Nutritious Banana Ice Cream; 4 Different Flavors

As a Momma I am always looking for fun ways to sneak vitamins and good nutrition into my son's diet. He constantly asks for sugary treats and yes, sometimes I let him indulge, but on a typical day I would rather he eat something nutritious. So for breakfast if he is asking for something like "cake" I will give him french toast or pancakes with fruit purees added into the mixes and call it "cake". If he is asking for "candy" I normally opt for non artificially colored or flavored gummy snacks. I can only imagine what other people think I am feeding him if he insist that he eats junk foods all day... #thestruggleisreal

One of my favorite little tricks, that I even use on myself when I crave something sweet and creamy, is this simple recipe for banana ice cream. Bananas are about 100 calories each which can be about the same as a serving of ice cream, depending on the type. Obviously, bananas are far superior because they are naturally sweetened and full of vitamins and minerals; vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, potassium, biotin, and copper.


The recipe I use can be classified as clean, paleo, and vegan depending on your ingredients used for flavoring. To make it vegan or dairy free use almond milk or another non dairy milk of your preference and only flavor with pure extracts, vegetables, or fruits. I choose to do Neapolitan and a mint chocolate chip ice creams using only whole ingredients.

Ingredients for about 2 cups, (1/2 cup serving size)

• 1 1/2 to 2 Frozen bananas, (peeled, sliced, then froze)
• 1/4 cup Milk or non dairy milk of choice

Ingredients for my flavors 

Mint chocolate chip

• 1/4 cup spinach (for color and extra vitamins)
• 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 Tbs mini dark chocolate chips

Neapolitan

• 2 Tbs cocoa powder or chocolate plant based protein powder (I used vegan chocolate Shakeology)
• 1 Tbs virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 frozen strawberries
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

You will also need a blender or food processor, to get the desired texture, and a resealable container that can be stored in the freezer.

 

To prep this recipe you will need to peel and slice your ripe bananas. ( I only cut them into halves, because I also use half of a frozen banana in my morning shakes.) Then place them into a resealable container or zip lock. Allow them to thoroughly freeze for a few hours. I also washed, sliced, and froze some strawberries for my strawberry flavor and already had a package of frozen chopped spinach for my mint chocolate chip.

Once your bananas are frozen, you can start creating your flavors. You can be really creative with your choices. I recommend starting with 1 to 2 bananas then build your flavors by adding about 2 tbs nut butters, protein powders, 1/8 tsp of extracts, or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fruits or vegetables. 

Vanilla Banana

• 1 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/8 tsp vanilla

Strawberry Banana

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup milk

Chocolate Banana

• 1 1/2 frozen banana
• 2 tbs cocoa powder ( I used vegan chocolate shakeology, for added superfoods)
• 1 Tbs coconut oil
• 1/4 cup milk 

You can enjoy these flavors individual or layer them in a container Neapolitan style, like I did. Let the ice cream set up in your freezer for 2-3 hours to achieve a thicker texture, or eat it once it's blended if you prefer a meltier ice cream.

Mint Chocolate Chip

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach
• 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbs mini chocolate chips * stirred into finished ice cream

I hope you enjoy this recipe as a wonderful ice cream alternative! 

XOXO

Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

This is a great frugal recipe if you have a love for chic, barista crafted iced coffees.

To achieve a great tasting Cold Brew you will need some higher end, delicious "fair trade" coffee (the fresher the better). Your coffee doesn't have to be super costly just do not use a commercial brand because they use fillers in their products and it just won't give you a great final product. The process of brewing your coffee at room temperature or "Cold" really releases all the notes and flavors from your coffee, as where brewing with hot water takes away some of those flavors. So if you are using a highly processed coffee you are going to taste all of those fillers.

You will also need some filtered water, a large container (I used 2 shaker bottles so anything you have on hand will work), and a mesh strainer (cheese clothes, lint free dish towel, or a coffee filter and a funnel will also work). This is going to make a coffee concentrate that you will need to dilute to your desired strength preference once it is finished. I forgot to do this once and was up all night!

Instructions

• 1 1/3 cups grounded coffee
• 4 cups water

• This recipe yields about 4 cups of cold brew concentrate and about 8-12 cups of iced coffee. The concentrate will last up to 1 week refrigerated.

• Pour your coffee grounds into a large sealable container then add your water, seal, and let the mixture set at room temperature for 8-24 hours. The longer it sets the stronger the concentrate.

• Once your concentrate has steeped, you will use your strainer. I used a funnel and a basic coffee filter, (this method takes longer so if you have a cheese clothes or mesh strain those would be better options.) Secure your strainer over a clean jar or pitcher and strain out the coffee grounds. You can filter as many time as needed.

When you go to make your latte you will need to dilute with water, I recommend a ratio of 1/3 coffee,  2/3 water. You can use less water if you like a stronger drink. Add ice, creamer, extract, spices, and sweeteners to your preference & ENJOY!

Xoxo

German Apple Pancake

The perfect baked breakfast dish to serve at your next brunch!

Ingredients

• 1 Apple, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbs brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tbs unsalted grass fed butter

Batter mixture

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp salt

Topping

• Cinnamon, to taste
• Powdered sugar, to taste

In a frying pan melt butter, then add sliced apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook until they are soft.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking dish with non stick spray.

In a small bowl mix eggs, milk and salt. Then slowly add flour until mixture is smooth.

Once your apples are cooked arrange in the bottom of your baking pan.

Pour batter over apples and bake for 20 - 25 minutes.

Sprinkle cinnamon and powdered sugar on top and enjoy!! 

Xoxo

Clean Green Frittata

This is a delicious clean eating recipe that is full of flavor!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini 
• 1/4 cup diced onion 
• 1/4 cup shredded natural cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste 
• Spray olive oil to grease baking pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease your baking dish, then add all vegetables to your dish then add your shredded cheese. 

In a medium bowl whip eggs, salt, pepper and lemon juice until your eggs are frothy.

Pour your egg mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. 

Bake for 20 - 25 mins.

Serve hot with desired toppings!

Mine = Sriracha, Sriracha!

:)

Waffle Recipe

A classic waffle batter recipe your kids will love.

Ingredients 

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 Tbs sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.

Preheat waffle iron and spray with a non stick cooking spray. Pour 1/3 cup batter per waffle. 

Yields 6 large waffles.

Top with fruits, chocolate chips, cinnamon, whipped cream, jams, or syrups!!!


Enjoy!!