Butternut Macadamia Ice Cream & Other Holiday Desserts

 

Dear friends,

Let's talk about the kitchen and how it can be a comforting place.

I know that in my household, and other folks' households, the kitchen can sometimes feel like a place of challenge.

We can feel stressed about cooking every day, taking care of everyone's food preferences or dietary restrictions, or we may argue about splitting up kitchen and cleaning duties, etc.

Yet, our kitchen can also be a place of warmth.

The kitchen can be a sanctuary. How do we do that?

It can be as simple as lighting some candles. Playing songs we love while cooking. Having some fresh flowers. Hanging up an inspiring art piece. Or keeping the kitchen clean.

It's amazing what it does to lift the dust, to clear clutter, to make space!

In that space in the home where we're creating nourishment for the family, a simple focus of cleanliness creates so much space and upliftment!

Our kitchen is a unique place in our home. It's a dwelling for nourishment, gathering, and comfort if we choose.

And on that note... let's dive into the comfort of nutrient-dense, mouthwatering desserts for the winter season and the holidays!

In my last newsletter, I shared my favorite healthy comfort food recipes (which are also perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and holiday parties). If you missed it, you can find those recipes here.

And now, let's go into some healthy yet indulgent desserts to enjoy this season!


 

Butternut Macadamia Ice Cream

This ice cream is sweetened with butternut squash and stevia. Feel free to use raw honey in place of the stevia if you prefer.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes + 4 hours freezing time

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Equipment Needed: food processor, ice cream maker

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw cashews

  • 1 ½ cups cooked butternut squash

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/3 nutmeg ball, zested

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

  • 20 drops liquid stevia or ½ cup raw honey

  • 1 teaspoon high mineral sea salt

  • 1 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts

Directions:

  1. Freeze the bowl of the ice cream machine for at least 6 hours before proceeding.

  2. Cover 1 cup of raw cashews with boiling water by 1”. Let cashews sit for 30 minutes and gather remaining ingredients.

  3. In the bowl of a food processor, add remaining ingredients including the drained cashews (excluding the macadamia nuts) and process until smooth.

  4. Scrape the ice cream batter into the bowl of the ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Before freezing, stir in the macadamia nuts. Freeze and enjoy!

 

More Healthy Desserts & Holiday Recipes

Looking for more delicious and nourishing comfort food this holiday season?

I'd love to give you some comforting food ideas where the comfort is long-lasting and not just in the moment!

Your taste buds will be thrilled, and your bellies will be harmonized and satiated.


Nourishment Coaching

Inspired to transform your health through food?

If you long for a balanced, healthy lifestyle that supports your daily vitality and your capacity to live a life you love, my Nourishment and Empowerment Coaching Program is designed to assist you in person, over-the-phone, or online.

• Locally, I enjoy coming to your home and cooking with you, helping you to stock your fridges and freezers with nutrient-dense foods to help your bodies thrive.

• Long-distance clients meet with me online on a regular basis to outline food plans, ingredient sourcing, and cooking strategies that are practical for each individual's health needs and lifestyles.

Reach out at any point, and I would love to connect with you!