Creamy Delights Without the Dairy
If you’ve been reading this column for a while, you know we’ve often explored the potential health concerns linked to cow’s milk (some are listed here).
Biologically speaking, cow’s milk is designed to help a calf grow rapidly—from about 80 pounds at birth to nearly 800 pounds within its first year. And to support that kind of rapid growth, cow’s milk contains a mix of nutrients and growth hormones which aren’t well-suited for human consumption.
But if you scream for ice cream and find it hard to live without (like I do), there is good news!
Your taste buds do not have to sacrifice all of the sweet creaminess you love to enjoy! Here are just a few easy recipes that are delicious and healthy.
Please note that many recipes call for frozen bananas. Use ‘spotted’ bananas and be sure to peel them before freezing for at least 24 hours.
Red Velvet Sorbet
4 large ripe bananas, frozen
10 oz. frozen raspberries
2 TBS cacao (or cocoa) powder
4-5 pitted dates, chopped
Blend all ingredients in a high powered blender until creamy. (Note: I use a food processor with good results). Top with a few dairy-free chocolate chips before freezing, if desired).
Chocolate Orange Nice Cream (with sauce!)
One of my personal favorites!
There’s just something about the combination of chocolate and orange that appeals to my taste buds.
You’ll find the recipe for this delicious treat here.
Strawberry Pineapple Sorbet
1 10-oz. bag frozen strawberries
½ cup orange juice or soy milk
4 slices dried pineapple (unsulphured)
1 cup fresh organic strawberries (optional as a topper)
Blend all ingredients (except berries) in a high powered blender or food processor. Pour into sorbet glasses and top with fresh berries. (PS – You could try adding frozen pineapple instead of dried pineapple, although I have not done so).
Very Berry Nice Cream
Berries are a win-win! One of the healthiest foods on the planet, AND delicious!
Not only does this video explain three reasons why we should include berries in our daily diet, you’ll get to learn how EASY it is to make Very Berry Ice Cream! Watch the video here.
Choco-Mint Nice Cream (with sauce!)
Here’s another of my favorite’s! Fresh spinach adds nutrition and the lovely color, as well.
I love using fresh mint in this recipe (which you’ll find here).
Banana Split Shake
¾ – 1 cup unsweetened soy or almond milk
1 TBS cacao (or cocoa) powder
½ – 1 ripe banana
5 frozen cherries (or more to taste)
Ice cubes
Place half the milk in blender with the cacao, half the banana and an ice cube. Blend. Add remaining milk, banana, and as many cherries as you wish; Blend. Add ice as you desire. (Note: using a frozen banana would reduce the amount of ice).
Neopolitan Nice Cream
A combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry nice cream (but you could use any flavors you wish!)
Plus, you’ll only need 5 ingredients to create this entire recipe! Get the recipe here.
The Elvis Shake
3 bananas, peeled and frozen
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or soy milk)
1 TBS peanut butter (no added oils)
¼ cup cocoa (or cacao powder)
Blend in high-powered blender until thick and creamy.
Vanilla Nice Cream
Blend 4 frozen, peeled bananas with 2 tsp vanilla extract or powder. You’ll need a high-powered blender, and will need your tamper to push the bananas down into the blade. Only add a splash of plant milk if necessary. The below chocolate sauce is great on this!
Cherry Nice Cream
Fill your blender with frozen, peeled bananas and frozen dark cherries (about half and half). Use your high-powered blender and you’ll need your tamper to push the frozen fruit into the blades. The below chocolate sauce is great on this!
Easy Chocolate Sauce
3 TBS date syrup
1 TBS cacao powder
Stir together until well combined. Add a bit of vanilla for a nice flavor, if desired.
For 10 Free Dessert Smoothie Recipes, click here.
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