Fruity Sorbet and Vegan Ice Cream: Whipping Up Healthy Desserts

When your fruit bowl is full of fruit that's perfectly ripe — just before it becomes too soft to eat — don't throw it away. Cut the fruit into cubes and freeze it.

Yes, bananas, we're especially talking about you. Those brown spots aren't "honey" but simply a sign that you're ready to become dessert.

During the summer, watermelon and melon make especially refreshing sorbets. Frozen pineapple is another wonderful option, as is frozen papaya or frozen strawberries grown under controlled conditions. The possibilities are endless.

For the smoothest, creamiest sorbet, you'll want a powerful food processor that can easily handle frozen fruit. If your processor isn't quite as strong, simply blend the fruit after it has softened slightly at room temperature, then freeze it afterward. The texture won't be quite as fluffy, but it will still be delicious and nutritious.

Fruit Sorbet Recipe

Blend together:

• 500 g (about 1 lb) frozen fruit

• 100 g powdered sugar

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Instead of powdered sugar, you can use ½ cup honey or maple syrup.

The lemon juice is important because it helps prevent the mixture from freezing into a solid block.

After blending, transfer the mixture to a bowl and whip it briefly. This incorporates air, giving the sorbet its light, fluffy texture. Serve immediately for the best consistency.

Leftovers can be frozen, although the texture won't be quite the same. For adults, especially around Purim, a splash of fruit brandy (such as Moroccan Mahia) adds an interesting twist to both the flavor and texture.

Bananas: Nature's Energy Boost

Bananas are rich in potassium, well known for supporting heart health, but their benefits go far beyond that. They also contain magnesium, which supports healthy muscles, along with vitamins B and C.

Bananas are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to produce serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter associated with calmness, emotional well-being, a positive mood, and concentration.

They also nourish the billions of beneficial bacteria living in our digestive system. These tiny organisms play an essential role in our health, and bananas happen to be one of their favorite foods. When our gut bacteria thrive, we often feel better too.

Interestingly, the inside of a banana peel has long been used as a traditional home remedy. Rubbing it on minor cuts, insect bites, or even small warts may help soothe the skin. Perhaps that's one reason monkeys always seem so cheerful.

Healthy Two-Ingredient Vegan Ice Cream

Freeze 4 ripe bananas, sliced.

Blend the frozen bananas in a strong food processor with ¼ cup coconut milk.

You now have a naturally creamy vegan ice cream base. If you're watching your sugar intake, it's delicious just as it is. For chocolate ice cream, simply blend in a little cocoa powder.

If you'd like it sweeter, add honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Then stir in your favorite extras and freeze until firm.