Real Fruit Frozen Yogurt (with or without the yogurt)

There's nothing better in the summertime than homemade ice cream.

Well, nothing except frozen yogurt that is...

It is the easiest thing to make- no measuring of ingredients, simply blend in whatever you want and enjoy!

You don't even need an ice cream maker- a blender will work just fine.

And you don't really have to use yogurt...unless you want to.

All you need are a few ripe frozen bananas and some fresh or frozen fruit. It's 100 % healthy, no sugar added- a snack that you can feel good about serving!

Real Fruit "Frozen Yogurt"

3 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen

Fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, mango and pineapple are the best combo I've found, if they are frozen, defrost slightly before blending)

1-2 cups plain yogurt or milk (optional)

Blender method:

If you prefer a chunkier ice cream, blend the bananas first, then stir in the remaining fruit, otherwise put all fruit into a blender (including 3 frozen bananas). If you want a creamier consistency, stir in one to two cups of plain yogurt or a bit of milk (if using milk, add a little at a time to desired consistency). If too thin, add more frozen fruit, if too thick, add more milk/yogurt. Serve right away and enjoy!

Ice cream maker method (makes more ice-cream-like consistency):

Blend bananas and desired fruit (if you want chunkier ice cream, chop your fruit- like strawberries- and set aside). Pour the banana mixture into your ice cream maker and turn on. Add chopped fruit and any yogurt/milk (if using milk, pour a little at a time to desired consistency) and mix according to the directions until it becomes frozen (my Cuisinart takes about 15 minutes).

If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, you can freeze them. Just be sure to give yourself adequae thawing time before eating again, as it tends to freeze pretty solid.

You really can't go wrong with this- just add whatever fruit you like to the desired consistency. No sugar needed and you can say yes to second helpings!

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Fall is just about here, I have to post this last yummy ice cream recipe!

It's an egg custard ice cream and it actually stays soft in the freezer. The key to soft ice cream is to whip enough air into it. If you have a small ice cream maker (2qt or smaller) either half the recipe or only mix half at a time in your mixer otherwise it will be rock solid. And if it does turn out solid, you can let it get soft and re-mix it (but it's just easier to do it right the first time).

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 1/2 cups whipping cream

2 cups milk (I've used 1% and 2%)

2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla

In saucepan mix all ingredients except vanilla. Cook over medium low heat stirring constantly until candy thermometer reaches 160 degrees. Cool by setting pan in ice and continue stirring. Refrigerate or freeze until completely cooled, then mix in ice cream freezer according to directions. For softer ice cream be sure to mix well.

Chocolate Mousse Ice Cream

This tastes identical to chocolate mousse when it's fresh, but freeze it for a few hours and it's chocolate heaven.

2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 2/3 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

In blender or food processor blend chocolate chips until fine, reserve for later use.

In bowl mix sugar and cocoa, stir in eggs and whipping cream until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips and pour in ice cream maker and let churn until thickened. If you don't have an ice cream maker, mix in blender and freeze until firm. YUM.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

It's so hot lately I've been making ice cream like crazy, so this is one of about 4 recipes I'll be sharing this summer. This is some seriously yummy ice cream!

2 cups strawberries (I used frozen berries, thawed)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Crush strawberries with potato masher or food chopper. In large mixing bowl beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add remaining ingredients just until combined. Add to ice cream maker and mix according to directions.