obviously )
Lea & perrins (added to your liking)

Fry the onions and garlic til soft, then add the mince. Cook til browned. Add the tin toms and oxo stock with some basil and other herbs you might like. I personally like Thyme. Also some pepper. Add the veg and stir on a low heat. Add your desired lea & Perrin's amount and leave to simmer away for 20ish mins. Stirring every once in a while. Cook some pasta of your choice, doesn't have to be spaghetti. Once cooked, drain, serve the pasta and mince. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired

This normally gives us enough for 2 adults, 2 kids and enough to have another adult and 2 kids eat so should be more than enough to freeze into mini pots for you.

I was exactly like you with DD1, but we all have to start out and learn somewhere

merlin1

Kayalana99 wrote: »

Wow I really wasn't expecting so much response!!! I'm really grateful for everyones help. I have some little pots but not alot so will def get some more in for freezing things.

Just a quick question when people mentioning thawing so as long its cooked 100% before frozen, you take it out say the night before? And then mircowave till hot?

yup, defrost overnight, or as I do if I forget, take it out first thing and just sit it in the microwave door shut, (dont turn it on!) for the day as soon as its starting to soften pop it in the fridge til ready to cook. It acts like a larder, but is not as cold as my fridge. My micro gets used as a daily defrosting box more than its does for anything else. just make sure the food remains cold however you defrost it. then reheat however you like, micro, oven pan whatever suits :)
Going to take a quick shower as DS has only JUST gone off to sleep...he's not usally this bad but was really fighting it...then I am going to sit here with a pen and paper and write down all these recipes/ideas and make a meal plan for next week and some of these things mentioned I will have in so I can start this tomorrow

Will need to start adding veg to everything we eat (as well as eating healthier)...that is the major issue I have I think as although we do like veg things like steak and chips etc we just do as it is..

This is the key, adding into a meal that you'll still enjoy and your boy will try lots of things too. A thought on the steak thing too, when yours is cooked you can cut a bit off, finger food size, or cut a bit off, and chop into tiny pieces, he might not eat it, but let him try, he might gag, but just let him use his fingers. there;s plenty of time for table manners
.

Oh, just signing off.... forum doesn't recognise posts in quotes apparently :rotfl:

meritaten

I didn't address the main question - sorry! it wont hurt to use the toddler jars in emergencies. but, they are really expensive and not as good as say, a simple meal of beans on toast!

Wilma33

Weetabix is another good one (and doesn't have to be breakfast!).

mountainofdebt

OP

I have to admit Ive often wondered about how you recook cottage pie after refreezing so you weren't alone there!

I have to admit that when I've eaten carp for a while I feel sluggish and have no energy at all - I also find that my bank balance suffers as well

Wilma33

You should only defrost things in the fridge, not at room temperature, else you risk food poisoning.