From around 9 months, many babies prefer eating with their fingers than being spoon-fed. These tasty chicken balls make perfect finger food. The grated apple adds a delicious flavour and makes them appealing to children. They’re good hot or cold. For babies 12 months and older, add a crumbled chicken stock cube and seasoning. They’re absolutely delicious and make a good meal for the whole family.

Makes 20 balls
Suitable for freezing

You’ll need:
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 50g finely grated carrot
• 1 tbsp light olive oil
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated
• 2 chicken breasts (350g) cut into chunks
• 1 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 50g (2 oz) fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled (for babies over 12 months)
• flour for coating
• vegetable oil for frying

Method:
1. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté half the onion and the grated carrot for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Using your hands, squeeze out a little excess liquid from the grated apple. Mix the grated apple with the chicken, onion and carrot, plus raw chopped onion, parsley and thyme, breadcrumbs and crumbled stock (for babies over 12 months). Chop for a few seconds in a food processor. Season with a little salt and pepper (only for babies over 12 months).
3. With your hands, form the mixture into about 20 balls, and roll in flour.
4.Fry in shallow oil until lightly golden and cooked through (about 4 to 5 minutes).

For more on nutrition and for Annabel Karmel’s recipes, log on to www.annabelkarmel.com

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