My adventures with making my own baby food started almost four years ago. Being a devoted first-time mom, I eagerly pureed peas, apples, and bananas and attempted to feed my son my homemade yummy goodness. Attempted being the operative word. He wouldn’t have any of it. What he did love? The jarred baby food. When my daughter was born last year, I was eager to try my hand again at making fresh, organic baby meals from scratch.
Thus, I was delighted to learn about Gaia Baby Food cooking classes. Owner and mama to two Alisa Gaylord tailored the company to her own family food principles: if we feed our babies fresh, organic foods, we give them a healthier start in life. For me, these classes are a great fit: I can still be the one to make the food (and thus take some credit!), but now I have someone to help guide me through the process—and do all the grocery shopping.
A baby-food cooking class is very similar to a regular cooking class, only the vibe is more casual and fun; think Moms Night Out, minus the wine but heavy on the cooking and conversation. Each mama has her own station with steamers, choppers, peelers, knives, spatulas etc. along with seasonal, fresh organic produce Alisa purchased. On the menu for my first class: Chunky Peas with Mint; Chicken Casserole; and Curried Yams, Spinach and Pears (ed. note: see sidebar for these recipes). Alisa guided us through the steps as we peeled, chopped, steamed, and pureed our items. Her helpful tips included savvy knife tricks for chopping pears and apples to reduce waste.
We left with a week’s worth or more of healthy baby food, the confidence to make it ourselves, and great connections to fellow mamas. Whether you are a first-time mom or a mother to four or more, you’ll enjoy the fun, upbeat environment at the Gaia Baby Food Cooking Class Series.
About Gaia Cooking Series
Each series consists of four Saturday classes, approximately 90 minutes long. Smooth, Chunky or Toddler food available. Classes range in price from $140 to $180 per four-week series.
www.gaiababyfood.com
Marlynn Jayme Schotland is founder of Portland Mamas Inc., www.portlandmamasinc.org, and Urban Bliss, www.urbanblissdesign.com, and mama to two.
