We all scream for nice cream

With the days getting longer and warmer and summer just about to burst upon us (whooh-hooh!), this means we’re more likely to start hankering for toothsome treats that cool us down. This year, instead of reaching for store-bought ice creams that are high in sugar and low on nutritional value, accredited nutritionist Tara Kaff recommends getting a bit more creative and whipping up some raw “nice cream” treats in the kitchen.

In addition to knowing exactly what you’re eating, you’ll also be providing your body with nutritious foods that bring a bevy of benefits. From a boost of magnesium and fibre to antioxidants that bolster your immune system and promote good gut health, these sweet, cool treats will have everyone in your household screaming for nice cream every week.

To get you started, we’ve shared two tempting, nourishing and Insta-worthy nice cream recipes created by Healthy Luxe in collaboration with Amazonia. Give them a go, and if you’re looking for taste-testers to trial your efforts, you know where to find us.

Pistachio nice cream

Serves 4 small portions

You’ll need:

4 frozen bananas
100g frozen coconut flesh
½ avocado
½ cup pistachio nuts
¼ cup coconut milk
½ tsp vanilla essence

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-power blender, blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Spoon into an ice cream tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Using an ice-cream scoop, scoop into coconut bowls and top with pistachio nuts.

Coconut pitaya nice cream

Serves 2

You’ll need:

4 frozen bananas, chopped
⅓ cup desiccated coconut
1 handful raw macadamias
1 tsp coconut nectar, optional
2 frozen pitaya sachets*
¼ cup frozen raspberries
½ frozen mango

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients (except pitaya, raspberries and mango) in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Spoon two-thirds of the mixture into bowls, then add fruit to the remaining mixture.

3. Blend until smooth and add to bowls.

4. Top with banana and/or coconut. Serve and enjoy.

*Pitaya is another name for dragon fruit. It’s high in fibre and rich in vitamin C, magnesium, iron and B vitamins. Amazonia’s pitaya is made from pink dragon fruit, which is higher in nutrients than the white-fleshed variety.