As summer gets underway, it is easy to remember the sound of The Good Humor Ice Cream Truck ringing down my street in the afternoon. Ice cream is the ultimate summer snack. It’s cool and refreshing. Ok, I hate to rain on a summer parade but, this scoop, whether it’s on a cone or a cup or shared amongst family or friends is laden with unwanted calories and sugar. Oh no! Don’t shoot the messenger!
All is not lost. I can show you how this dessert can become our summer time friend. It’s easy. You just need a food processor or a high speed blender! Here are 3 good healthy ways to enjoy ice cream that you can feel good about (and if you want more ideas, I am happy to share them with you, just send me an email to rachel@livehealthynyc.com).
Soft Serve Banana Ice Cream (well, it’s not really ice cream as you will see there is no cream!):
Blend a frozen banana (or a few) and it gets creamy like a custard. It gets this consistency because of its high pectin content. You can keep it plain or add anything you want (in the name of health) towards the end of the blending process. For example, a scoop of peanut butter, a drizzle of honey, a few almonds, or a bit of cocoa powder.
Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream:
1 container of frozen strawberries, 1 and ¾ cups of coconut milk, ¼ teaspoon liquid Stevia and a splash of lemon juice. Combine all ingredients in a strong blender or food processor and mix just until smooth. Then, transfer to a plastic container and place in freezer for 30 minutes. Then, with a sturdy whisk or fork break up any ice crystals or frozen bits. Next, return it to the freezer for another half-hour. Repeat until it firms up (about 3 hours altogether). It takes a while, but is worth the wait!
Raspberry and Cream Banana Ice Cream:
1-2 frozen banana, about 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, 1/3 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
Blend in either a food processor or high speed blender until smooth and creamy. You can eat immediately or place in your freezer for a harder consistency.