Apple Pear Vanilla (also known as APV in our house) was, and still is, a go-to recipe in our house. It is different spin on apple sauce, and it is loved equally by kids of all ages. (Read: Husband and I also love this recipe.) APV freezes beautifully. You can make a large batch, and it’s ready whenever you need it. Check-out this post for a recommendation on the perfect ice cube trays to freeze your homemade baby food.
When it comes to baby food, aside from eating APV plain, you can mix-in kefir, tahini, or sun butter to add protein.
This recipe grows with your baby. APV levels up your oatmeal. It is equally great topped on a pork chop or vanilla ice cream (try adding a bit of caramel with it).
Apple Pear Vanilla (APV)
- 3 apples (Pink Lady or Honey Crisp are good options)
- 3 pears (Anjou or Bartlett are good options)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- Water
- 1 whole vanilla bean
Preheat oven to 400℉.
Wash and dry your apples and pears.
Leaving the skin intact, cut apples and pears into similar size chunks.
Coat apples and pears with oil.
Bake in oven for approximately 20-minutes until lightly golden.
While the apples and pears are roasting, slice the vanilla bean along the long side and remove the seeds by scraping a paring knife against the inside of the pod.
Remove from oven. Let cool. Combine fruit with vanilla seeds. Add enough water to blend to desired consistency with an immersion blender or blender.
Make It Your Own
APV is a versatile recipe, and there are many simple options to make it your own.
- You can peel the fruit and remove the skin, but I recommend keeping the peel. Skipping the step of peeling the fruit saves time and retains nutrients such as fiber and potassium.
- Depending on the age of your baby (and your own personal preference), vary the texture from silky smooth to chunky.
- Instead of roasting the fruit … boil it! You can eliminate the oil if you choose this method. Save the cooking water to thin the apple sauce.
- For a more traditional apple sauce, substitute cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and / or allspice for the vanilla bean. I find nutmeg and clove to be powerful spices, and a little bit goes a long way. Start small and add until you reach a flavor profile you like. Remember, you can always add, but you cannot remove. If you opt for the traditional cinnamon, then I recommend starting with 3 teaspoons.
- To brighten the flavor, add lemon juice.
- Vary the ratio of pears and apples. (Don’t forget to vary the type of apple … adding one Granny Smith lends a lovely tartness to APV.)
