I did wind up spending $150 on the babycook from Williams and Sonoma...it's paid for itself in 2 months. I can make organic babyfood for 8-11 cents per meal (compare that to 75-95 cents a meal). I like it because it both steams and blends--no need to strain. Comes with recipes (although, wandering through the babyfood isle will give you ideas, so I don't use the recipe book yet). But, I like it because I can throw it in the dishwasher, I can freeze what I cook (in baby cubes, find them on amazon.com) and I KNOW what's in the food! Plus, I've customized to my daughter's tastes as she's grown up (she's picky, likes bananas with oatmeal, but cannot throw pears in with it!). I'm also able to stretch meals by adding rice cereal and the remaining cooking liquid. I have also started whole grain organic rice with green beans...so, I feel good about what I make. It's spendy, but so darned easy...worth every penny!