Sea Salt-Caramel Nice Crème

Frozen bananas make a beautifully delicious ice cream alternative when they’re blended to a creamy “soft serve” consistency. As dairy-based ice cream is loaded with saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and other dubious additives, this luscious, ultra healthy alternative is spectacular. Enjoy it in good health!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen banana chunks
• 4 pitted dates, chopped and soaked for 30 minutes in distilled water
• 1/4 cup cashews, soaked 30-60 minutes and drained
• 2-4 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or other plant-based option
• 2 tablespoons shredded coconut to garnish (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds to garnish (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt to finish

Directions:

Place frozen banana slices and cashews in a high-speed food processor or blender. Start adding the almond or coconut milk, using as little as necessary to create a thick ice crème. You can add dates at this point if you want them thoroughly blended in, or fold them in at the end for a chunky version. Blend your mixture on high until creamy, stopping to scrape the sides every so often. Chef tip: You might wish to let the bananas thaw slightly for easier blending, then freeze your mixture for 1-2 hours to attain an ice crème consistency. Garnish with sea salt, nuts, and coconut. Enjoy!