Emma hates baby cereal. But she loves homemade rice congee! It is easy to make, and tastes great. Its a good alternative to oatmeal, and you can add yummy things to it like dried fruit. Emma is just starting to get the hang of the spoon, and will now sometimes lunge at it when I hold it out loaded with congee. She also loves to feed herself with the spoon, which is a messy proposition, but mainly the way we do things around here....
Now, my recipe is not very exact, so bear with me. It makes a LOT, so I often half it.
1 cup brown rice (short grain is what I have been using)
12 cups water (not exact, I tend to start with less and add more as it cooks)
1 cup (more or less if you wish) of dried apricots, or another fruit
Put the rice and water in the slow cooker. Cook overnight on low, or for 4-5 hours on high. Check and stir occasionally, if you are able. Add the dried fruit halfway through cooking (unless you are doing it overnight, then just toss it in at the beginning). Add more water if the congee isn't soupy enough or if the grains of rice haven't started to dissolve, cook longer if it is too liquidy for you. I like mine a little soupier than oatmeal, but not as thin as the traditional Chinese method. I think using brown rice makes it a bit more textured than white rice would, but we like it that way!
