I make batches of stocks and freeze them. I normally make fresh meal for my LO everyday, just need to steam the meat or veggie then just mix in stock to dilute and use hand blender. It's not time consuming at all (btw, i have no helper). Agree with Frenchy, it's always handy to have banana. I also buy frozen organic veggies like pea or spinach since i can hardly find fresh (non-China) ones. My LO doesnt like jar baby food but she's fine with cereals. Hence, when we go out i just bring along egg yolk and parmesan cheese then mix them into her cereal.