When I was a kid, my Gran made it a tradition to enjoy an ice cream on the front porch after dinner during my summer visits to her house. I’d race out to get it for us from the Dickie Dee man who was really just a local gangly teenager peddling the freezer bike up and down the leafy streets of a prairie town. The real race would begin when I unwrapped my treat and tried to eat it up before the rivulets of melting sweetness ended up all over the front of my t-shirt. Dickie Dee 1. Trish O.
I think those memories are what set me up to be a life-long ice cream fanatic. Today, it doesn’t help that I live in a neighbourhood where there seems to be an ice cream or gelato place popping up on every corner and tempting me to indulge daily.
I’m not saying that enjoying a creamy treat to cap a summer evening should be off limits, but calories can definitely add up. There is a solution however and it takes no time at all to whip it up in your own kitchen.
Banana soft serve is a rockin’ treat made solely from frozen bananas that are whirled in your food processor until they get smooth, fluffy and decidedly ice-creamy! Seriously – you can turn a frozen banana into a bowl of creamy deliciousness in 5 minutes flat. You. Must. Try. It!
Banana Soft Serve
Serves 2
Ingredients:
3 Frozen Bananas (peeled, of course)
Directions:
Step 1: Put your frozen bananas in the food processor.
Step 2: Turn it on and let it process for about 5 minutes. You’ll see the bananas turn crumbly, but be patient -they will eventually turn into a creamy smooth confection.
Step 3: Spoon into a bowl and dig in!
That’s it.
If you want to switch up the flavours a bit, try this during the processing:
- Add a teaspoon or two of cinnamon.
- Throw in a ½ cup of frozen berries.
- Toss in ¼ cup of chocolate chips, toasted coconut, toasted chopped nuts.
- Add a tablespoon of your favourite nut butter.
This dish delivers on the sweet tooth satisfaction quotient, and I feel great knowing I’m giving my body something nutritious. Remember, bananas are one of the best sources of potassium around, a mineral that is necessary for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. ip address . These delicious fruits are also rich in heart healthy fibre. . And while you don’t think of a banana as a traditional source of Vitamin C, it’s actually a good source of that potent antioxidant, which will help protect your cells from the damages of free radicals, known as a risk factor for many diseases including cancer.
This summer I will be enjoying frozen treats from my own kitchen instead of from the Dickie Dee man. And my body will thank me for it.
Let me know how you enjoy this awesome nutritious summer treat when you try it.