Well, we’ve made it through some heavy snowstorms and if like me, anxiously awaiting Spring and warmer weather. I’m not a ‘snowbird’ so not so fond of the cold for months on end. I’m grateful I don’t live in Alaska. Cold and dark would not suit me. It is on my bucket list for a vacation though.
Having a sweet tooth, I’m always looking for a dessert or snack that is healthy and not something that will keep me wanting more (unhealthy) or land on my hips.
I must confess that I can get lost for way too long watching Facebook reels in the morning. I am amazed at all the creative recipes people come up with. Last night I watched a YouTube video of 6 different ‘ice creams’ that can be made in the Vitamix. Of course, someone commented that they all tasted of bananas, the main ingredient, but they are the base and give the creamy taste and consistency we’re all looking for when we open that store-bought quart we come home with.
Being March is not only closer to Spring, but the time to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, I thought it amusing to make some desserts with a little ‘green’ in them. The mousse is one of my favorites and having tried the Matcha Ice cream, found it to be very good. And being that Matcha powder is so good for us with all its antioxidants, energy boosting powers and detoxifying properties, I’ve included a recipe for a Matcha Latte. Something to keep us warm in the afternoon. I hope you enjoy them.
And I going to pray for warmer weather.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
2 ripe avocados
1/3 cup minus 1/2 Tb. agave nectar
1/3 cup) raw cacao powder
2 Tb. unsweetened almond milk
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tsp. chia powder
Halve the avocados and scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender. Add the almond milk, cacao powder, chia powder, agave nectar and almond extract. Mix for a minute or until smooth. Taste and adjust with extra honey if needed.
Scoop the avocado chocolate mousse into 4 pretty glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3-Ingredient Vegan Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (whatgreatgrandmaate.com)
3 ripe bananas
1/4 cup coconut milk, or your favorite milk of choice
1 Tb. Matcha powder
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract and/or 2-3 Tb. sweetener of choice
Optional toppings: chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, etc.
Peel the bananas, slice them into 3-inch chunks, place them on a parchment paper lined plate, and freeze for at least 3 hours.
Once frozen, place the bananas in a blender (the Vitamix is good for this) or food processor, and add coconut milk and matcha powder. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste, and if desired, add vanilla extract and/or sweetener. Blend again.
Serve immediately for a soft serve texture, or store in the freezer for 2-3 hours if you want it firmer like ice cream. For best results, serve this creamy green tea ice cream plain or with your favorite toppings.
Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Scoop straight from frozen when ready to eat and top with your favorite ice cream toppings.
Cashew Matcha Latte
1-1/2 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk.
1 tsp. Matcha Tea Powder
18 Raw unsalted cashews
2 tsp. of a sweetener of your choice
Combine the unsweetened almond milk, sweetener, and cashews in a small, deep saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steam rises, then lower the heat. Continue simmering on a low heat for about 5 minutes, but do not allow it to boil. Simmering will soften the cashews, making them ready for blending with the milk.
Reduce the heat to low and grind the cashews in the milk using an immersion blender until thoroughly blended and frothy. You may need to move the immersion blender slightly up and down while keeping it immersed in the milk to catch any large pieces of cashews at the bottom.
While keeping the heat low, use a sieve to add matcha powder to the milk to help break up any lumps in the matcha that may have formed during packaging. Use the immersion blender again to mix everything thoroughly and create a smooth texture. You will notice that it transforms into a delightful light green and frothy texture.
Once the latte is smooth and frothy, turn off the heat, pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy.