I loved Super Baby Food, which was a great reference on when to start various foods. A bit more conservative than most pediatricians, but that's how we liked it!

But yes, especially for first foods most things you can mash up with a fork--banana, avocado, sweet potato, carrot. I ground up various grains in our blender to make it fine enough for baby cereal, then cooked with a lot of water. A little hand food grinder is great for small portions, or use a food processor and make a big bunch of "food cubes" in ice cube trays -- thaw as needed.

Shaun
www.homeschoolblogger.com/shaunms