Make Your Own Squeezable Applesauce & Baby Food

After my lunch post last Friday I received a few emails asking about the applesauce packets I used. I responded to the emails, but I figured I share the questions and answers with everyone. Just in case anyone else has the same questions.

The packets are called Squishy Snak Paks, and I ordered them from a wonderful daily deal site called Green Baby Bargains. I love this site! I have ordered from them several times, and I have never had a single problem, with them or the products. All of the products on Green Baby Bargains are from eco-conscious vendors, and are a minimum of 40% off the retail price! If you would like to know more about them check out their about me page.

The Squishy Snak Paks are BPA free, refillable snack pouches. You can fill them from the bottom, and squeeze/suck the food out the top. 

If you have kids I'm sure you all have seen the baby/toddler foods on the market that come in a single use pouches similar to this. My kids L-O-V-E the squeezable applesauces, but the cost really adds up at 4 pouches for $2.00 (on sale). I don't remember how much I paid the first time I ordered these from Green Baby Bargains, but I recently ordered more and I paid $5.99 for 2 pouches plus shipping and handling. I order 3 sets, so including the shipping and tax they work out to $3.60 for each pouch. I know that sounds like a lot, but if you consider that I have had 3 pouches for about 1 month now and I fill and wash 2 a day (sometimes more), it really makes sense. You can also place orders on the Squishy Snak Pak site. 

I ordered more because I wanted to make some pouches ahead of time, and keep them ready for the kids to grab out of the refrigerator. I think I might even try some of the recipes from the Squishy Snak Pak site.

Now for the questions!

1. How do you fill it? 

-There is a heavy duty zip closure (kind of like a thick Zicloc bag) on the bottom. You just spoon your puree in the bottom, and zip it closed.

2. Does the "zipper" hold?

-Yes we have been using them for about 1 month, and we haven't had a single issue.

3. How hard are they to open?

-It is like when you open a new bottle of soda. The first time you open it it is a little tough but after you break the teeth it is easy to open. My 3 and 5 year-olds have no problem opening them by themselves.

4. How do you clean it?

-The site says the pouches are top rack dishwasher safe, but I hand wash them. Once you take the cap off you can completely remove all the food residue easily. 

5. Do they get moldy?

-We have not had any mold issues. I wash them the same day we use them, and I set them on the cup holder part of my dish drying rack to hold them open while they dry.

I have not received any money or free products from Squishy Snak Paks or Green Baby Bargains. This is just a product I purchased, tried, and my family loved! 

I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have any others let me know. 

I'll Be Linking Up At Some Of  These Parties!

Garlic Cheesy Biscuits - Red Lobster Copycat

Yesterday I shared with you how to make steamed snow crab legs. In this house crab legs always come with garlic cheesy biscuits. If you've ever been to Red Lobster, you know what I'm talking about. My husband loves them, and over the years we have tried a lot of copycat recipes. His favorite are these from Lauren's Latest.

The great thing about this recipe is that not only are the biscuits delicious, but I always have the ingredients on hand.

Garlic Cheesy Biscuits - Red Lobster Copycat

Recipe adapted from Lauren's Latest

Make 8 biscuits.

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for sprinkling

1/2 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with non-stick foil.

2. Combine all the dry ingredients, in a large mixing bowl.

3. Cut cold butter into the flour mixture until coarse. (I use a pastry blender.)

4. Stir 1/2 cup grated cheese, and milk into flour mixture. Mix well.

5. Drop by large spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, making 8 biscuits. 

6. Top each biscuit with a little shredded cheese.

7. Bake biscuits for 12-15 minutes. Tops and bottoms should be slightly browned.

8. Cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet.

9. Serve warm.

 

 I'll Be Linking Up At These Parties!