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DIY Healthy Banana Ice Cream

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A couple of weeks ago I  completely overhauled my diet after a few months of eating studenty take-aways. Nowadays if it's not fresh and healthy then I'm not eating it... and I'm finding it surprisingly easy; it's nice to feel more energised and have a bit more of a handle on what you're putting into your body. However, as someone who used to having some yummy treats and seeing indulgences as indulgent the only thing that's been really annoying is not having food to look forward to and enjoy. I have a little internet browse for some ideas for really yummy but healthy treats and came across this amazing food hack. If you get a banana, freeze it and then blend it, it becomes ice cream. Actually. Creamy, delicious, subtly banana-y ice cream. It sooooo hard to believe while you're eating it but I implore you- if you have not tried this trick then go put a banana in the freezer RIGHT NOW!

After falling in love with plain banana ice cream, I thought I'd give some other flavours a go. They all turned out pretty darn delicious; the main thing I'd emphasise is that the flavours you choose don't necessarily need to compliment the banana flavour as it's very subtle, so for instance the coffee ice cream I tried didn't taste of banana at all. Just of yum.
 Basic banana ice cream. (2 generous servings)
Take 3-4 bananas, remove the skins and chop. Put the chopped pieces into a tupperware container and place in freezer for 6 hours or over night. Once completely frozen through, take out of the freezer and allow to thaw for around 15 minutes or until the pieces are no longer rock hard (good test is whether you can bite through it). Then simply blend and serve.
 Chocolate ice cream.
Make up a basic banana mix and add one heaped teaspoon of good quality cocoa powder. Add a little sugar or more cocoa to taste. I did try with using melted chocolate but I found that when the chocolate was added to the frozen mixture it instantly solidified and so became like a clumpy chocolate chip instead.
 Coffee Ice cream
In a small bowl add a teaspoon of instant coffee and add as little hot water as you need in order to dissolve the granules. Allow to cool a little and then blend into the banana mixture.
 Blueberry Ice Cream
Take your basic banana mix and blend in a handful of blueberries. Add a few roughly chopped blueberries for texture.
 Strawberry Ice Cream
Take your basic ice cream mix and blend in a couple of teaspoons of strawberry jam. Chop a few strawberries and add to the mixture for texture.
  Cinnamon and Honey
Take your basic banana mix and add in generous sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. Give a very short blend and then remove from the blender. With each serving dust the top with a little extra cinnamon and honey.

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