Hey guys, it’s Belle! So recently Ben & Jerry’s came out with four vegan ice cream flavors, and I don’t know about you, but I love ice cream.
Growing up in San Francisco, I’ve been spoiled with easy access to mouthwatering creameries like Humphrey’s Slocombe, Bi-Rite, Mitchell’s, and Mr & Mrs Miscellaneous. Living here has allowed me to experience such incredible ice cream, so these frozen treats have always been right up my alley. So when I got news that a giant, popular company like Ben & Jerry’s was actually acknowledging and catering to their vegan crowd, I had to support this cause. Integrating vegan goods into the mainstream is a huge step towards broader vegan recognition in society. And one of the best ways to do that is to support vegan items at non-vegan shops. Your dollar is your vote, and what you spend it on speaks volumes.
So a few days ago, I decided to Postmates each pint of the vegan Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from their shop on Haight (for those who don’t know, Postmates is a delivery app). I was on my period that day, so and I was excited to say the least. Around 40 minutes after I had placed my order, I remember being on the phone with a friend when I received an incoming call from an unknown number.
…It was my Postmate.
And she called to tell me that Ben & Jerry’s was all sold out of their vegan flavors. How tragic, right? I mean okay, I know it isn’t actually that big of a deal, but at the time, I really was bummed. It was okay though, because I guess big spoonfuls of ice cream so late at night isn’t that healthy for you… even if it is vegan. That’s how I tried to reason with myself anyway.
But then I thought, why can’t ice cream be healthy?
Thus, my recipe for a healthy Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream was born. It’s so much better for you that I call it nice cream. Check out my recipe below and enjoy!
Ingredients:
(For one serving)
- 2 frozen speckled bananas (very important that it’s ripe)
- Dash of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of handful of walnuts
- ¼ cup of vegan chocolate chips
- (optional) A touch of almond milk (or whatever non-dairy milk substitute you prefer)
- (optional) Extra toppings
Slice up your frozen bananas into chunks and dump them into your food processor or high-speed blender. Blend/process. This process may take a while depending on your blender, but just keep at it. If the bananas are having a hard time blending, add a touch of non-dairy milk and continue to blend until creamy(I didn’t, because I like my ice cream to be more thick). Right when it gets to that state, add in your walnuts and chocolate chips, and blend for 5 more seconds, or until satisfied. Scoop out and enjoy! Top with more walnuts and chocolate chips if you want (I drizzled some Santa Cruz brand vegan chocolate sauce on mine) and dive right in!
This “nice cream” is best eaten right after you make it because it won’t refreeze well, but not being able to finish your bowl of ice cream will probably be the last of your worries anyway.
Below are some real reactions from my family after I made a batch of my five-minute vegan chunky monkey. I told them to be truly honest and they were. Try this yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1forI7g7Em4&feature=youtu.be
