So since you have all been ice cream making machines, I felt you all missing the ultimate ice cream…CHOCOLATE. The health tips are particularly important for this flavor. You might say after reading that chocolate ice cream saves lives 😉 Moderation always and of course there will be additional ideas if you keep reading!
CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM
1 1/4 c unsweetened (and fortified if you would like) vanilla almond milk (play around with other non-cow milks if almond isn’t your thing)
*Health facts: Almond are high in protein, minerals and vitamin E. They are a low-calorie healthy fat with less than 1 gram of sugar. They add so much flavor and are nutrient packed.
1 can of unsweetened coconut milk
*Health Facts: Coconut gets a bad wrap for being saturated fat that could potentially increase cholesterol. (so be aware of this fact) Many argue that the saturated fat is different from the one in meat that increases “bad” cholesterol, LDL, so it won’t increase it. It does increase the “good” cholesterol, HDL. This is cardio protective which is very good. It contains a medium chain fatty acid called lauric acid which chemically isn’t like meat and is similar to human breast milk. This is very healthy and digestible for the body. It is high in protein, fiber, iron and many minerals and vitamins. (too many to list) Many studies now report that the coconut fat is one of the ultimate fats that feed the brain. This is very important news for dementia/Alzheimer (both in treatment and prevention)
3/4 c sugar or 1/2 c of maple syrup/agave or honey plus 1/4 c of coconut sugar (you can can out 1/4 of the amount if you want less sugar in general, play around with it. Taste it. It will become less sweet after frozen so be mindful of this.)
*Health facts: Maple syrup and honey are full of minerals and vitamins. Honey can be very calming to the nervous system. Coconut sugar and agave have a low glycemic index which is better for blood sugar regulation.
1/4 c raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder) I like Holy Kakow made locally by two lovely gentlemen
Health facts: We have all heard about how chocolate in general is full of anti-oxidants. It’s considered an important nutrient in anti aging. Studies are showing that the nutrients are so beneficially, it can prevent strokes as well as decrease blood pressure. There are many studies investigating how great it is for heart health. It improves the cell lining of the blood vessels, its anti inflammatory, decreases oxidation (or the bad effects) of LDL (the bad cholesterol) and it has more Mg then any other food. Mg is very deficient in our American diet. It is very calming for all of the body’s tissues, especially the heart. Um, its delicious and makes you happy! The raw stuff is obviously going to be most beneficial. It is expensive though so if your budget is tight, use the commercial stuff we all grew up on.
1/2 c vegan GF chocolate chip (I like Enjoy Life)
Health facts: Same as above.
2 Tbl arrowroot powder
*Health Facts: A wholesome, organic and nutritional thickener low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is high in folate, B1, B3, B6, iron, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.
1 Tbl vanilla extract
*Health facts: It smells and taste wonderful. It makes a person happy!
1/4 tsp real salt
*Health Facts: Real salt has its minerals in it. Because of this, it is said to have less effect on blood pressure than normal salt. Also, because of the minerals, it is more nutritious.
1) Take 1/4 c of the almond milk and arrowroot. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
2) Put remaining 1 c of almond milk, coconut milk, salt, chocolate chips and powder and sweetener in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Whisk arrowroot/milk mixture in. It will thicken immediately. Add extract. Cool completely.
3) Spin according to your ice cream maker’s instructions.
Alternatives:
*Swirl in more chips, nuts, 1/2 c of your favorite nut butter at the end of the spinning process.
*Steep ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, anise or any of your favorite spices. These are particularly good for settling an uneasy tummy. Put them in with the initial mixture you heat up in pan. Let them step during cooling process.
*Feeling spicy? Add cayenne (start with 1/8 tsp) and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon for a mexican chocolate twist.
*For the ultimate heart healthy snack, steep Hawthorne berries in the mixture. Discard before spinning. Add blueberries as either a puree swirl in the end of spinning or just add fresh. So good for you and your sweet heart.
***See chocolate ice cream saves lives. So now it’s Dr’s orders.
