Crunchy Hot Mama Alternative methods to being a mama while being gluten & grain free ©

Whew, after I finally cooled down from my rant last week, I thought it would be nice for those of you who are on this dairy-free journey with me, to have some indulgences (so as not to go crazy).  I discovered these recipes around Valentine’s Day but didn’t have the chance to post them.  *You know you have success when your non-dairy-free hubby approves!  Score one for this mama.

These two recipes are reediculously easy and call for an ice cream maker or a blender.  We happened to have both, one from our wedding, and the other from a hand me down (best one yet).  You don’t have to have these specific brands, but these are what I used.

Without further delay, let’s move on to the goods!

Two Ingredient Decadent Chocolate Ice Cream (Ice Cream Maker)

From Homemade Mommy

• 1 can of unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 1-2 70% or more dark chocolate bars or try making Homemade Mommy’s recipe (I ended up using 6oz of Enjoy Life chips)

Note: You choose how much chocolate you want to use– if you are more of a milk-chocolate fan, then go for one bar, if you like it darker, then use more.

1. Empty half of your can of coconut milk into a saucepan or double boiler.

2. Break your chocolate bar into pieces, and add it to the coconut milk.

3. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently.  The only way you could mess this recipe up is by burning the chocolate, so be mindful of that.  It doesn’t need to boil, just get it warm enough to melt all of the chocolate.

4.  Add the remaining coconut milk and blend it together by stirring.

5.  Pour your mixture into the ice cream machine and blend until thick! I intended to wait only 20 minutes but pulled it out at 45. No biggie.

6. For optimal texture, enjoy immediately, otherwise, store in an airtight container in the freezer.

7. You can top with additional chocolate chips or diced bananas, if you like.  Enjoy!

If you thought that recipe was easy…wait until this guy!  Their recipe called for peanut butter, but since that’s not allowed with eating Paleo, I opted for almond butter and was not let down.

Two-Ingredient Banana Almond Butter Ice Cream (Blender)

From Two Peas

• 4 very ripe bananas, sliced into coins
• 2 Tbsp almond butter

1. Peel bananas and slice into ½ inch coins/discs.

2.  Arrange banana slices in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours.

3. Place the banana slices in a food processor or powerful blender (Vitamix). Puree banana slices, scraping down the bowl as needed. Puree until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

4. Add the almond butter and puree to combine. Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream consistency. If you prefer harder ice cream, place in the freezer for a few hours and then serve.

5. Enjoy!

Note-if you have a hard time creating a creamy consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of almond or coconut milk to help puree the banana slices. Make sure you use a powerful food processor or blender!

Come on people-it doesn’t get any easier than this!!  Now you can’t feel sorry for yourself because you gave up dairy and have nothing ‘human-like’ to eat.  No excuses.

Seriously, Emma couldn’t get enough of either recipe, but she really liked the banana one.  This is the kind of recipe that I don’t mind giving to her at any time throughout the day…it’s no different from her snack of almond butter on banana coins.  No worries here.  Oh, I think I will have to try pouring it into my popsicle molds next time I make these puppies!  That would be a great way to beat the Texas summer heat-when it finally comes around.

There ya have it, easy as pie ice cream in a blender with only two ingredients dairy-free recipes!  Are you running to the kitchen right now to make one or both of these bad boys?  I still have both in my freezer, and intend to savor them a little at a time.

Hopefully your dairy-free journey is going well and you’re not falling off the wagon (it’s not worth it!).  I actually have a good friend who’s going dairy-free while nursing her daughter, so we are keeping each other in check.  Maybe an accountability partner could help you, too.  It always helps to let someone know when you are about to cave, so they can walk you back from that ledge, my friend.  Stay strong little root!