Apple
Suitable for 6-month-olds
Wash and core 4 pounds of apples (skins on), and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Simmer apples, covered, in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup water until tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender. Working in small batches, blend until smooth. Pass through a fine sieve. For coarser texture, pass apples through a food mill, or pulse in a food processor. Fill 1/4-cup plastic containers or ice-cube trays. Makes 4 1/4 cups or about 48 cubes.

Pear
Suitable for 6-month-olds
Wash, peel, and core 3 pounds of ripe pears. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. Simmer, covered, in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup water until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain; reserve cooking liquid. Transfer pears to a blender. Working in small batches, blend until smooth. Add reserved liquid if needed. Pass through a fine sieve for a smooth texture. For a coarser texture, mash with a fork. Fill 1/4-cup plastic containers or ice-cube trays with puree. Makes 2 1/2 cups or about 28 cubes.

Plum
Suitable for 6-month-olds
(Use same method for peaches, apricots, and other stone fruits.) Wash and quarter 2 pounds of ripe plums. Discard pits. Simmer plums, covered, in a large saucepan with 1/4 cup water until tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer plums with water to a blender. Working in small batches, blend until smooth. Add up to 1/3 cup boiled and cooled water if needed. Pass mixture through a fine sieve for the smoothest texture. Fill 1/4-cup plastic containers or ice-cube trays with puree. Makes 3 cups or about 30 cubes.