The holidays are a time when sweet treats are everywhere! Have no fear; there are ways to make delicious and healthy treats, like this Pumpkin “Nice” Cream. This tasty recipe will give you more vitamins and fiber than regular ice cream, without the guilt. A tip from our Registered Dietitians: have with graham crackers instead of cookies or pie to keep you on track through the holidays!
Ingredients:
- Two ripe bananas (the riper, the better), cut up into 1-inch rounds
- ¼ cup canned 100% pumpkin puree (not the canned pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon honey or all-natural 100% maple syrup
Directions:
- Freeze the cut-up ripe bananas in a freezer bag for at least 3 hours.
- Using a food processor or blender, puree the frozen bananas, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetener (honey or maple syrup) until smooth.
- Serve immediately for soft serve or freeze in a loaf pan for 30 minutes for harder “nice” cream.
- Top with chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or crushed graham crackers.
NOTE: If the bananas were frozen for more than 1 day, allow them to thaw for about 15 minutes before blending.
Enjoy – and have a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season from all of us at Berks Community Health Center!
By Meghan Scura, Registered Dietitian, BCHC
