Step 2: Place in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water. Cover with plastic wrap. Cook for 10 minutes or less, until food can easily be pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Puree in a blender or food processor, adding water as necessary to get a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Spoon puree into ice-cube trays. Freeze 8-10 hours or overnight. Then pop out the food cubes into labeled freezer bags.

Step 5: To prepare, thaw in the refrigerator or defrost in a microwave-safe dish. Warm in a microwave, if desired; stir well and check for hidden hot spots.

Advice: Easy first-food purees include peas, sweet potatoes and apples. Pay attention to cooking times; start with a few minutes and build from there so as to not overcook. A saucepan with a steamer basket on the stovetop works, too. But the microwave is faster. The key is to use as little water as needed to help retain a food's nutrients.

Advantage: The convenience of feeding baby without breaking open a jar, defrosting a puree - or even getting up out of your chair!

Step 1: Place a small amount of the family casserole into the cup of a food mill.

Step 2: Grind, then serve!