Make your own maple-pecan vegan 'ice cream'

Friday, October 04, 2013 by: Christy Pooschke
Tags: ice cream, vegan food, homemade treats

(NaturalNews) Most store-bought ice cream is packed full of chemical additives and mysterious ingredients. Why not avoid all of those health-depleting compounds by preparing your own tasty frozen treat instead? That's right, just because you want some ice cream, that doesn't mean you have to eat junk food. This Maple-Pecan "Ice Cream" treat is simple to make by yourself at home, and it contains just a few simple, real food ingredients: frozen bananas, roasted pecans and pure maple syrup. These ingredients contribute to your health, so you can actually feel good about indulging in this dessert when you have a taste for something sweet. Heck, eat it for breakfast if you'd like! It's a more nutritious option than pouring yourself a bowl of commercial cereal or toasting up one of those processed breakfast pastries, and it won't take you much more time!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF THIS RECIPE

Bananas - Bananas are loaded with potassium, which increases energy and protects against high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and stroke. Bananas also contain soluble fiber that helps maintain regular digestion.

Pure Maple Syrup - Researchers have discovered that this amazing sweetener has anti-inflammatory properties and contains a wide array of antioxidant compounds, which have been shown to boost our immune systems, fight cancer and help control type 2 diabetes. (Read labels carefully to be sure you purchase 100% pure maple syrup. Many pancake syrups are actually made from high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and artificial colors. Always read the ingredients list on the label!)

Pecans - These wonderful nuts have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and protect us against diseases like cancer and heart disease by increasing the amount of healthy antioxidants in our bodies.

MAPLE-PECAN "ICE CREAM" RECIPE

Makes 2 large servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 Frozen bananas
3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 Teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1/4 - 1/2 Cup roasted pecans, chopped (divided)

DIRECTIONS:

Cut the frozen bananas into thick slices and place them into a food processor or high-powered blender.

Add the syrup and (optional) sea salt.

Process the mixture on high speed until it's smooth.

(If you use a food processor, you may need to stop after 15-30 seconds - after the slices are diced up - so you can scrape the mixture from the sides of the container back down into the blades. Then continue blending until the mixture is smooth.)

Transfer the "ice cream" to serving bowls and then stir in the pecans, reserving a few for garnish if you'd like. (If you're not sure how to roast pecans, click here for a quick and simple recipe.)

Enjoy!

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com

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http://www.uri.edu

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About the author:
Christy Pooschke is a natural health advocate who became passionate about avoiding food additives after healing from years of chronic illness. Want more simple & tasty natural recipes? Check out her e-book, Eating Additive-Free- a natural cookbook packed with 160 recipes and a complete additive-free grocery shopping guide!