8.28.2012

5 minute blueberry banana "soft-serve"

I have a slight obsession with frozen yogurt. I used to make my way into TCBY at least two times a week, until they moved to a new location. It was heartbreaking to hear, especially because in my opinion, TCBY has the most delicious fro-yo around. It was for the best, though. My thighs are probably most thankful.

As much I love frozen yogurt, I don't always love the calories. (Yes, fro-yo can be decently high in calories too, depending on what you add to it.) When there are countless toppings in front of me, I'm not afraid to use them. It becomes slightly dangerous.

Picture something that has the consistency of a soft-serve treat with the perfect amount of sweetness, but is made up of hardly any dairy and no added sweetener. Sounds impossible right? ...but it isn't!! In essence, it is almost like making a smoothie, minus any yogurt or other liquids except a small amount of milk. The frosty, thick consistency comes solely from frozen fruit. And because of that, it is naturally sweet!

I really fell in love with this. You could probably make this with so many other fruits & flavors, and I'm sure some dark chocolate too. There's always room for that.


Nothing beats true frozen yogurt (I mean c'mon), but when you're trying to be a little healthier and satisfy that craving of a soft, creamy frozen treat, this is just what you'll need!


Freezing blueberries may just be my new favorite thing. It started out accidentally when I bought too many blueberries on sale and knew I wouldn't be able to use them before they went bad. I washed them, threw them in freezer bags, and kind of forget about them. They're so great in smoothies though, and of course this as well. I saved money in the long run AND they're better this way. It is definitely a win-win in my eyes.

A food processor worked really well to create the consistency I was hoping for. I'm not sure how a blender or other appliance would work, though. If you don't have a food processor and decide to try it, let me know how it comes out!


You can add whichever toppings you like, or none at all. I loved this with some chopped walnuts!! I also tried it with some drizzled honey, and though delicious, I didn't think it was necessary as it was already sweet enough for my taste.


Blueberry Banana "Soft-serve"
yield: 1 serving
adapted from Oh She Glows

Ingredients:
  • 2 frozen bananas, medium-sized
  • 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons low fat milk, or milk of your choice (*can be dairy-free by using almond or soy milk)
  •  ~1 tablespoon of chopped walnuts, optional but so good!
Steps:

1. Slice frozen bananas into chunks and add to your food processor with frozen blueberries and milk. Process until smooth.

2. Pour into your favorite ice cream cup and add chopped walnuts or other toppings if desired.

3. Enjoy in a timely manner because it does melt quick ;)
 
******

I am definitely going to be experimenting more with this.... It's too great not to! Last night I threw a few bananas in the freezer, so I'm hoping to make something with them sooner than later :)

If you have any ideas for flavor combos, please leave them in the comments section. I would love to hear what you have to say!

Oh!  I also just want to remind you all that a print option is available for all of my posts/recipes! The button can be found under the "Tweet, g+1, & Facebook" buttons at the end of each post. You can even choose what you would like to print out of the post (for example you could delete the photos and my daily nonsense and just be left with the recipe). I like to be ink/paper-friendly, as I'm sure you all do too :)


5 comments :

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Strawberry banana...
    Peanutbutter and chocolate

    ReplyDelete
  3. Strawberry banana...
    Peanutbutter and chocolate

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was thinking as I read the ingredients, I thought adding chocolate chips mite be a good addition. Also I was thinking add other fruit to the mixture.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was thinking adding a orange or an apple or pineapple or maybe grapes too.

    ReplyDelete