Did someone say GELATO????
Oh, yes I did!
I'm always on the look-out for the latest healthy and delicious recipes. Andddd my kitchen occasionally falls victim to my foodie experiments. Not only do I enjoy testing out new recipes, but I always aim for simplicity when it comes to cooking.
If you follow Stef Health Tips on social media, you likely have seen my delicious Nice-Cream recipes. Nice-Cream is a simple and healthy alternative to regular ice-cream; take frozen banana slices, and add practically whatever you want. I usually blend my Nice-Cream with frozen berries for a very bright flavor.
The other day, I was in the city with my boyfriend and stopped by Eataly. We browsed this amazing Italian market, and walked by the gelato station. My mouth-watered as I glanced at all of the flavors... Pistachio, Creamy Vanilla, and Amarena all caught my eye.
Although gelato is often lower in calories, fat and sugar when compared to ice-cream, it still isn't exactly the healthiest treat. I resisted the gelato, but I contemplated how I could make a lighter version of the simple Italian treat.
I went home, got out my trusty Vitamix, and my foodie adventure began. Chocolate Peanut Butter is one of my favorite combinations, and I usually have peanut butter and a banana as a healthy snack. I had a feeling that these flavors would work well together in a tasty nice-cream. What I didn't realize was that the combination of these ingredients makes for a very fluffy and airy dessert, much like a gelato texture! I served it to my boyfriend and family, and they had me making more for the entire week!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is very low in calories, and has a beautiful flavor. Specifically, one tablespoon has 12 calories, 1 gram of protein, and almost 2 grams of fiber (5% of daily fiber for men and 7% for women). I like to add unsweetened cocoa powder for a flavonoid boost to oatmeal and baked goods, and it made for a great addition to this gelato.
I always choose an organic, natural peanut butter with one ingredient only... peanuts! You would be surprised by the lengthy ingredient list in some standard peanut butters on the market. Go for a peanut butter made strictly from peanuts, with no added sugar or junk.
This nutritious dessert is a guilt-free gelato that tastes absolutely amazing! Give it a try, and let me know what you think on social media @stefhealthtips
Stef Health Tips® Chocolate Peanut Butter Gelato
(Serves 1)
Ingredients
1 Frozen Banana
1 Tbsp. Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
1 tsp. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
*optional* 1 tsp. Honey
Directions
Peel and slice the banana, then place the slices in a plastic bag or container. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
Blend the frozen banana slices first by themselves, adding a few at a time until well blended.
Add the peanut butter, and blend.
Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, and blend.
Add the honey, if desired, and continue to blend until fluffy and smooth.
Serve immediately with your desired toppings, or place in an airtight container in the freezer. The gelato in the picture above was served with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Xoxo,
Stef