Simple Dried Fruit (Prunes, Apricots, etc)

Well, these aren't the prettiest of purees but they taste great and are very nutritious.

The drying process really concentrates the sugar, so you end up with a fantastically sweet puree.

Dried fruits compliment an incredible amount of foods.

Pictured above are both prune (the darker of the two) and apricot purees.

Off the top of my head you could use prunes, apricots, peaches, raisins, figs or dates... 

I'm sure there are a ton more out there.

For this recipe I used prunes

Dried Fruit Puree

1 cup prunes (you can do any amount of dried fruit)

water

Place your dried fruit in a small saucepan.

Add just enough water to cover the fruit.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 or 4 minutes.

The fruit should be easily pierced with a fork.

Just give it a test-mash in the pan.

Add the fruit to the blender or food processor and puree,  

adding as much liquid as needed.  

I used all my water but if you do have extra then don't toss that juice,

give the cooled juice to your little to drink.

Apples & Prunes

You can thin it all the way down to the consistency you would need to serve it to baby.

In this case you would most likely need more water.

I like to leave mine on the thick side and then freeze it into cubes.

This way, if I make something later on that needs to be sweetened and/or thickened

I already have some frozen purees ready.

Then I just pop in a cube or two to perfect the recipe.

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Look for unsulfured fruit.  You want fruit that is naturally dried.

Read the ingredients and avoid sulfur dioxide or paraffin.

Some babies and adults may be allergic to sulfides.

Sulfur dioxide does preserve the lovely apricot color 

so keep in mind your unsulfured fruit will be brown, as shown in the pictures.

Try to find organic raisins or domestic raisins if you can as imported grapes fall on the "dirty dozen" list.

Yay, California raisins!

*Variations

-Mix with apples, pears or other fruit

-Great to mix with yogurt as it adds an intense sweetness to the tart yogurt

-Add to oatmeal or other grains

*Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months

*Benefits

Dried apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium and iron.

Prunes are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, iron and tons of antioxidants.

Raisins also have antioxidants, potassium, calcium & magnesium.

Dates have calcium, magnesium, fiber and potassium.

Figs are packed with fiber, potassium and calcium.