Is there anything more tempting than that bucket of ice cream sitting in the freezer? Whether it’s a hot summer day, or you’re just craving a bit of something sweet after dinner, it can seem as though the ice cream in the freezer is calling your name.
Unfortunately, this sweet decadent treat can pack in well over 200 calories and 16 grams of fat per half cup serving. Indulge in that every day, and you might start finding that your pants are fitting a little bit tighter.
Luckily for health conscious people, it’s possible to take overripe bananas and turn them into a sweet frozen treat that will banish those ice cream cravings – without the saturated fat or empty calories.
Start by peeling bananas and freezing them whole in a freezer-safe container. Once they’re fully frozen, you can break them into chunks and run them through the food processor. After a minute or two, they will start breaking into small pieces. Keep blending, and the frozen bananas will become creamier and creamier until they take on a texture much like soft-serve ice cream. Add a few drops of vanilla extract for an even more decadent flavour.
Banana soft-serve can be enjoyed on its own, or mixed with other flavours to create any number of delicious treats.
Why not try:
• frozen banana and frozen strawberries, blended together and scooped into a cone
• frozen banana and cocoa powder for a chocolate treat
• frozen banana and a spoonful of natural peanut butter for a decadent nutty flavour
• banana soft serve over fresh fruit salad
• banana soft-serve covered with a sauce made from pureed raspberries
• banana soft-serve sundae, layered with mashed strawberries and crushed peanuts
The next time that you get the urge to dip a spoon into that tub of high-sugar, high-fat, high-calorie ice cream, reach for the food processor and the frozen bananas instead! Your waistline will thank you while the rest of you indulges in a sweet, creamy, healthy treat.
