Mashed Zucchini

Jules loves just about anything you put in front of her, which has been great fun for us. At 4 or 5 months, we gave her zucchini as a puree, but now that she is 7 months, we've been introducing chunkier foods. If your little one is not ready for chunks, feel free to throw your steamed zucchini into your food processor. It is very runny and liquidy so no need to add breast milk or formula. You may actually want to add rice cereal or oatmeal to make it a little thicker.

Makes about 1/2 cup

Cut two zucchinis into 1 inch rounds. Bring about 1/2 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan and add the zucchini. Turn your heat down to medium and put the lid on tight. Let steam for 5-9 minutes until the zucchini is fork tender.

If the water has not evaporated, drain well and let the zucchini cool. Mash with a potato masher (or puree in your food processor). Keep in your fridge for 3-4 days or in your freezer for up to 3 months.

Plum Oatmeal Crisp

Give me chocolate over a fruit dessert anyday. Well, except for the summer, when everything is beautiful and all the fruits and veggies are in season, it totally makes me crave a fruit crisp or cobbler. Plums are a favorite of mine and I just knew their tartness would go so well with the buttery oatmeal topping. Don't forget the ice cream...and be sure to put it on when the crisp is still warm!

Serves 6

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup old-fashion rolled oats (not quick cooking)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

2 pounds ripe plums (about 8), cut into 1 inch pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, oats and salt. Using 2 knives, cut in butter until coarse crumbs form.

In a shallow 2 quart baking dish, toss plums with remaining sugar and flour; sprinkle with oat topping. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 40-45 minutes.