Starting solids - A new chapter in life!

We have made it to the 6 month mark successfully, exclusively breastfeeding. Now the fun begins, solids! I have read charts, blogs, articles, heard the elders opinion, the educated opinion and now it is time to ask your opinion. I think I know what I am going to feed her, but I need to know if you made your own baby food how did you do it? I figured I would grab a pot, steam, mash and feed. HA not so simple! I tried rice and ended up with rice pudding. I tried potatoes and had lumps even with added breast milk. I think she got frustrated with me and gave up. So should I Beaba Baby Food Maker? Baby Bullet? Let me know what worked for you.