Creamy couscous pudding

Today I want to show No.2 my genuine gratitude for the extra 2 hours of sleep we are all getting since Sunday! MER-CI! Loving daylight savings!!!
I don't write often about my very little one. It's probably because somewhat we don't know each other as much - as compared to his big brother -, yet. But we make progress every day.

I now respond to two very familiar, but distinct and how charming, voices when they say 'Maman'.
My No.2 is very cheeky: he crawls away as soon as he sees me around the corner; and he knows that I can be quite impatient, when it has come to cuddle times!
My No.2 is so charming: since very little, he waved bye-bye at people; a bit more recently, he sent flying kisses to his close circle; he is now kissing maman in exclusivity! I am so in love with my almost one-year-old bubba that I have already forgotten the poor nights of last months and the grumpy week-ends... and all the rest!... not so far from feeling ready to take the next step in my mum-career, which might be the nightmare of another Big Dinosaur...

Let's focus on the present step, and the present has come to me feeding 4 dinosaurs, all at the same menu - very important detail! No. 2 is ready to eat by himself what's in our plates. So I decided to focus even more on healthy meals for the whole family - this doesn't mean no more treaty recipes here, we have some parties upcoming so I need to do a bit of testing/experimentations in the next few weeks -.
In order to thank my very little one (I did not write 'to fill him more and more and to get him asleep longer in the morning), I prepared a healty pudding special for him but also for the whole family! Jackpot!

This couscous pudding is inspired by some French couscous gateau, but creamier, egg-free, just slightly sweet thanks to the addition of sultana and dry apricots. It is smooth, full-filling and health. Not only it is yum, but it is looking great! Don't you think?

I prepared this kind of pudding for my children since they were around 8 months. I prepare 5 to 6 little jars for the whole week (can be kept in sterilised jars in the fridge for up to 5 days), when it has been devored before by some bigger dinosaurs.

Apple, plum and blueberry puree/compote

I know, plums are not in this season. But since the beginning of winter, I could see plums sold in the fruit stores. While I'm usually not keen on using fruits and veggies when not in the season, I thought that my 9 months-old may appreciate a little bit of novelty, after the repetitive (almost boring) apple/pear, apple/banana, apple/pineapple, apple/orange, apple/mandarin, apple/mango compotes and other mix of those fruits. I could have chosen kiwi fruits instead but I've been a bit reluctant at introducing kiwi fruits - probably another (mis)belief related to my background. You kiwi should probably think I'm wrong; especially because it would be cooked anyway!
I prefer to say I am extra-cautious. Anyway, I decided to buy those plums, which by the way were quite sweet and juicy. And I added the blueberries mostly to enhance the colour.
Guess what? Baby dino loves it!
The quantities recommended in the recipe gave me two jars like the one on the picture.

Ingredients (~ 10 servings)

- 1 kg Braeburn apples

- 5 red plums

- 3 tbsp blueberries (can or fresh)

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the apples.

2. Pit and chop the plums.

3. Cook all the fruits together for about 30 mins or until soft.

4. Blend together, let cool down and serve!

Lime marinated beef kebab, chickpea and pumpkin casserole

I try to provide a variety of meals to my family. I recently posted a Mexican-style pork chili, a prawn and noodle Thai soup and some French cuisine-inspired dishes. But foremost, I cook like I feel. 

After the chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache that we shared with our neighbours yesterday, today, I felt like something healthy but flavoursome and spicy but not hot. I also wanted something very quick to cook - Monday is only the first day of the week, it's safer to save some resources for the rest o fthe week. My dinos wanted meat.
So I came up with this North Africa-inspired marinated beef kebab with a chickpea and pumpkin casserole served on couscous. And yes, this took me only 30 minutes or so to make it! And jackpot for busy moms to little bubba, the chickpea and pumpkin casserole can be blended or puréed. Chickpeas are rich in protein and low in fat, so a very healthy option. This recipe also follow proportions as recommended by WW* - so a tasty healthy meal for little and big dinosaurs. Enjoy!

Baby food - Beetroot and carot puree

This blog is not only for kids and big kids. I think it is worth starting educating the taste of our little ones from the very beginning. No way I would give my No.2 commercially made baby food. It can be lot of work, but if you're well organised, it can be so easy. And it is so rewarding to see your bubba content with a full tummy of healthy food made straight from your heart!

So I prepare over 1kg fruit puree every week-end with the assistance of dinodad :) portion it in jars and keep them in the fridge up to 5 days, otherwise I freeze them. He eats one jar of 200g every day. That's the easy bit.

In addition, mini-dino eats 200g of veggie and meat (or fish) puree for lunch and the same quantity for dinner (but no meat). Every second day, I replace part of the veggies with carbs (rice, pasta, couscous). When I make puree, I try to prepare enough for 2 or 3 meals at least. When possible, I just cook the same veggies and meat as for big dinos, and puree them together.