Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Nuggets

Now that the boys are finally eating all “adult” foods, I find it a struggle to figure out what to make them for supper to provide a variety of healthy foods. Even though we eat fairly healthy at our house, I am really passionate about being aware of what is going into my kids’ bodies. I am hoping to buy organic when I can but I know that will not always be possible or work financially. I am really excited to start going to the farmer’s market this summer to buy fresh, local produce.
Last night I tried a new recipe for veggies for the boys and it was a HUGE hit (with both the boys & mommy/daddy!)! This recipe is really easy, does not take much time & effort and turned out delicious. We will definitely be making these again.

Here’s the recipe that I found on another mom’s blog (I believe it’s from www.wholesomebabyfood.com). I modified the recipe a little bit because I only had a 12 oz. package of broccoli (I had the steam bag broccoli which made steaming it quick & easy!) so I reduced the amount of bread crumbs, cheese & eggs that I put in. I used plain bread crumbs and added in Italian seasoning & garlic powder for my seasonings. I also just used my Pampered Chef cookie scooper to make the “nuggets” by scooping them on the baking sheet and then “patting” the tops down to form more of a “nugget”. It also only took about 15-20 minutes for mine to bake.

Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Nuggets

Ingredients:
1 16-oz package frozen broccoli, cooked, drained, and chopped
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (you could try using baby cereal if you want, we know it works well with "baby meatballs")
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (please use real cheese and not a "processed cheese food" product. Try tomato & basil cheddar.)
3 large eggs or 5 egg yolks - Most pediatricians say it's ok to use whole egg in a baked good when baby is over 8-9 months old without allergies. We would recommend that you substitute 5 egg yolks for the whole eggs if serving this to those under 1 yr. Ask YOUR pediatrician.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375
1. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
2. Combine all remaining ingredients and mix well.
*Add seasonings if you like - garlic powder, pepper, extra basil & oregano for example. Add a fruit or veggie puree to substitute for the eggs if desired.
3. Shape mixture into nuggets or fun shapes such as squares or squigglies etc..and place on baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turn nuggets over after 15 minutes. Serve warm. Be sure to crumble these if your baby needs.