Always serve pasteurized cheese to infants. Pasteurization uses heat to kill bacteria, and pasteurized milks and cheeses are the safest way to introduce dairy products to children. While some contend that aged raw cheeses are safe to eat, these varieties are not yet FDA approved.

• Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sweet potato and the carrot, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 35 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Grate the cheese.

• Drain the vegetables and return to the saucepan. Over low heat, add in the grated cheese and stir until melted.

• Allow to cool; then fork-mash before serving.

Soft or Hard?

Children's tastes for cheese run the gamut. Soft cheese include cream cheese and ricotta; these are great when spread on toast. Semi-soft cheeses like Monterey jack or Mozzarella are favorites for pizza. The hard cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan) are great for cooking or baking. Try experimenting with different varieties to find a kind that your baby, and the rest of your family, loves.