Easy Banana Ice Cream

[aliwally]

I'm wondering if anyone else saw the programme I watched on FoodTV that featured a cook making low fat brownies and banana "ice cream". When I say ice-cream, what she did exactly was slice a ripe banana, put the pieces into the freezer until they were completely frozen, then simply put the slices into a food processor and turned it on. After less than a minute, she had a consistency that looked just like ice cream, and all the guests at her dinner party were crying out for more.

Has anyone tried this? Could it really be so easy? I'm thinking of testing it out tonight at home with some ripe bananas I have in my fruit bowl.

I'm also trying to find the brownie recipe she used - the low-fat element came from using prunes and hot water as a substitute for oil and butter. I'd love to make these two desserts.

I checked the FoodTV website for more details, or the recipes, but couldn't find them.

Did anyone else see the show?

[Leanne]

I did not see the show - but it sounds really good. You'll have to let us know how it turns out!

[Mamasue]

I was breezing through this book that I just received (someone here recommended it), Prevention's Low-Fat, Low-Cost Freezer Cookbook and noticed this recipe which is what you are looking for. Enjoy

Banana Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce

Overipe bananas are a great freezer resource. Peel before freezing and use them for this quick and luscious dessert that's reminiscent of a hot-fudge banana split.

3/4 cup sugar
7 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup skim milk
4 frozen overripe bananas

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of milk to form a paste. Place over medium beat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup milk. Cook, stirring, over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until smooth and slightly thickened. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Cut the bananas into 1 inch pieces. Place in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.

Spoon the banana ice cream into serving dishes. Top with the chocolate sauce.

Serves 4

Calories: 285; Total fat: 1.9g; Fiber: 5.4g

[aliwally]

Thanks Mamuse for digging out that recipe and posting. I got it this morning.

However, I did test out the frozen banana trick last night with amazing success. As your recipe says, and as I watched it on FoodTV, simply peel bananas, put on a tray in the freezer. Then, when thoroughly frozen, pop them in the food processor. The texture goes through a number of stages, but in about two minutes, comes out silky smooth, just like icecream.

I tipped it all into a bowl, dug out some chocolate sprinkles, and smiled as I ate the whole lot. What a fantastic way to use banandas. I'm wondering if the same can be done with mango's and strawberries? What do you think?

I can't wait to use this banana ice-cream as a side to a hot chocolate brownie or piece of cake!!!

:)

[Angela]

Wow!! This sounds wonderful! Now I have another use for my brand new food processor. I'm off to get bananas!