When faced with the question, “If you could only eat one thing for a year, what would it be?” I will most undoubtedly say…ice cream. There is (in my humble opinion) no treat that so effortlessly can join you at a candlelight dinner or around a bonfire on the beach. It’s a classy and versatile dessert with a seemingly endless variety of flavors and styles. I’ve chosen my favorite picks for quick, easy to make, yummy summer ice creams.

Raspberry-Lemon Ricotta Ice Cream (Serves 4)
This treat is zesty and refreshing with a light “cheesecake” like taste. It’s perfect for pairing with a light dessert wine or champagne on a summer evening.

Ingredients:
3/4 Cup Fresh Raspberries
1 Cup Light Ricotta Cheese
1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1/2 Cup Baker’s Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
1-2 Tsp of Lemon Zest (to taste)

Equipment:
Ice Cream Maker

Directions:
– Night Before: Prep your ice cream maker as instructed by it’s manual.
– Mix together the Ricotta, Whipping Cream, Sugar, Vanilla & Salt in a mixing bowl until smooth.
– Turn the ice cream maker on and slowly pour the mixture above in it.
– Let mix for 5-10 mins, then slowly add lemon zest and fresh raspberries.
– Let mix for another 20 mins or until desired consistency is reached.
– Serve directly or let freeze overnight in container with a lid.

Mint Chip Ice Cream (Serves 8)
A new take on an old favorite. Try using cacao nibs or fresh mint in place of traditional ingredients for a more healthy option (see below).

Ingredients:
2 Cups 2% Milk
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Baker’s Sugar
1/2 Tsp Salt
1Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tsp Peppermint Extract OR Fresh Mint Leaves (to taste)
1 Cup Mini-Semisweet Chocolate Chips OR Cacao Nibs

Equipment:
Ice Cream Maker

Directions:
– Night Before: Prep your ice cream maker.
– Mix together the milk, cream, sugar, salt and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
– Add 2 drops of peppermint to the mixture OR finely chop 5-8 fresh mint leaves.
– Turn on the ice cream maker.
– Slowly pour the mixture into the ice cream maker.
– Let mix 5-10 minutes, then slowly add the fresh mint leaves and chocolate chips (or cacoa nibs).
– Let mix 20 minutes or until desired consistency is met.
– Serve directly or freeze overnight in container with a lid.

Raw Lucuma Cinnamon Ice Cream (Serves 4)
This is a fantastic ice cream for everyone. It’s gluten-free, raw, vegan and naturally sweetened with lucuma powder, making it a wonderful healthy treat for people watching their sugar intake. You don’t even need an ice cream maker for this one!

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Lucuma Powder
1 Cup Cashews
1 Tbsp Vanilla Powder or Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Agave Nectar
1 Cup Filtered Water
Pinch of Salt
1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Equipment:
Blender or Food Processor

Directions:
– In a blender or food processor, mix together ALL the ingredients until smooth. Add water if necessary.
– Pour into a glass or tupperware container with a lid.
– Freeze overnight.
– Enjoy the next day!

For more information on where to buy cacao nibs, vanilla powder and lucuma powder visit www.thenaturalonline.com and www.sunfood.com.