The warm weather means only one thing, Patty Time. I would like to share with you the inspiration behind the power-packed patty selection that we have created for our little Jade.
I must say, as a chef, watching the movie Ratatouille really inspired me as I began creatingnew baby foods for Jade. We started to introduce different varieties of homemade baby patties when she was 8 months old and she is still loving them at 18 months. The concept of a patty was perfect for her as she was able to bite and chew, the texture was ideal, and it was a meal on its own (so very convenient for parents).
What’s more, patties are really simple to make. You combine one to two types of shredded vegetable with a protein (minced chicken, beef or mini salmon cubes), together with a shredded starch (potato, pumpkin). Mix them all up, add salt and pepper with olive oil and herbs if you like, and shape them into a food mould. I prefer to bake the patties for a healthier touch, so all you have to do is just pop them in the oven. We like to top our patties with delicious cheese for that extra "oomph!"
Some of my recent creations include chicken,carrot, potato, basil leaves; salmon, celery, pumpkin and dill; and pork, apple, potato and cinnamon. Who can forget that moment in Ratatouille when the chef closed his eyes and discovered the divine flavor that comes from combining strawberries with blue cheese? That perfect food combination transported him to a whole new place and there were fireworks in his head. This is what your child should experience with food! So start your own patty party and discover those Ratatouille moments with your little one.
Chicken Patties
500g chicken mince
250g carrot, shredded
250g potato, shredded
Basil leaves
1-2 eggs (depending on size)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl. Add an egg or two, a dash of salt, pepper and olive oil to bind. Place the mixtureinto a cupcake tray and bake at 140C for 15 to 20 minutes. Leave the patties to cool then place them in small re-sealable packets. Put the patties in the freezer and defrost whenever you need them.
Geoffrey Weckx is the owner of W dine & wine, and lives in Beijing with his wife Belina and their 1-and-a-half year old daughter Jade.
Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-11pm. 22-1 Dongzhimenwai Dajie (opposite the Canadian embassy), Dongcheng District (6416 9838) 东城区东直门外大街22-1
Please note the information shared here is meant as a guide and does not replace professional medical advice. Please discuss the introductionof any new foods or drinks with your baby’s doctor.
