Baked Beans - when can I give them:?

[Tillysmummy]

Hi all

Just wanted to know when I can start giving dd baked beans. Was a bit worried because of the salt content. I know that Heinz do baked beans and bacon but I wanted to make her something myself with baked beans and wondered if it's ok now. She's 7 months. I am also hankering for some exciting new recipes for fish. I have made fish pie, fish with sweet potato and orange (she likes this) but wanted some other suggestions. I make a lot of pasta with her so guess I could put some fish in this ? Also any other recipes that have been a big hit I would be interested in. Thx.

Bought some lovely mild organic goats cheese at Safeway last week. Dd loved it, esp mashed up with a bit of tuna and potato. Safeway also does tuna in spring water rather than brine.

I know it's a bit late for this thread - but it reminded me of something my mum told me. When my brother (35) was born he was so hungry that she was advised by the DOCTOR to give him baked beans with a mashed up egg yolk in it at 3 WEEKS! His reasoning was that if he didn't want it he'd let her know. He's now 6ft 5.5, no allergies and continues to eat for Britain!

This morning on GMTV there was a man (I missed the beginning so I have no idea who he was and as I don't ever watch it I don't know if he is a regular journalist)... anyway he was saying that in a bowl of baked beans there is the equivalent of 4 TABLE spoons of sugar. He was highlighting the fact that in fat free or reduced fat foods there is SOOOO much sugar.
He was also saying that (this is from memory - I didn't write it down) there is 9 TABLE spoons of sugar in a glass of cola, 4 table spoons in a cereal bar and 16 in a fat free fruit yogourt !!!
I'll go on their website to see if there is more info.
I know some mums don't really worry about sugar but it's not just fattening or bad for teeth it is addictive and as we've discussed on another thread once we run low on sugar our body craves for more... the more our body eats it, the more it craves...
Anyway - rant over.

Yes, and that's a familiar trick that they play, low fat but what about all the sugar - that's fattening too. Alternatively they stuff the food full of artificial sweeteners - yuk ! And hardly good for you.

Shame about the baked beans, I love them. However will only give DH normal baked beans not reduced sugar cos of bloody artificial sweeteners however will hold off for now anyway.

Baked beans are great! Personally I think the health benefits of baked beans outweigh the sugar - loads of fibre and protein. And the tomato sauce is an excellent source of lycopene - powerful anti-cancer agent. (I don't work for Heinz by the way )

I love baked beans and eat them regularly !

I do think pupuce has a point though, the amount of hidden sugar is quite terrifying. I bought dd a pack of organic rainforest cereal from Sainsburys the other day, foolishly thinking it would be healthy tasting...I have never tasted such sickly, yucky cereal in my life! Luckily, dd hated it so I could happily throw it away.

I found the full story - I'll post it under "Would like to seemy toes again".
Enid- baked beans can be home made (so you can control how much sugar) and also if you only give it occasionally in a fair quantity I am sure that's fine...this is versus people who eat baked beans on toast every day for tea !

I sort of do make home-made baked beans every now and again, its a kind of bake with sausages and cannelini beans and tomatoes - gratefully received by dd and dp!

Tillysmummy - my 10 old ds loves smoked mackerel. It a really oily fish and full of goodness and also really cheap!!! Havent tried any recipes with it yet. he eats it straight out of the packet....

fantastic recipe for smoked mackerel, got to share it, all my own: make a potato dauphinoise by finely layering sliced potatoes in a dish. Half way through put some softened onion, smoked mackerel, black pepper and a hefty smear of horseradish to make a single layer. Continue layering the potato. Finish by pouring single cream / milk or a mix all over until just below the surface of the pots. Cook in medium oven for at least 1hr, until soft when pierced with a knife. Cover with foil if browning too early. Leave to stand for 5 mins before serving. Delish!

manna, it sounds lovely! I am not fond of smoked mackerel but know it's good for me..that recipe should help it slip down a bit easier. another - mash it up with sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice and onions if you like them raw...a fab dip.