Best Treats to Beat the Heat

Posted on by

By: Bridgette Wilson

As I was driving down 183 heading home one afternoon, the temperature on my car’s dashboard read 100. No wonder I was feeling like a piece of sizzling bacon cooking in a cast iron skillet. I cranked up the A/C and started to reminisce about my childhood ice cream memories. It was always a special part of my ‘Texas Summer Survival Kit’.

Every summer, my mother would make her own ice cream. I can recall those hot humid nights of Houston sitting on the back patio. The ice cream maker was churning up a gallon of old fashioned vanilla ice cream as the mosquitos took their turn licking our spoons and biting our necks. Except for the mosquitos and the humidity, those moments were fun and enjoyable because we had ice cream.

Thinking about my childhood inspired me to pass on those same traditions to my daughter. I started to brainstorm and came up with some alternative ideas. How about chocolate ice cream with swirls of almonds and chocolate bits? With more natural ingredients added, we were able to create this delectable sweet treat that will satisfy the sweet tooth without sabotaging my quest to stay on a healthy path.

Deep Chocolate Almond Crunch Ice cream

Ingredients:

2 – 13.5 oz. can Lite Organic Thai Coconut milk (also try almond milk or 2% low-fat milk)

2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup raw honey

2 Tablespoons Sweet Organic Raw Cacao Nibs

1/4 cup toasted almond slices

Instructions:

  1. In medium mixing bowl, add in all ingredients except for almonds and cacao nibs. Blend with electric mixer or whisk until well blended.
  2. Carefully pour mixture into an ice cream machine, then, add in almonds and cacao nibs. Churn for about 30 minutes or until machine automatically shuts off. Follow instructions of your ice cream machine if it does not have auto-shut off.
  3. Serve immediately. If not ready to serve, store in freezer in airtight container. Allow to set a room temperature for about 15 minutes when removing from freezer.

 

One thing I have learned on my journey, moderation is the key to any success. I always remind myself that as long as I choose the best options on a regular basis, it is fine to enjoy a little indulgence every now and then. Life is about balance and of course, portion control. However, for those of us who treat everything as a bag of Lay’s Potato Chips and can’t eat just one, there are many alternatives that allow us to enjoy cool treats. By making simple swaps, anyone can have their ice cream and stay fit too!

Swap out: Sugar-sweetened puddings, custards, shakes, ice cream and frozen yogurt for:

  • 1-Ingredient Banana Whip: Puree a frozen banana in a food processor for a dreamy creamy dessert.
  • Fruit Yogurt Parfait: Sweeten plain yogurt with low-calorie sweetener then top with fruit and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • Easy Chocolate Pudding: Mash an avocado with a banana; add cocoa powder and low-calorie sweetener to taste.
  • Extra-Frothy Shake: Blend fat-free milk + a few teaspoons of sugar-free pudding mix + frozen berries + ice cubes.

To read more about ice cream tips that will help you beat the heat and enjoy something sweet, check out the following links:

Here’s to new traditions and healthy treats. Why not break out of your ice cream maker and give it a churn this summer? And…don’t forget to share!

Comments are closed.