Hi Mel,
I gave my baby all sorts of food as soon as she showed an interest in what we had, which was really early on.
I found this recipe for you from "Cooking for You Baby, The Natural Way" by Laraine Toms. Its a really good book, and I would recommend it to anyone. I'm just not sure if it is still available. My Mum gave me this copy, which she got in about 1978. It has been reprinted many times, but PM me if you want me to copy you any other recipes, or food guides, etc. Its a very realistic book I think.

Meat Balls (suggests 8-10 months old)

500 grams lean minced beef
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup wheatgerm (or wholemeal breadcrumbs)
1 apple, grated

Combine all ingredients and shape into small balls. Grill until cooked. Serve with homemade tomato sauce, or hand the balls to junior to manage his or her own - an ideal finger food.


Here is a tomato sauce recipe from the same book, in case you are interested:

Tomato Sauce (suggests 12 months old)

500 grams very ripe peeled tomatoes
1 large chopped onion (optional)
5 stalks celery, chopped with the 'strings' removed
1 tablespoon parsley
pinch dried thyme or sprig or fresh
3 tablespoons oil or margarine
2 tablespoons wholemeal plain flour
1 teaspoon honey

Blend first six ingredients well ina blender (if not using a blender, mash thoroughly, seive tomatoes to remove seeds, and extend cooking time by about ten minutes).
Heat oil or margarine, blend in flour. Stir in tomato sauce with honey very gradually, simmer and stir until mixture thickens. Place in screw top jar and store in refrigerator.