CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM (MADE FROM BANANAS)

Yep. Made ice cream with bananas, cocoa powder, and almond milk. I know, I know, it's not ice cream. But it's yummy! And if you've never tried banana-base "ice cream," it's really worth a try. When you blend up a frozen banana, it has the creamiest texture, pretty much as close to ice cream as you can get. But it's fruit!

I've been experimenting with ice cream from bananas for a few years - try peanut butter, coconut milk, or fruit puree. But this is my favorite. The banana flavor does come through, but it's still chocolatey and creamy. Can you beat that?

BANANA BASE CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

chocolate ice cream, made from bananas

2 large bananas
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (I used Hershey's special dark)
2 tablespoons almond milk (you can use any milk)

Slice bananas into disks. Lay out on a plate or cookie sheet, and freeze. Place frozen banana slices in a blender and blend until smooth. It will become very creamy, like ice cream. Add cocoa powder and milk, and blend until smooth.

[HEALTHY] SNICKERDOODLE GREEK YOGURT DIP

It's happened again. Summer clothes are upon us, and I'm not ready! It's that winter-ish little layer of cuddly flub that I built up during hibernation. Actually to be honest, when spring first comes it never really matters how pale or flabby I am: At the start of warm weather, I'm always so happy to feel the sun on my shoulders that I don't care if my arms are toned up for a sundress.

But that wears off.

And the cuddly winter-ish flub has to go.

True to my springtime routine (though I'm a little late in getting to it this year), I have been eating well, working out more, and in general making healthier choices for my body. But we all have weaknesses...

I have a serious sweet tooth (as you can probably tell from all the baking I post about), and my husband really likes to keep ice cream in the freezer, which is BAD for me. In terms of something cold sweet to enjoy in warm weather (especially when Nate's eating ice cream next to me), this dip is one of my favorites.

It's loaded with protein (that can vary depending on the yogurt you choose). It's cold, creamy, and sweet. This recipe lasts me a few days - though if you're not careful it can be gone in one sitting :)

HEALTHY SNICKERDOODLE GREEK YOGURT DIP

12 oz. nonfat honey Greek yogurt
3 - 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (to your taste)
drizzle of honey (optional)
sprinkle of cinnamon

Stir together ingredients until smooth. Store in airtight container for 7 - 10 days.