There's nothing like a snow day! I love the excuse to sleep in. I also love lounging in my PJs all day and watching sappy movies. However, sometimes, snow days can give me a case of Cabin Fever. To remedy this, I always have projects on hand. One of my favorite snow day projects is DIY ice cream. Read on to discover a recipe for your very very own cold and tasty treat.
Some DIY ice cream recipes require you to purchase a special machine. However, rather than investing in this extra clunky piece of kitchen ware, you can substitute good, old fashioned ziplock bags. In addition, you will need the following ingredients, readily available in most kitchens:
1 Coconut/Almond Creamer (you can also use regular half-n-half)
2 Tbs Brown Sugar
1 Tbs Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of Rock Salt
4 Cups of Fresh Snow (you can also use ice cubes)
1 Gallon Sized Ziplock Bag
1 Quart Sized Ziplock Bag
Mix creamer, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Meanwhile, put the snow in the gallon size bag, ensuring that it is at least half-full. Sprinkle the rock salt all over the snow. Pour the creamer mixture into the quart sized bag and seal it. Place the quart sized bag inside the gallon sized bag. Make sure both bags are sealed completely.
Next, shake the sealed bag for five whole minutes! Shake and roll, keeping the bag moving. If your hands get cold, put gloves on. After five minutes, press on the bag, and see if it has a cold and creamy consistency throughout. Once it has arrived at that texture, scoop out and enjoy! Feel free to sprinkle fresh berries, or cookie crumbles on top.
To maintain your bikini body, try the healthier option of chocolate-covered bananas. You will need the following ingredients:
6 ripe bananas
12 popsicle sticks
2 bars dark chocolate
1 cup crushed peanuts, or coconut flakes (optional)
Aluminum cookie sheet
Large pot
Large piece of wax/parchment paper
Start by peeling bananas and cutting them in half. Take popsicle sticks, and insert one into each cut half of banana. Put the bananas on a small cookie tray and place in the freezer for two hours.
In the meantime, melt 70% dark chocolate over a double burner. To do this, place chocolate bars into an aluminum pie dish. Put the dish over a pot filled with water, and boil the water. The rising steam will begin to melt the chocolate. Every few minutes, stir the chocolate with a plastic spoon. Once the chocolate is fully melted, turn off the pot of boiling water.
Remove the frozen bananas from the freezer. Place a large piece of wax or parchment paper on the counter. Take the frozen banana and gently roll it in the melted chocolate. Next, for some added crunch, roll the bananas in chopped nuts or flaked coconut. After this is done, lay the banana on the parchment paper. Once you have dipped all of the bananas, wait about 10 minutes for the chocolate to harden again. Next, enjoy the tasty and healthy treat!
