Peanut Butter, Banana, Oat Muffins for Baby (and Mom)

When I went grocery shopping the other day they were giving free samples of muffins. While I usually resist buying those kinds of things, that particular day I was STARVING, and those muffins were begging to come home with me. So they did, and I ate two of them before I even got home. As I was stuffing my face I was reminded that I've been meaning to make some muffins for my little. You know... ones that aren't chalked full of sugar, white flour, preservatives, and other things that should not be consumed by babies. Nor their mother's, but I'm not sorry. So I hit up Pinterest and came across a recipe that I chose for a few reasons: I had all the ingredients, they were relatively healthy, and I've been wanting to introduce my baby to peanut butter. Read about the new research and standards that suggests introducing high-allergen foods before the age of one here.

I like to get away with doing as little dishes as possible. If I think I can create a short-cut without sacrificing taste I will give it a try. In this case, I had the bright (and by bright, I mean lazy) idea of blending all of the ingredients in the blender, since I was going to have it out blending the oats. That way I wouldn't have to dirty an extra bowl and my mixer. I know that over mixing muffin batter is a culinary sin, so I was a bit worried, but thought it was worth a shot. I'm happy to report that the muffins were tender, moist, and delicious.

Here's a link for the original recipe: http://feastingnotfasting.com/peanut-butter-banana-muffins-with-oat-flour/. I also modified it by adding coconut oil and substituting just a smidgen of brown sugar for the honey, since honey is a no-no for babies.

As I was thinking through the recipe I realized that it's also great for breastfeeding mom's: Oats are great for milk supply; they boast a substantial amount of protein between the oats and the peanut butter (for a muffin, anyway); and the with addition of the good fats from the coconut oil they are a perfect snack or breakfast for mom, and baby.

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Peanut Butter Banana Oat Muffins

by Dava Jamerson May-16-2016

These muffins are a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast for baby and mom! Modified from Feastingnotfasting.com.

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cup (blend 1 3/4 cup oat in blender) Oat Flour
• 1 cup (about three medium ripe bananas) Bananas
• 2 tbs. Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Peanut Butter
• 2 tbs. Coconut Oil
• 1 tbs. Almond Milk
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Blend old fashioned oats into flour in food processor or blender.3. Add peanut butter, bananas, and sugar and blend to incorporate.4. Add eggs, oil, milk and vanilla and blend to incorporate.5. For the last addition, add the rest of the dry ingredients: cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.6. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Do not over bake, or muffins will be dry.

Details

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 16 mins Total time: 21 mins Yield: 12

Modified Baby Led Weaning (A Natural Approach)

I dabble in natural, healthy living. I'm certainly not the best at it, but I know (and try) to follow the basics. (We won't talk about the Nutella and toast I just had for breakfast, *ahem*.) Anyway, while I, myself, could definitely use some improvement I think I have a pretty good system for my little. It helps that he doesn't know what chocolate is, yet. Heh.

 I knew that I wanted to breastfeed long before I became pregnant and it has come fairly easy to us, thankfully. The significance of this is not lost on me; I know it can sometimes be a struggle and I had prepared myself for that possibility before he was born. But, this is not a post about breastfeeding, so moving on...

There we were, just trucking along in our breastfeeding journey; then, in a blink of an eye, my tiny baby was six month old. Now, I had done plenty of research on starting solids and different feeding methods, but I had not made a formal decision on what to implement. I liked the idea of Baby Led Weaning, but in all honesty, the idea of giving my kid a piece of whatever we were eating and saying "have at it" made me nervous. Yes, I've read about babies' strong gag reflexes and all the jazz, but it still made me uneasy. At the same time, purees didn't feel right to me, either. So I channeled my inner hippie (we all have one deep, down inside) and this is what I came up with -- follow the baby's cues and developmental milestones, don't push, and gently help him learn to self-feed. So simple. I didn't give any big hunks of food for him to gnaw, as advocated in Baby Led Weaning, but I also didn't offer purees or feed from a spoon. I offered soft, whole foods that I either fed off my finger, or let him mush. We're talking avocados (his first food), bananas, baked sweet potatoes, steamed carrots, scrambled eggs, and the like. Things that made sense for a baby just learning about "chewing" to eat. I also did a bit of *cough* "bird feeding" *cough*. I know... but, I didn't do it mouth to mouth like some crazies. I'm looking at you, Alicia Silverstone.

Just to let you know, I didn't offer solids everyday. Maybe every other day, at best. Don't feel like you suddenly have to follow an eating schedule simply because your baby is now six month old. I mostly just wanted to slowly introduce his digestive system to food beside milk and let him practise chewing.

Fast forward two months and his self-feeding has taken off. Now, at eight-and-a-half months, I can give him small, non choke-able sized bits of almost anything and he can pick it up with his itty-bitty, chubby fingers; chew (and by chew I mean "gum"; he only has three teeth); and swallow with no problem.

So there you have my very meticulous and elaborate infant feeding "strategy". I feel like this is the way my great great grandmother would have fed her baby. It's basic, it's simple, and stress free. Just what I like in my life.

P.S. I'm in no way saying that I think my way of feeding is any better than anybody else's. I wrote this, because when I was looking for a feeding method I scored the Internet searching for ways people modified BLW and I was disappointed that I couldn't find much. I don't think I'm the only one looking for such a thing, so I hope this is helpful to someone.



The natural Progression:

                                                               Six Months - Avocados

 8 1/2 Months - shredded chicken and tomatoes

About Me

Hello, friends.

I have great intentions in starting this blog. I love the idea of "blogging" and connecting with people via the Internet. All that said, I have never blogged before and as the title of this blog states I am a "dabble-er", so please, humor my effort. "What is a dabble'er?", you ask. Well, I shall explain: I do not have any extraordinary talents in which to boast. I am average at variety of things, but I am not exceptionally good anything. Before you think I am writing this in self pity, let me assure you that I am not asking for affirmation, sympathy, or even a pat on the back. It's just that I have finally realized who I am, and I don't think that I'm destined to be anything most people would consider "great" in this life, and I'm okay with that. That doesn't mean that I walk through life apathetically; no, in contrast, knowing this makes me want to make each moment "great", to live with love and intention even in the tasks of life that seem menial.

So, who am I?

My name is Dava (pronounced Day-va, just in case you were wondering). I am a wife to a wonderful, loving, passionate, sometimes frustrating, but mostly amazing human-being named Kyle.

We were married on 1.11.2014 and on 8.15.13 we welcomed our first baby - Lawrence David.

This wee little person has taught me more about myself in his short life than I learned in the 22 years before I had him. I am defined by motherhood. It suits me like nothing else does.

In this blog I will share my triumphs and failures as a wife, mother, and perpetual dabble-er. Join me, won't you?