This idea has been around for years but for those of you who don't know about it, it is a miraculous feat of nature and technology!
Unlike many homemade ice-cream recipes, you don't need an icecream maker for this one, but you will need a food processor.
(A basic one will do, but not a hand-held one used for soups and purées).
Unlike many homemade ice-cream recipes, you don't need an icecream maker for this one, but you will need a food processor.
(A basic one will do, but not a hand-held one used for soups and purées).
***
Frozen banana, when blended in a food processor, becomes the most incredible, sweet, soft-scoop textured 'icecream'. It takes a little patience, but once you have mastered the basic blending technique which I will show you here, we are going to have some fun!
***
I've called this recipe a 'base' because, even though fruit is 0pp on the propoints plan, we all know that bananas are full of natural sugars, so I would not advocate eating more than one a day on an every day basis. One frozen banana only makes a small portion of 'icecream', but when you combine it with other ingredients, you will end up with a generous bowlful of sweet, creamy delight, sending your tastebuds on a dream holiday! Your brain will be so blown away that it is eating such low propoint treats, it will need a lie-down!
***
The Basic Recipe
Frozen Bananas
(Allow 1 per person)
(I find that 'just-ripe' bananas work best for this recipe rather than over ripe ones)
I freeze bananas in their natural state. Some people peel, slice them up and put them on trays to freeze but there really is no need. You can just keep a few bananas in the freezer, shoved into the spaces you can find, ready for whenever you want to make this.
Remove the bananas from the freezer and allow to stand for about 5-10 minutes. Using a bread knife, slice the banana into large chunks.
Slice off the peel. It comes off really easily.
You will end up with chunks of banana like this.
Cut each chunk into 3 or 4 slices.
Pop into the food processor. I have a small, pretty basic machine, so mine holds up to 3 or 4 bananas at a time.
Prepare your ears for noise, then blend on high until the mixture stops circulating.
At this stage, it will resemble 'crumble topping', with uneven pieces of banana. Dislodge the pieces from around the blade and the sides with a spatula or an every day knife you would use to spread butter (or low fat margarine!) etc. Blend again until it stops moving.
This time it will be tiny pieces of granular banana. I call this the 'cous-cous' stage. Dislodge and blend again. This is where the process takes patience. You will need to dislodge and blend around 8-10 times and you will feel like it's never going to happen!
Towards the final stages, the mixture will form a ball. Again, break up the ball and blend. You can see where the 'icecream' is starting to form around the edges. It resembles cookie dough.
All of a sudden, after about 10 minutes of blending, dislodging and blending again, the frozen banana realises you mean business and it forms this incredible, smooth textured bowl of joy.
I prefer to make these mixtures fresh - as I'm about to use them, as the texture is at its ultimate in softness and silkiness straight from the food processor. (Once you start refreezing, ice crystals will form and you will need to stir after 2 hours, then leave out of the freezer for an hour or two before using). Somehow, it's never as good if you refreeze it.
***
Alternatively, if you are happy to make the investment, a Yonanas frozen dessert machine makes the process really easy.
Click HERE for the link to my review of the Yonanas.
***
A Basic Zero pp Recipe
to get you going
I talked about these frozen fresh fruits a couple of weeks ago.
(Click HERE for the link)
They are worth keeping in the freezer over the summer for last minute recipes like this. There are about 6 different varieties. I also keep grapes (pulled off their stalk and popped in a bag) in my freezer, and pineapple chunks.
(Click HERE for the link)
They are worth keeping in the freezer over the summer for last minute recipes like this. There are about 6 different varieties. I also keep grapes (pulled off their stalk and popped in a bag) in my freezer, and pineapple chunks.
Use any combination of these frozen fruits to make your desired 0pp 'icecream'. Always blend them with the frozen banana at the start of the process so that you end up with a silky smooth result.
Make in exactly the same way I have described above. Remember that if you use grapes and fruits with a high water content, you will end up with more of a sorbet texture, rather than a creamy one. There are so many permutations, so have a play and master the basic technique- they are all delicious!
As the weeks go on, I will be introducing more and more fun and exciting ideas...so I'll be opening a virtual
Slice-of-Slim
'SLICECREAM PARLOUR'!
It will even have its own category
on the blog index.
***
Fruity Fun in the Summer Sun
***
TIP
As with anything banana based, wash out or rinse the food processor/blade and bowls immediately after using as once oxidised and blackened, it is as sticky as glue and difficult to clean up.
***
PRINT RECIPE HERE
'SLICECREAM PARLOUR'!
It will even have its own category
on the blog index.
***
Fruity Fun in the Summer Sun
***
TIP
As with anything banana based, wash out or rinse the food processor/blade and bowls immediately after using as once oxidised and blackened, it is as sticky as glue and difficult to clean up.
***
PRINT RECIPE HERE
27 comments:
I've made this before and added nutella, yum!
And another tip, don't assume a hand blender will suffice, it is really difficult to do and takes ages and a very willing strong boyfriend to make it work!
Rachel xx
http://theinelegantwench.blogspot.co.uk/
MMMM yes I'll be adding lots of yummy ingredients as the weeks go on! I can imagine a hand blender would be pretty impossible! x
Fantastic idea, just bought a new blender needing used. I have frozen summer fruits in freezer, would these work ?
Lisa x
Of course Lisa-perfect, and as the banana is so sweet you won't need any added sugar or sweetener x
Ooh, looking forward to trying this. Sounds Yummy, and 0pp is always a welcome bonus Xxx
do you use the banana ice cream as a base for the other fruits? or do you prepare these fruits in the same manner as the banana? I
Use the banana as the base workinpants, as this gives the creaminess. Other fruits will only give a sorbet texture x
how much does this make?
Hi Sacha, allowing 1 banana per person will only give you a small amount, say 1 scoop. (Imagine 1 mashed banana). As soon as you add other frozen fruits or ingredients to this base, you can make much more generous portions and stretch the banana to do this. This is why I call it a 'base' for other flavours.Hope this helps, love Janey x
thanks thats fab :)
So as long as I just add fruit its 0pp?
x
Yes Sacha-good innit? !!!! xx
Tried this today and loved it!! Dropped in a few tinned blackcurrants - yummy!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
Mx
http://7thstarbaker.blogspot.co.uk/
Glad you enjoyed it 7th Star Baker! xx
I can't wait to read recipes on the Slicecream parlour page! Tried the banana recipe and can't wait to try it with Mango Chunks and cherries next! My freezer isn't going to be big enough!
Hi Rebecca-I know! So many variations!!!! xx
hi do you add the other fruit with the banana as chunks or once the banana has been blended?
Hi Ella- leave any other fruits out of the freezer for 5-10mins with the frozen banana then you can blitz it all together x
(A basic one will do, but not a hand-held one used for soups and ... 2handblender.blogspot.com
I defrost my bananas for 20 secs in the microwave and add a dash of almond milk. Makes blending quicker and easier, plus you can hand blend it
Excellent post, thanks for all the clear hints and tips...looking forward to trying it!
hi Janey mine's a bit runny in the processor I defrosted slightly in my microwave so maybe that is why still tastes lush though! will freeze now for later after my tea x
bit disappointed really but never mind will try again ...
Hi Sara - oh yes that will be the problem! Best to leave the bananas for about 10 minutes rather than defrost in the microwave..... Also you can refreeze to firm up after processing x
This might be a new rule, but I have just joined WW this week and they tell us if you blend any fruits together (like a smoothie), then the fruit is no longer zero points. I expect blending fruits in the ice cream state would follow the same rule. Be Careful!
Thanks JustMe but I have checked this carefully with Weightwatchers and the rule is when blended- if you drink it you point it but if you are eating it as in this case - frozen and takes a while- it is still zero Smartpoints! X
The varieties of rice are typically classified as long-, medium-, and short-grained. For more info see rice in pakistan
Post a Comment