Feeding Siena has changed the way I cook and prep in the kitchen. I actually find myself eating healthier because of what I am feeding her. I want to serve her the most wholesome food possible while we are at home. I am trying to expose her to different flavors and textures while she is open to trying anything. My experimenting in the kitchen has turned me onto new ingredients and new products.

First of all, I should note that food prep makes life so much easier. If I am able to prep two different finger food options it makes meal times less stressful. Or, portioning out her fruit and veggies ahead of time can help me make better choices for her during a busy week. I am loving the OXO Tot Glass Baby Blocks. They are clear glass and can go from the fridge or freezer directly to the oven or microwave, without having to wait for it to fully defrost before heating it up. They are also airtight, waterproof, and leak proof which makes it easy to throw in the diaper bag! My favorite feature is the fact that they are stackable, which is a space saver in the fridge. Seeing all the pretty puree colors stacked in my fridge makes me feel so accomplished!

Recently, I have reworked some recipes to try and make them a bit healthier. Banana bread is one of those staple recipes. The version most people make includes flour and white sugar. I experimented with whole wheat flour and coconut sugar, which I know is still added sugar, but it is a little bit of a better choice than plain table sugar. I also snuck in some shredded carrot and cardamom. Then I moved onto pureeing sweet potato and chopping pineapple for these yummy little bites I made. I used my new OXO One Stop Chop Manual Food Processor, which now has a permanent place on my counter. Once in a while you find that kitchen gadget that is your workhorse so to speak. This is mine! I reach for it when pureeing or trying to chop up veggies to hide in recipes. It gives me the ability to prep faster while she naps. The sound of the electric food processor would wake her so this is a life saver (every minute counts when they nap!).

This post is done in partnership with OXO. All recipes and opinions are my own.

Whole Wheat Banana Bread

ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas

• 1/3 c unsalted butter, melted

• 1 1/4 tsp baking soda

• pinch of salt

• 1 c coconut sugar

• 1 egg, large

• 1 tbsp vanilla

• 1 c whole wheat flour

• 1 tsp cardamom

• 1 tsp cinnamon

instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and butter a 4x8-inch loaf pan.

2. In a the OXO Manual Food Processor blend the bananas until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.

3. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, cardamom, and cinnamon.

4. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour at 350°, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.