Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream

Here in Texas, we are hunkering down to survive the sweltering heat that summer can bring. After spending too much time in the heat, I have been craving something cold and sweet but still healthy. What’s a girl to do? Make ice cream! Although I typically don’t advocate treats everyday, this healthier dessert option helps me to stay on my track and not cheat with a less healthy dessert. I am going to stock my freezer with a bag full of peeled bananas so that I can make ice cream again when the need arises. Enjoy!

As you already have guessed, this isn’t really ice cream. It’s a lovely concoction of frozen fruits and natural extracts blended together in a food processor or high speed blender. Feel free to substitute frozen fruit other than cherry to create your own favorite flavor.

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas, cut in chunks

1 c frozen cherries

2-3 T milk of choice (I used coconut milk)

1 T vanilla (omit for Whole 30 or AIP)

Add all the ingredients to your blender or food processor. Blend slowly, stopping to scrape down the sides of blender when needed. I left a few chunks in mine to capture bits of cherry in each bite. For soft serve, scoop the mixture into parfait bowls and eat immediately.

*For a firmer, more traditional style ice cream, scoop mixture into a freezer safe bowl and freeze for a minimum of 3-4 hours. When ready to eat, use an ice cream scoop to serve.