Banana Date Monkey Ice Cream -Sugar Free_GF_Vegan

- kinda tastes like banana chocolate chip bread, but better-

since getting the ice cream maker i've been hard at work trying to recreate our favorite "usuals" - amongst these favorites is the infamous chunky monkey. that's right folks; everyone in the world loves ben & jerry's because of chunky monkey and half baked. you know i'm right - ok phish food is up there too.

aaaand you know i can't allow 3 cups of cream, half dozen yolks and cups of sugar to hang around in my freezer waiting to be turned into a clogged artery. what does she do then? well, first i do research. and i found a few recipes for banana coconut ice-cream which is what i based the final product off of. but most all called for an entire can of coconut milk, which really is fine, but take a quick look at the fat count on that. while good fats - still, lets keep it under control eh? so i kept some of the coconut milk but lightened it up with unsweetened almond milk.

i am in love with this ice-cream. there is no added sugar, no dairy and gluten free. if you want it creamery (after freezing it does get a little "icey") use all coconut milk, that should keep everything smooth and decadent.

BANANA DATE MONKEY ICE CREAM

5 very ripe bananas, cut into 1" slices

2 medjool dates, diced

2 tbs coconut oil (melted if needed)

1 tbs vanilla

1/2c coconut milk

1/4 tsp coconut extract

1 1/4c unsweetened almond milk

1/2c toasted chopped walnuts

1/2c chopped dark chocolate

*preheat oven to 375 F

*place bananas and dates in a 11 x 7 glass baking pan

*drizzle the oil and vanilla over the bananas

*bake for 45 minutes, until the bananas begin to caramelize - don't let them burn!

*removed from oven, let cool a bit

*blend the bananas and milks together in blender until very smooth

*add in the extracts

*chill the mixture for 3-4 hours

*make as directed by your icecream maker

*about 2 minutes before it is done churning add in the walnuts and chocolate

*enjoy!