Yo! Who loves ice cream?

About two years ago I discovered a machine that was specifically designed to make homemade ice cream using bananas.  Um, what?  I can make healthy ice cream, in my kitchen, and eat.it.every.day?  Yipeeee!

A Yonanas machine can process bananas into ice cream and dispense it in soft serve form.  Using ripe bananas, this fruit is a base for making any flavor/concoction of ice cream your heart desires!  The best part?  The only ingredient is banana.  No added refined sugars, eggs, unhealthy fats or oils, or weird ingredients you can't pronounce.  Don't love banana?  No problem. This healthy ice cream has a mild banana taste (especially when add-ins and stir-ins are used- see below).

I love my Yonanas, but understand not everyone may own a machine.  For those who still want to make this yummy treat, a food processor will do the trick.  This recipe is adapted specifically for food processors:

Healthy Ice Cream

2-5 very ripe bananas, frozen

Optional add-ins:

Various frozen fruits (i.e. berries, pineapple, citrus, mangos)

Optional stir-ins:

Chocolate chips/bar (i.e. organic, dark, allergy-free)

Dried fruit

Fresh fruit

Dry cereal

Granola

Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Hazelnut Spread

Nuts or seeds

UNREAL candy

Let bananas (and any optional frozen fruit) thaw at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes.

Break up bananas into 1 inch pieces and place into processor.

Pulse on high until blended (it will take 20+ seconds).

Once processed, eat as is or opt to make your own special treat using add-ins/stir-ins.

Notes:

• To help save time, cut up ripe bananas before placing in freezer.
• If adding additional frozen fruit (ex. to make blueberry ice cream), I recommend blending bananas first then adding in fruit.
• Be careful not to over-process.  The heat of the blade can start to melt the ice cream.
• If you can't wait for your bananas to ripen, most grocery stores sell the brown spotted fruit at a discount.
• Bagged frozen fruit can be expensive.  A little goes a long way for flavor!
• Make a large batch and freeze in individual containers.  When ready to eat, simply thaw on the counter for approximately 15 minutes.

Experiment with different flavors and stir-ins.  One of my faves is plain with Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips!

Ripe bananas

Peeled and frozen

Ready to process

Silky smooth ice cream

Add-in: Frozen mixed berries

Berry-licious!

Healthy ice cream topped with mini chips

What's great about this healthy ice cream is that it doesn't have to be eaten as a "dessert".  I've had mine with breakfast and even as a mid-day snack at home.  It's definitely a treat regardless of when you eat it!