Age of Introduction| 6 months
Ingredients| 1-1/2 lbs. pears (approx. 4 small-medium sized pears – Bartlett or Bosc recommended); Do not add water
Yield| 2 c. puree (16 cubes)
Prep Time| 3-4 minutes per pear
Cook Time| No cooking required
Storage| Freeze up to 12 months (Refrigerator storage not recommended)
Choose| Choose pears that are firm but not hard, green to golden in color (Bartlett or Bosc), with no bruises, dark spots, or breaks in skin. Very green pears will ripen on countertop in about 4-5 days (faster if placed in brown paper bag).
Prep| Pears are best pureed when just ripe but still a bit firm – should just slightly yield to gentle pressure with fingertips. Wash, peel, and cut, removing core and seeds. Place pieces in food processor and puree until smooth.
Serve| The sequence of baby ages is listed to show the appropriate stages of introduction for foods that pair well with pear puree. All of the suggestions for 8 months and older are also appropriate for older children and adults.
| 6 months | Plain or mix with rice cereal or oat cereal
Mix with applesauce or mango, banana, butternut squash, or pumpkin puree |
| 7 months | Mix with rice, oat, or multigrain cereal
Combine with carrot, peach, or nectarine puree Any suggestion from 6 months |
| 8 months | Mix into cooked brown rice
Combine with plain whole milk yogurt Add wheat germ Any suggestion from 6-7 months |
| 9-24 months | Serve peeled, finely diced
Serve as a dip for pancakes or French toast (cut into small pieces for babies 9-15 months to avoid choking) Any suggestion from 6-7 months |
| 2 years & older | Mix into plain nonfat or lowfat yogurt, sprinkle w/ cinnamon
Use as a topping or mix-in for oatmeal |
Related Recipes| Fruited Yogurt, Fruit-Yogurt-Granola Parfaits, Gingerbread Pear Muffins, Pear Cinnamon Pancakes
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