Carrot-Dates Juice

Earthquakes occur when least expected .Similarly my brainwaves occur when least expected,like today morning when I preparing this for Lil Dude.While I was ready with 3 recipes for Week #2.,with the theme – Carrots in 3 different ways for the 23rd edition of Blogging Marathon, I changed it yet again today to post another of Lil Dudes favorite. This space is not seeing many weaning foods, so I thought I will add this one to the list….

I usually alternate Carrot – Dal Mash and this concoction in Lil Dudes menu. This simple beverage has carrots and dates.As I said earlier, carrot is a good source of beta carotene and the dates used here is a good source of Iron and the taste is irresistible.

This can be given to the little one along with the other weaning foods. Initially such juices are easier for the tiny tot to accept and drink. Later on we can move to pureed / mashed / semi solid food.

It is always advisable to feed such liquids with a cup and spoon. Though a feeding bottle is much easier, it has the risk of contamination die to improper sterilisation of the bottle and handling it later. Feeding the infant with a spoon is messy yet its safe too. This is the advice that the Lil ones Paediatrician gives always.

I do not add sugar as the sweetness from the carrots and dates are sufficient. While serving it to Lil Angel I add 2 teaspoons of honey. Honey is generally not recommended to kids below 1 year so if you want to sweeten it, add a little sugar.

Just a small word here- when you are ready with this drink, be sure to keep quite a few bibs ready, the lil one will surely enjoy this drink…

I used:

Carrot – 1
Dates – 2

1. Soak dates in hot water.
2. Grate carrot and grind it along with the dates and the water used to soak it and some more boiled and cooled water. Remove from the mixier jar and squeeze out as much juice as possible. Repeat this a couple of times.
3. Stain this concoction and serve it to the delighted lil one 🙂

Note :

• You can use raisins instead of dates.
• Dates syrup can be substituted for dates.
• You can serve it as such [without straining] for elder children.