Lately Siena and I have been having dinner together. Brian has been traveling and I have been noticing a trend.  I have been trying to make dinners that adapt to Siena as well.  Not only so I am not making a bunch of different dishes. But because I also desperately want to teach her to eat what we are eating. That is how my thought for the “Mommy and Me Meals” series came to mind. First up is a cucumber and strawberry caprese, a perfect healthy meal for mommies and tiny fingers.

For the mommy version I simply chopped up cucumber, strawberry, and red onion. You can also add chickpeas or avocado. Then I dressed it with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. For Siena, I chopped up the strawberries, mozzarella balls, and I sliced the cucumber. It seems slicing the cucumber works best for her to chew on being she has no teeth. Then added a side of hummus for some protein and dipping option.  For her I omit the salt and pepper. However, I do toss the strawberries and mozzarella in a little bit of olive oil and balsamic, she seemed to love it!

For all I know next week Siena will not eat this! Feeding little ones is a lot of trial and error keep that in mind. Some days she is cranky and doesn’t eat well. Other days all she wants is everything off my plate. Also, her only having one tooth makes it challenging. However, she really can gum down anything if she wants too! I am always seated in front of her watching. Vegetables and fruits with skin are a challenge. I often peel things or stay away from them. Some foods that are drier like chicken and turkey can be challenging as well. But we are finding ways to make everything more palatable one step at a time!

**Important**

Please not that I am NOT a nutritionist, pediatrician, health coach, or anything of that sort. I am a home cook and new mommy. I am learning a long the way and sharing with you. What works for my child may not work for yours. What I feel is safe for her is based on my own experience, discussions with my doctors, and just general knowledge of MY child. I feed her based on what I am comfortable with. Please consult with your doctor and listen to your mommy instincts when feeding your child. These posts serve as me sharing personal experience in hopes that maybe it sparks and idea or thought for you!

Cucumber and Strawberry Caprese

ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• fresh strawberries

• cucumber

• mozzarella balls (I buy the "Ciliegine" size)

instructions

1. For the mommy salad- combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix to incorporate. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

2. In a separate bowl combine mozzarella strawberries. Lightly drizzle with vinegar and olive oil, and toss. Cut the cucumber in slices or in sticks. Whichever way you feel you baby prefers. Serve with hummus on the side!