Mozzarella hearts with mandarin
Mozzarella hearts with mandarin A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Mozzarella hearts with mandarin (heart-shaped), pumpkin and nutmeg. SAFETY: REMOVE ALL MANDARIN SEEDS + PEEL + PITH (choking hazard), LACTOSE CHECK for mozzarella and yogurt.
A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Mozzarella hearts with mandarin (heart-shaped), pumpkin and nutmeg. SAFETY: REMOVE ALL MANDARIN SEEDS + PEEL + PITH (choking hazard), LACTOSE CHECK for mozzarella and yogurt.
Difficulty Little dishes, big smiles!
🍽️ 60 g mozzarellaAlternative: ground beef 🍽️ 80 g pumpkinAlternative: beetroot 🍽️ 50 g whole wheat sandwich breadAlternative: short pasta 🍽️ 30 g mandarinAlternative: orange or kiwi 🫒 1 tbsp olive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil 🍽️ 3 g nutmegAlternative: 5-spice mix 🍽️ 50 g plain yogurtAlternative: fresh cheese 2 servings
Melting pieces, perfect for developing chewing safely.
No major allergen identified.
May contain traces of gluten.
per portion
Calories 157 kcal
Protein 10 g
Carbs 17 g
Fat 4 g 1
CHECK NO LACTOSE INTOLERANCE (mozzarella, yogurt - if needed substitute) WASH pumpkin and peel Cut the pumpkin into small cubes PEEL the mandarin and REMOVE ALL SEEDS AND PITH (CRITICAL - choking hazard) Cut the mandarin segments into small pieces Cut the mozzarella into small pieces
Lightly toast the bread and crumble finely
Check the yogurt freshness
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature) Cutting board Paring knife Kitchen scale Mixing bowl Steamer pot Do NOT serve if lactose intolerant CRITICAL: mandarin seeds are choking hazard CRITICAL: mandarin pith is hard for baby CRITICAL: mandarin skin is impossible to digest Pumpkin fibers are hard for baby Always check mozzarella freshness Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (0.8 cm) CRITICAL: confirm NO lactose intolerance before serving CRITICAL: ALWAYS remove mandarin seeds and pith CRITICAL: ALWAYS peel mandarin thoroughly Take out 30 min before for better incorporation 2
Mix the toasted bread crumbs and pumpkin cubes in a large bowl Add the mozzarella pieces and mandarin pieces Add the plain yogurt as binder Pour in the olive oil and nutmeg Mix with a wooden spoon Shape into hearts (using heart-shaped cookie cutter) Press into the hearts gently Place on a tray lined with parchment Let rest 5 min in the fridge Large bowl Wooden spoon Fork Clean hands Tray lined with parchment Heart-shaped cookie cutter Do not overmix: mozzarella breaks Do not add too much flour: hearts become too dense Do not forget to remove mandarin seeds Do not make hearts too big: max 4 cm diameter Do not leave air in the hearts Always check yogurt freshness If the dough is too sticky: add 1 tsp rice flour If too dry: add 1 tsp liquid (water or adapted milk) Shape with damp hands Use heart-shaped cookie cutter Vary sizes according to age For 24-36 months: bigger hearts 3
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan Lightly oil a baking sheet Arrange the hearts leaving 2 cm between each Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 min Check cooking halfway through Meanwhile, prepare the nutmeg sauce: yogurt + pinch nutmeg + 1 tsp olive oil Mix the sauce well and chill Remove the hearts when golden Let cool 3-4 min Test the temp with a finger: warm Serve immediately with the sauce on the side Baking sheet Pastry brush Fork Tongs Small bowl Timer Do not forget to preheat Do not overcrowd the sheet Do not open the oven in the first 8 min Do not overcook: hearts become hard Do not serve sauce too warm (kills probiotics) Always check mozzarella is fully melted Check cooking: golden brown outside For 12-18 months: more moist cooking For 24-36 months: more golden cooking If browning too fast: lower to 160°C Test with a toothpick: should come out clean Sauce: serve cold to preserve probiotics 4
FINAL CHECK: confirm NO lactose intolerance + no mandarin seeds + no pith Prepare a fresh small mandarin segment garnish Arrange the warm hearts on baby's plate Add small mandarin pieces around Serve the nutmeg sauce in a small separate bowl Show how to pick up the hearts Serve warm Watch baby during the meal Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling - lactose) Put leftovers in the fridge Baby plate Small bowl + suction cup Spoon Non-slip cloth Phone (emergency) Do not serve burning hot FINAL CHECK for lactose + mandarin seeds + pith Always serve mandarin peeled and seeded Do not leave baby alone Do not reheat several times NEVER serve dairy to lactose intolerant baby Serve warm: flavors are more developed Mandarin adds natural sweetness For 12-18 months: cut hearts in half Silicone bowl with suction cup Offer 2-3 different sides Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction 
