Duo Ventures

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Spiced Sweet Potato + Apple + Cranberry Mash

Over the summer, we had the pleasure of teaming up with Oxo Tot to try out their new line of Transitions Sippy Cups.  So when they asked us to create a seasonal fall recipe using their Food Masher, Glass Baby Blocks, & Feeding Spoon Set, we were happy to collaborate again with the innovative brand on their "Do The Little Monster Mash with Oxo Tot" campaign!
After brainstorming ideas for a seasonal fall recipe, I eventually settled on a mash of sweet potato, apple, & cranberry.  While this autumnal puree is great on it's own, it can also be combined with some basic old fashioned oats, pumpkin pie spice, dried cranberries, & a touch of maple syrup to create a delicious & nutritious spiced breakfast oatmeal as well!  It couldn't be more simple - here's how to make it....
Spiced Sweet Potato + Apple + Cranberry Mash Ingredients:
-1 sweet potato
-2 apples (I used Gala)
-1 cup cranberries
-sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (optional)
After thoroughly rinsing the sweet potato, apples, & cranberries, peel & chop the sweet potato & apples into small cubes (I cut the sweet potato into extra small prices so it would cook through more quickly).

Boil or steam the chopped sweet potato, apples, & cranberries until fork tender (about 10 minutes).

Next, I strained the water & then mashed everything together using the Food Masher.  The ridges on the masher & inside the bowl allow you to thoroughly & efficiently mash anything from fruits to veggies, to beans & more.  I also love that it's smartly designed to be compact & portable.  The masher comes apart & conveniently fits inside the bowl so you can take it with you to-go as well.  Smart, right?!

Since this recipe makes about 16 oz total, I mashed it in smaller batches before transferring to a larger mixing bowl.

Depending on your child, you could serve it as is or you could sprinkle in some pumpkin pie spice (or any combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger).  For older kids, you could also add 1-2 tsp. of maple syrup.  It couldn't be easier - it's ready to serve & enjoy!
Afterwards, you can portion out any remaining mash in your Glass Baby Blocks & freeze (my mash ended up filling the four 4 oz blocks almost perfectly).  The Glass Baby Blocks also come with a stackable tray, making it super easy to utilize the vertical storage space in your freezer.

Since the blocks are made from thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass, they can go straight from the freezer to the oven or microwave, with no need to thaw first.  That means you can portion, store, heat, & serve all in one convenient container!  When you're ready to re-heat, simply place a baby block in the oven or microwave to warm.  The SNAP lids are also leak-proof, allowing you to take them on the go without worrying about spillage or leaks.

Don't forget, you can also use this mash to make a fall-inspired Spiced Oatmeal as well!

Spiced Sweet Potato + Apple + Cranberry Oatmeal:
-2 oz. Sweet Potato + Apple + Cranberry Mash
-1/3 cup old fashioned oats
-1/2 cup milk or water (I used coconut milk since Sami has a dairy allergy)
-spices to taste (I used a dash of pumpkin pie spice)
-a sprinkle of dried cranberries (optional)
-1 to 2 tsp. pure maple syrup (optional)

Simply combine the Sweet Potato + Apple + Cranberry Mash, oats, milk, spices, & dried cranberries in a small sauce pot & simmer until cooked through (about 5 minutes).

The oatmeal will be very hot, so allow it to cool before serving.  While it cools down, I also add a little pure maple syrup to sweeten it a touch.  If I was serving this to Sami when he was younger, I wouldn't have needed to add any extra sweetener.  However, as a toddler he is much more picky - no surprise there, right?!

Here is my little test tester giving it a try with his new spoon.  Toddlers can be finicky eaters, but thankfully Sami really liked the Spiced Oatmeal!

On a side note, one of our all time favorite Oxo Tot products are their Roll Up Bibs - they are the best (we have three of them)!  They catch SO much food, and as you can see below, Sami will even eat right out of his bib if he drops something.

This recipe makes a decent amount of oatmeal, so don't be surprised if they can't finish it all.  It's good enough for adults to eat too though - parent & toddler approved!

Hope you have a chance to enjoy this seasonal recipe!  If you'd like more information on any of the Oxo Tot products, you can check out their full line of baby & toddler products @ www.oxo.com.  As always, please let me know if you have any questions!

Mel
xoxo

Disclosure: While I was not compensated for this post, I did receive products in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own.