Healthy Homemade Pea and Mint Puffs: Quick and Easy Snacks for Picky Eaters
Quick and Easy Healthy Baby And Toddler snack
Quick. Easy. Healthy. Just how I like my baby and toddler snacks! In today’s fast-paced world, finding nutritious snacks that are also convenient can be a challenge for parents. That’s where these homemade mint and pea baby puffs come in. These bite-sized treats are not only packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh peas and fragrant mint but are also incredibly simple to make. And cost effective -aka cheap!- compared those preservative laden store bought puffs! And the best part is that these homemade baby puffs melt in your mouth just like the store bought ones!
Whether you’re looking for a snack to satisfy your baby’s hunger between meals or a portable option for on-the-go toddlers, these baby puffs are the perfect solution, and I always have a stash of at least one flavor sitting in my pantry at all times.
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When is my baby ready to start eating puffs?
Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, but it’s essential to know when they are developmentally ready for each new texture and type of food. Homemade baby puffs, often made from simple ingredients like rice or oat flour, is a fantastic option for babies who are ready to explore new textures and practice their self-feeding skills.
Generally, babies are ready to start eating baby puffs around 6 to 8 months of age, when they can sit up independently, grasp objects with their hands, and bring them to their mouths. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to your baby’s individual cues and developmental readiness signs. Look for signs of readiness such as showing interest in food, reaching for objects during mealtime, and demonstrating good head and neck control.
Additionally, consult with your pediatrician before introducing homemade baby puffs or any new foods to ensure they are appropriate for your baby’s age and stage of development. With proper timing and supervision, homemade baby puffs can be a fun and nutritious addition to your baby snack rotation as they continue to explore the exciting world of solid foods.
how to make your own homemade baby puffs
Creating your own homemade baby puffs is easier than you might think and offers numerous benefits for your little one’s nutrition and development. Not to mention they are much cheaper and healthier than the store bought ones! And they are a super quick and easy baby food that even busy parents can make.
To start, make sure you have your fruit or vegetable puree ready as this is the base of your baby puffs. If you are making these mint and pea puffs, you will have to puree your cooked peas in a food processor until a smooth puree forms.
Next, preheat your oven and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor, add your egg whites and whip until soft peaks form, add the cornstarch a little bit at a time and beat until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold in your puree, being careful not to knock out too much air. As all the air in these homemade baby puffs is what gives them that melt-in-your mouth texture.
Next, it’s time to shape your baby puffs. You can use a piping bag with a small round tip or simply spoon small dollops of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Keep the puffs small and uniform in size to ensure even baking. Once your puffs are shaped, pop them in the oven and bake until they are slightly brown and crispy.
Once baked, allow your homemade baby puffs to cool completely before serving or storing. These puffs can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for later use, making them a convenient option for busy parents looking for quick and easy baby food!
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time in the kitchen, you can create wholesome and nutritious easy baby puffs that your little one will love!
How to store your homemade puffs
Storing homemade puffs properly ensures they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. After baking your homemade puffs, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent them from becoming stale or absorbing moisture from the air. For added freshness, consider placing a small piece of parchment paper or a silica gel packet in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
When storing homemade puffs, it’s essential to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture in the fridge can cause the puffs to become soggy. Instead, opt for a pantry or cupboard with consistent temperature and humidity levels. With proper storage, your homemade puffs can stay fresh and tasty for up to 1 week, providing a convenient and nutritious snack option for your little one’s self-feeding journey.
Melt In Your Mouth Pea And Mint Baby Puffs
Description
These puffs are quick, easy and healthy and melt away in your mouth just like the store bought ones without the additives and preservatives and takes less than 10 minutes hands on time!
Ingredients
1/2 cup pea puree
Couple of fresh mint leaves
6 Eggs Whites
8 tsp Cornstarch
OPTIONAL * 2 Tbs finely grated parmesan cheese*
Instructions
Preheat oven to 215F.
Steam or cook your peas till tender. Drain and place in a food processor with a couple of fresh mint leaves and puree until smooth. Scrape out into a large mixing bowl.
If using Parmesan cheese mix it into the pea puree. * See notes*
Separate 6 eggs and places the whites in the bowl of a stand mixer , or if using a hand mixer place egg whites in a clean glass or stainless steel bowl. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the cornstarch a tsp at a time until everything is incorporated and the egg whites have turned to stiff peaks. Once you can hold the bowl upside down without the egg whites moving they are ready.
With a rubber spatula, slowly fold in a little bit of egg whites at a time into the pea mixture, making sure not to knock out too much air as you combine it. Keep folding in the egg whites until everything is combined.
Gently spoon the pea mixture into a ziplock bag with the tip cut off or a piping bag. On a parchment paper lined baking sheet pipe 2 inch finger shapes or little dots, or any shapes you prefer. Just keep in mind that different size shapes will have different cooking times.
Place 2 inch fingers in the oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours and little dots will take about 1 1/2 hours. The puffs are done when they easily separate from the parchment paper and are super crunchy. Once your puffs are done, turn off the oven and crack the door with the puffs still inside and leave them to cool down in the oven to ensure they are deliciously melt in your mouth crispy!
Notes
Adding Parmesan cheese to this recipe is only recommended for babies 1 year plus, due to the higher sodium content of the cheese.
If you are looking for other fun puff flavor ideas, take a look at our baby friendly and diary free Cheese Puffs, or our sweet and fruity Banana Finger Puffs.
