Oh, eggs. I remember when I was growing up and everyone thought eggs were unhealthy. Too much cholesterol, etc. I feel like so many foods go through ups and downs of good for you, bad for you. Honestly, my policy is everything in moderation. And as it turns out, eggs aren’t actually unhealthy for you. In fact, they have a good amount of protein and full of nutrients. This is an interesting article about it.
I’m so glad this is the case because I enjoy eggs and they are an easy meal. Plus, they are turning out to be a great way to get Petit Macaron to eat more solids. Although, I wasn’t so sure this would be the case at the start of our solid experience with him a few months ago. I tried to introduce egg yolk (Side note: It’s recommended to avoid egg whites with baby’s under 12 months; yolks are fine). The first time I tried it, I was holding him afterward and he threw up all over me and himself. It was my first true baby vomit experience and I was freaked out. A few weeks later, I tried again hoping I was either wrong before about it being egg yolks or the phase had passed. Sadly, this time he threw up all over his bed when I put him down for a nap. When I picked him up, he kept throwing up all over the floor. So I put eggs off for quite awhile, terrified of him throwing up again.
Time passed and he turned one year old on January 2nd. I figured he’d eaten some foods that contained the whole egg, so I ought to try it again but with the yolk and white. Success! Not only did he not throw up, but he loved it. Now, it’s a great go-to meal for him.
Eggs are awesome because they are pretty versatile and you can make quite a few different types of foods with them. Also, Petit Macaron has developed an eating preference. It’s called “I do it myself” eating. He absolutely does not want me to feed him. Unfortunately, he’s not really using the spoon and fork well yet for softer foods. Everything needs to be able to be picked up with his fingers. This is an extra layer of complication to concern when making him a meal. Not to mention, he’s somewhat picky. I keep trying things, though! Mr. Macaron’s ongoing mantra through life: “Never accept defeat!” It’s all in jest, but I like to say it when I think about feeding my child.
Anyway, eggs…here are a few of our current favorites.
Egg Frittata
In a way, this is like a crustless quiche. It’s quick and easy to make and it’s great to cut into bite-sized pieces for little hands to grab. It’s also quite versatile – you can add all sorts of veggies and cheeses. My go-to mix-ins are spinach and provolone cheese. I chop the spinach super fine to blend into the egg. Another fun add-in is pesto. I make a low garlic pesto that is kid friendly.
To make the frittata, I use about 4 eggs with 1/4 cup whole milk. Then I add about 2 Tbsp of spinach and a handful, probably ends up being about 1/4 cup, of cheese. Pour it into a ramekin – mine is about 3-1/2 inches diameter – and bake for 450 for 20 minutes.
You cuold probably put these in mini muffin pan instead and have another egg finger food. I think I’ll try this out next myself!
Two Ingredient Pancakes
I really had my doubts on these pancakes. Can you even call them pancakes? And they sound gross, honestly. Eggs and banana. Suspicious! But I was desperate to find new things for Petit Macaron to eat, so I figured “what the hay! I’ll give it a try.”
I first heard about these on Cup of Jo with her post about them. I ended up using The Kitchn recipe to make them myself. I was super surprised. I even thought they were tasty, although I might add some maple syrup on them for myself – hehe. Don’t be doubtful, and give these a whirl.
Egg Omelet
Similar to the frittata, I like that you can easily cut up an omelet so it’s finger food. This site has good instructions on how to make an omelet. I add greens to the egg part of the omelet rather than inside since Petit Macaron won’t eat them otherwise. However, I do like to put a sprinkle of cheese in the center as filling. Yum!
French Toast
A classic! Apparently, this was a favorite when I was a kid. I would scamper around the house and hold it up saying, “freeeennnchh toaaassstt.” Petit Macaron loves french toast…just like his mama.
I don’t follow a recipe, but I usually mix an egg with a splash of milk. Add in a sprinkle of cinnamon, then dip the bread in – be sure it gets coated and absorbs some of the egg mixture – then flip so you cover the other side. Cook it up on the griddle until golden brown. Slather on some butter and cut it up for little fingers.
This isn’t just breakfast food. In fact, I most often serve these as lunch or dinner for Petit Macaron. I love that I can get him some veggies and protein since he’s not huge on a lot of foods yet. But…never accept defeat! I’ll keep trying to give me food and hopefully, he’ll start liking a variety of food more soon.
pear / 1547 posts
These look like great recipes! Though I’ve never heard of the avoiding egg whites prior to age 12 mo. The current recommendations are just avoiding honey prior to a year of age. Family or personal allergy/medical history may change that but for the average healthy kiddo getting the exposure to high allergen foods early is actually a good thing!
grapefruit / 4085 posts
We do a bunch of these too! H has been eating eggs since about 8 months – no issues
guest
I think the recommendations around egg whites are changing – at least where I am. I was recommended to give my daughter eggs (both yolk and whites) from 6 mo and up by our doctor (as long as there’s no family history of egg allergies). My daughter is a big fan of frittata.
pineapple / 12793 posts
Our pedi recommends egg whites as early as possible. The 12 month rec is outdated.
blogger / olive / 64 posts
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These things always seem to be changing. Peanuts has recently been changed, too. It seems like they are now going with the approach of introduction these foods earlier rather than later. I’m glad to hear it – we love eggs and peanuts! I guess just do what you feel is best for your kiddo. I just went with what my doctor instructed.
Yay for eggs!