Go Bananas!

Try this versatile ice cream alternative that’s packed with nutrients

This summer is supposed to pack a lot of 90 degree plus days. It’s important to stay cool and especially hydrated. When you slice bananas, freeze them, and then blend they have the texture of ice cream!

Bananas are a good source of potassium, fiber and vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of vitamin B6. Dietary potassium is important for cardiovascular health, as it seems to be linked to lower blood pressure. And there is so much natural sugar in banana you don’t really miss all the synthetics in real ice cream. And this is a treat you can give your kids at home, at the beach, by the pool…without feeling guilty!

The Base:

• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
• Take 3-6 bananas and cut them in about 1” slices
• Lay them out on the parchment
• Freeze at least 1-2 hours
• Pulse in blender to get a more soft consistency and then blend on med/high for 60 seconds (it might take a few pulses to break them down to give your blender something to work with- you don’t want to burn out the motor)

Flavor Boosts:

Depending on the amount of bananas you prepared, add to flavor as desired. It’s really hard to screw this up- get creative! Have munchkins?Let them help and teach them about nutrition?

Blueberries, honey and fat free greek yogurt

Pineapple and orange with orange zest

Dark chocolate chips and a few TBSP of peanut butter or almond butter

Shave coconut and coconut milk (chocolate chips if you wish)

A smudge of Nutella and some crushed nuts for a protein boost

Yogurt, berries and some granola on top

Fat free Vanilla yogurt and a little cinnamon or “apple pie spice” (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc)

*Using fruit with a lot of juice, like pineapple will help it freeze more solid because of the water content- this is great for popsicle molds!