Hi friends! I am back from vacation and am up to my eyes in things to do. I haven’t shared this news yet because I wasn’t sure I wanted to, but I think I need whatever support I can get. My husband will be deploying soon (because of privacy/safety reasons I won’t say when) but we have a lot to do before he leaves. I don’t know how I will ever get through this “to do” list or being without him for that matter.
Of course being pregnant makes this time much more difficult and emotional but I am trying not to think about it too much. For now, we just need to get prepared so that I can feel confident when he leaves. This is definitely the hardest part of being a military family, but I am not alone. So many women have gone through this just like me. Somehow (I am just not sure how) we will get through it!
To add to the stress, I am having a baby in the middle of it all. Sigh. Not great timing but it’s what we wanted and you can’t choose the perfect time to be pregnant. Anyway, just wanted y’all to know that life will be a little crazy for me!
Today’s recipe is ridiculously easy, fun and delicious. Chocolate banana soft serve vegan “ice cream”: it is a healthy version of a soft serve ice cream that is dairy-free, sugar-free and takes about 2 minutes to make! Oh and did I mention there are only 3 ingredients? The consistency is just like soft serve ice cream. The first time I tried it I was shocked at how chocolatey and sweet it was with no added sugar.
If you are craving something sweet, you have got to make this. In fact, go freeze a couple bananas now so they are ready when you are. It’s seriously too easy. Enjoy!
If you are looking for another vegan chocolatey dessert that doesn’t involve bananas you could try this Cherry Chocolate Sorbet recipe from Cooking Light. Mmmm!
- 2 bananas, chopped and frozen
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5-7 Tablespoons non-dairy milk of choice (almond, soy, coconut)
- mini chocolate chips optional for topping
- Add banana pieces, cocoa powder and milk of choice to a food processor. Process until smooth (~1-2 minutes) scraping down sides of bowl a couple times during process. If the banana chunks are not blending together after a minute or so, add a splash more milk if needed.
- Serve immediately and top with a few mini chocolate chips if desired.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Oh Melanie! I’m so sorry you are going through this stress. Thinking of you and your family right now. Hugs, friend!
We are fans of banana soft serve at my house. LOVE IT!
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Angela. Hopefully the time will just go really really fast since I’ll be so busy with the kids. Here’s to hoping!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
Oh how I remember deployments and the time leading up to them. It seems impossible right now but you will get through this. How’s that for a little pep talk 🙂
Your soft serve looks awesome! I’m going to try it today.
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Jill. I can use all the pep talks I can get!! 🙂
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
so sorry to hear that melanie. let me know if i can help at all from afar!!
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Lindsay. I might be offering free tickets to come visit me and the kids (haha, kidding. Not really). 😉
Debbie @ Live form La Quinta says
I’m sorry that you are having to go through this! I know that you will be fine, but I also know that it is an emotional time for you.
Your soft serve looks yummy and I love that it is so easy! Nothing like a little chocolate to make thing look a little brighter.
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks for your sweet comment Debbie. I know somehow we will manage but it won’t be easy.
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers says
Mmmm, yummy! This sounds like the perfect cool treat for this warm weather.
Ari @ Ari's Menu says
I love banana soft serve!! And with chocolate? Sign me UP!
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Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Oh Melanie. That is hard news to take. I can imagine who an emotional time it must be and being pregnant on top of it. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do – always here to listen and chat. xo
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Christine, I will probably be taking you up on that when he leaves. I appreciate it.
Bree (Skinny Mommy) says
Oh Melanie my heart aches for you! I will send prayers your way for a quick and safe return of your husband asap! I am glad you have ice cream to give you a little cheer 🙂
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Bree. I think I’ll be eating A LOT of ice cream over the next year. 😉
Liana@RunToMunch says
Loooks amazeballs!
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GiGi Eats Celebrities says
What other fruits do you think could work with this? Do you think butternut squash could work?
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Gosh, I don’t know. I can’t think of any other fruit with the creamy consistency of bananas, but I think butternut squash would be worth a try! Obviously not as convenient because you have to cook it first, but I’d give it a try if you have some leftover cooked. Maybe sweet potato too. Let me know if it works!
EA Stewart-The Spicy RD says
Sorry to hear about your husband being deployed! I have no experience in this area, but am sending lots of support your way 🙂 I still have not tried banana “ice cream”, but this is going on my must make SOON list!
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Brittany Smith says
Hey Mel, so hard that he is deploying. 🙁 Sending you hugs and prayers. We love this ice cream! Also, that tropical mix you mentioned a while back in a smoothie blog post makes a creamy ice cream, as well, in case you don’t have bananas on hand. Wish I could help you somehow… Can’t wait to celebrate his return with you.
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