Freezing finger foods

[Rach32]

Hi
This is my first post on Mumsnet but I read always read other posts and have found lots of great tips! There was a good post the other day about finger foods for 10 months +. DS is just coming up to 10 months and is really good with finger foods but I am getting a bit bored with what to give him (although some great tips on the post!).
Looking through the Annabel Karmel cookbook there is a recipe for chicken balls which look good as a finger food. My question, however, is can I make the balls up and then freeze them for when they are needed? I'm never very good knowing how to reheat things like that? Would I put them in the microwave to warm them up or pop them in the oven? I'm being cautious as its chicken.
Thanks

[lazycow]

I make meatballs for ds but use beef mince. I cook them and then freeze. I then defrost them as needed (in the fridge overnight) and pop them in the microwave to heat up and add a home-made tomato sauce (also pre frozen and reheated ) sometimes. I do it this was as I sometimes proviode them to the childminder for his lunch and it is easier for her to heat them this way.

If I was making them to only use at home I would freeze them before cooking (assuming the meat has not already been frozen). Then cook them as normal after they have defrosted.

[bumbleweed]

Anyone know a veggie version I could make and freeze - ie a recipe using lentils or beans?

My dd is 8 months doesnt like eating with a spoon so am trying to think of more finger foods to give her - currently we are stuck in a bit of a rut of steamed vegetabes, and I would like to introduce a little bit of protein.

[moondog]

Rach,I wouldn't bother.
Life is really waaaay too short to faff about making chicken balls and freezing then. (And I speak as one of MN's biggest foodies)
Just lob a bit of bread or fruit or cheese his way-much easier.
Use the time saved to do something for you

Welcome to MN btw.

[bumbleweed]

hey moondog i like your style

[Rach32]

Moondog having made the chicken balls - a total faff btw I can now agree! DS took one bite and promptly spat it back at me . This was then followed by the usual shenanigans of throwing food on the floor (another story!)

We have now gone back to bread and butter, toast and cheese sandwiches!

[moondog]

Told you!

[PanicPants]

Ds won't eat off a spoon at the moment so it's fingerfood all the way.
Anyone got any ideas other than bread/cheese/pasta combinations?


Sorry for hijack!

[moondog]

Cheese,cold omelette,Staffordshire oatcakes,smoked salmon,shredded chicken,baby sweet corn,sugar snap peas,soft fruits

[PanicPants]

Thanks moondog. I'll try those. I want some ideas as well so ds gets all his nutrients within one meal.

Can they have tinned salmon or tuna?

[moondog]

Yes,no probs.
A bit dry though-maybe mix with mayo or yoghurt?
Mine like flakes of steamed salmon (easy,just do 10-15 mins in bamboo steamer over pan of boiling water) and tiny potatoes too.
Easy to eat without cutlery.

[bumbleweed]

panicpants, I made hummus yesterday and dd had some on little bits of pitta bread, which she seemed to like - I think chickpeas are rich in protein

also try just avocado mashed onto an oatcake or pitta or on a piece of veg/fruit?

moondog, what about the whole thing about introducing them to different tastes/textures so that they will be used to the usual dishes the family eats? I read that 6-12 months is key. do you think that is rubbish and all that can come later?

[CorrieDale]

Quiche is nice & easy for them. DS likes cottage cheese too. You wouldn't think it could be a finger food, and it is a bit messy, but nice & easy to clean up. Guacamole & humous with rice cakes or bread rolls.

[CorrieDale]

Cross posted! Actually, Bumbleweed, we do a lentil finger recipe. Just sweat off some onion, garlic, peppers, (all optional!) add the lentils and water/no salt stock. Cook until done. Add sweetcorn if you want. A bit of cheese and an egg to bind. Let it cool so you can handle it. Make patties or fingers and roll them in breadcrumbs or polenta grains. I do lots and freeze them. They don't take long to make so you don't feel hideously depressed if your LO just Isn't In the Mood that day and it all ends up on the floor, and they're nice and easy to cook from frozen - spray with olive oil and bake until heated through and browned.

[bumbleweed]

great, I was thinking something along those lines but couldnt work out how it would stick together. do you use red or yellow lentils?

[PanicPants]

some more ideas thanks everyone, will try the lentil fingerfood!

[PanicPants]

Has anyone a homemade recipe for hummas or guacamole?

[bumbleweed]

easy hummus:

1 (normal size) tin chick peas drained
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (I'll be honest I usually use jif)
1tsp tahini (sesame paste, from health food shops - optional)

blend in the blender (if you want to use slightly less oil save some of the water when draining the chick peas).

not sure about guacamole, but I think it is essentially avocado, garlic, and a little lemon juide and olive oil

[bumbleweed]

oooops forgot really important ingredient of hummus

1 clove garlic

[PanicPants]

Thankyou bumbleweed I'll make some and see how ds goes

[moondog]

For guacamole,I mince an onion very very finely (sometimes a red pepper too) then add crushed garlic,lime juice,cumin and chilli.
Then I add a couple of avocados and mash them (not too much,I like it chunky)
You can also add some sour cream or full fat plain yoghurt (Greek best)

Leave the chilli out if your kids don't like it.

[CorrieDale]

I add some plain yogurt to homemade humous. Makes it creamier. For the lentil fingers, I usually use mostly red but throw in some brown to give it a bit of oomph . The egg binds it, as does the cheese. BTW, we gave DS some sainsbury's fresh tzatziki today. it went down a storm! I can definitely recommend it.