Banana Ice Cream Dream

You may have heard of the dream-come-true that is frozen banana "ice cream." The idea is simple: You freeze a banana and blend it, without anything else, to create a delightful treat with the consistency of ice cream.  There's just no negative any way you look at it: Using up a banana about to turn? Check. Healthy? Check. Delicious? Check!

 But that's not all! You can make an even richer dessert by including a slice of frozen avocado to the mix. Once you've got the base, you can use other fixin's - whatever you have available - to create all manner of delectable flavor explosions.  One of my favorites is cinnamon-honey-almond. 

Have you tried this recipe? What are your favorite flavors?

Banana Ice Cream Stockpile

4-6 bananas

1 avocado

Optional toppings

Peel and slice the bananas. Place the slices in a gallon freezer bag, and spread the slices out so they form a single layer inside the bag. Lay flat to freeze to keep the slices from sticking. 

Peel and cube the avocado. Place the pieces in a quart-size freezer bag, and spread the pieces out in a single layer inside the bag. Lay flat to freeze to keep the slices from sticking.

When you are ready to make the ice cream, place a generous serving of banana slices and a few cubes of avocado in a blender or food processor. If you would like chocolate ice cream, add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. I use the food chopper attachment of my stick blender.  Give it a few generous pulses until it is well blended.  If your banana is very firmly frozen, you may need to stir it with a spoon to get a creamier texture.

Topping suggestions

Shredded coconut and frozen cherries

Cinnamon, raisins, and maple syrup

Honey, cinnamon, and optional nuts

Granola or any crispy cereal

A dollop of peanut butter and a spoonful of jam or preserves

Kahlua or creme de cacao for a grown-up treat

Chia seeds