Healthy Avocado Ice Cream

It is good to know there are healthy dessert alternatives. This avocado ice cream uses no dairy products and delivers a delicious, creamy dessert. It also makes a refreshing change from overly sweet commercial ice creams. This is a very simple recipe that you can enjoy all summer long. Avocados are full of nutritional values like vitamin K, fiber, potassium, folate, vitamins B6, E and C and copper.

Before you run away screaming about the fat content in avocados, you should know that they contain a monounsaturated fat known as oleic acid, which may help lower your cholesterol and prevent breast cancer. Yes, the fat is good for you! The potassium helps regulate blood pressure and guards against circulatory disease.

Avocados are a big part of Mexican cuisine. The fruit grows freely in Mexico and has long been included in their recipes. Avocado ice cream is served in Mexico City, so enjoy some when you visit. You can also find this avocado dessert in the Philippines and India. There are several variations around, even some that use dairy. This is an excellent recipe, however, for those who prefer to leave the dairy out. With lime juice and lemonade in it, the recipe is entirely kid friendly. A plus to this dish is the avocados stay green because they are cold. They do not oxidize like the fruit do at room temperature.

You can also tweak this dessert a bit to make it even more special. You can add some chipotle to the ice cream mix or sprinkle some chipotle powder on top of it when you serve it for a little kick. It would be a great ending to a nice Mexican meal. The chipotle adds a subtle after taste and tingle, which combines deliciously with the cool, creaminess. Other variations include adding coconut or pineapple to the ice cream for a tropical flavor. You can even use the avocado ice cream as a base for other flavors. One popular variation is chocolate. The avocado keeps it creamy while the chocolate gives it that flavor you love.

Recipe for Avocado Ice Cream

This healthy dessert is made without dairy.

What You Need

1-1/2 cups avocado puree from 3 large, ripe avocados

1-1/2 cups water

1-1/3 cups sugar

1/4 cup lime juice

1/3 cup lemonade

Lime zest for garnish

How to Make It

Peel and pit the avocados and process in your food processor until it is smooth. Any puree over the 1-1/2 cups can be removed for another recipe. Add water, sugar, lime juice, and lemonade to the food processor and pulse until well mixed. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Overnight is best.

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker. Freeze according to the instructions for the machine. Once mixed, the ice cream can be placed in the freezer to make a firmer set. Garnish each scoop with lime zest for a nice presentation.

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