Chocolate Banana “Ice Cream”

For most of us, it’s hard to think of the holidays without also picturing all the desserts and sweet goodies the season brings. Trouble is, guilt tends to be part of the picture too; no one wants to start the new year with another few pounds to shed, after all. But there are a few treats that are much healthier than the usual cookie platter, and just as delicious. With that in mind, we asked two sweets-loving dessert experts to offer their favorite vegan recipes that prove that we can enjoy the holidays without all of the guilt, and even get a few healthy (or healthier) ingredients into our seasonal splurge.

Los Angeles-based celebrity chef and host of Fit TV’s “Healthy Decadence” Devin Alexander gave us two delicious recipes from her recent book, The Biggest Loser Quick and Easy Cookbook (Rodale). Both are simple to prepare and will leave your party guests asking where that recipe came from:

CHOCOLATE BANANA “ICE CREAM”
Be sure not to use overly ripe bananas when you make this dessert. While those are great for baked goods like banana breads and muffins, it’s better to use slightly firm bananas for this recipe (and for smoothies). Also, note that the serving size may vary slightly depending on the size of the bananas you use. If you don’t have frozen bananas on hand, cut fresh ripe bananas into 1” pieces, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for at least 1 to 2 hours.

2 medium frozen bananas
1 scoop (17 grams) “The Biggest Loser” All Natural Chocolate Deluxe Protein Supplement, or 50 calories’ worth of another chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon all-natural cocoa powder

Remove the bananas from the freezer and cut into 1” pieces. Add the bananas, protein powder, and cocoa powder to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a chopping blade. Process until completely smooth, pausing if necessary to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue processing for 1 minute longer, or until it is aerated and fluffy (be careful not to overprocess, or it will begin to liquefy). Divide the “ice cream” evenly among 2 small dessert bowls. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 (heaping 1/2-cup) servings
Per serving: 145 calories, 5 g protein, 35 g carbohydrates (22 g sugar), <1 g fat, trace saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 8 g fiber, 28 mg sodium

WATERMELON COCKTAIL
This simple dessert is all about the presentation. After measuring the balsamic glaze, it’s best to transfer it from a measuring teaspoon to a serving teaspoon to do the drizzling. It’s much easier to create a pretty drizzle pattern that way. Another option is to transfer the glaze to a small squirt bottle, to ensure you create even lines.

1 cup seedless 1/2” watermelon cubes (5 3/4 ounces)
1 teaspoon natural balsamic glaze (get one with no added sugar)
Fresh mint leaf, for garnish (optional)

Place the watermelon cubes in a chilled martini glass. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the watermelon. Garnish with mint, if desired. Serve immediately.

Makes 1 serving
Per serving: 57 calories, <1 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates (12 g sugar), trace fat, trace saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, <1 g fiber, 3 mg sodium

New York City-based yoga instructor Aarona Pichinson leads international retreats and counsels clients on implementing a healthy diet into their lifestyle, teaching one killer yoga class to boot. Her take on traditional hot chocolate will keep your insides warm and your blood circulating even in subzero temperatures. She also stresses using organic and local ingredients whenever possible.

SPICY AZTEC HOT CHOCOLATE SUPERFOOD ELIXIR
Who says hot chocolate has to be loaded with processed sugar and preservatives? This has gotta be the healthiest hot chocolate out there. It’s insanely good, richly rewarding, and highly energizing. Plus it’s loaded with nutritious goodness, including magnesium rich cacao, the hormone-balancing B-vitamin dense maca, and natural, easily digestible fats and sweeteners. This is an excellent way to start your morning or a sweet after-dinner treat.

3 cups of warm to hot water or your favorite herbal tea (think Chai, Vanilla, Bengal Spice)
Medium handful raw cacao nibs or beans (chocolate in its natural form!)
2 Tb coconut oil/butter
2 Tb raw wild honey, preferably local
1/4 cup raw cashews, preferably soaked and drained
1 Tb Maca Powder
Dash of cayenne (or to taste)
Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt or Celtic Sea Salt

Place all ingredients in your blender. Blend until creamy, drink until dreamy.

Note: For a lighter elixir, blend with raw hemp seeds instead of cashews, which will be heavier and creamier. Keep in mind that cacao will energize you. If you’re worried about caffeine, use caffeine-free herbal tea instead.

—Derek Beres, Women’s Health Reporter

Photo Reprinted from: The Biggest Loser Quick and Easy Cookbook by Devin Alexander (c) 2011 by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. The Biggest Loser (TM ) and NBC Studios, Inc., and Reveille LLC. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc. Available wherever books are sold.