Yams, or sweet potatoes, are available in different shapes, sizes and colors.
Yams are a nutritious early food for a baby. High in beta-carotene and vitamin A, yams are rich in fiber and provide a slightly sweet flavor that most babies enjoy. Besides being a nutritional powerhouse, yams are easy to prepare on a stove or in an oven or microwave. In the United States, sweet potatoes and yams are different varieties of the same vegetable. Select yams that are firm, dry and unblemished. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Instructions
Baked Yams
1. Wash and dry the yams.
2. Prick the yams with a fork five or six times.
3. Place the yams on the baking sheet. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 to 60 minutes. Or, if using a microwave oven, place unwrapped yams on a plate and microwave on high power for four minutes.
4. Squeeze the yams gently to see if they are soft. If not, let them continue to bake in the oven or set the microwave for two more minutes.
5. Let the yams cool slightly, then cut in half and scrape out the flesh.
6. Use a food mill, blender, mixer or fork to mash or puree the yams.
Steamed Yams
7. Wash and dry the yams.
8. Peel the yams and cut into cubes.
9. Put the yams into a steamer container in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add some water to the pot.
10. Cook until the yams are soft.
11. Use a food mill, blender, mixer or fork to mash or puree the yams.
Boiled Yams
12. Wash and dry the yams.
13. Peel the yams and cut into cubes.
14. Put the cubes into a pot with water. Put a tight-fitting lid on the pot.
15. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the yams until they are soft.
16. Use a food mill, blender, mixer or fork to mash or puree the yams.
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