I really should start keeping track of how many times I say to my husband, “Oh what I would give for an Oreo McFlurry!” Maybe its the Hawaiian sunshine or the fact that ice cream is just the best sweet comfort food there is, at least in my opinion.  I probably should also keep track of how many times I make homemade ice cream each week.  We received this ice cream maker for a wedding present and I must say it is put to very good use!

Ice cream is one of the easiest desserts to make and I love making it at home so that I can control the amount of sweetener I use.  My favorite is this dairy free chocolate ice cream made with creamy coconut milk.  I love making ice cream with coconut milk because the end result is so rich and creamy—and this once scoops fabulously even after a day in the freezer!  Starting with this basic recipe, you can top it with whatever desired flavors you want—from a big scoop of peanut butter to caramel sauce or even fresh berries.  And yes, there is nothing like an Oreo McFlurry, but to me, I choose to focus on the foods I can eat, recreating my favorites from a healthier perspective—swapping ingredients here and there and making most of my desserts homemade so I can choose the amount of sweetener involved.

The best sort of recipes and treats are ones that can be shared and bring people together to laugh and enjoy—ice cream certainly does that!I wanted to share this ice cream recipe as it was one of my favorites from my ebook A Backyard Summer which focuses on simple recipes that you can make for summer entertaining.  Making ice cream is a fun activity to do in the kitchen together—get everyone involved, gathering around to talk and laugh as the ice cream churns away.  This chocolate ice cream is pure creamy goodness and will have you scooping a second serving!

Creamy Chocolate Ice Cream

Creamy chocolate ice cream made dairy free using coconut milk.  Homemade 5 ingredient ice cream made simply.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cup coconut milk, full fat & unsweetened
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend, scrape down the sides and blend again.
• Heat a sauce pan to low. Add the ice cream mixture and slowly heat for about 15 minutes, stir occasionally so the cream does not burn.  Steam will begin to rise when the mixture is hot enough, but you do not want the mixture to bubble or boil.
• Transfer ice cream batter to a clean bowl and chill for 2-4 hours.
• Pour into the ice cream maker and churn according to ice cream makers instructions. Transfer ice cream to a bowl and freeze for 15 minutes before serving.
• Top with a scoop of whipped cream, berries any of your favorite toppings.

Entertaining Tips

• You can make the ice cream batter the morning or even night before you want to serve.  Simply pour into your ice cream maker when you are ready to churn!
• Making ice cream is a fun activity to do with people, especially the kids of the group.  It is a great way to introduce people to healthy eating, in a fun and visual way!

Topping Ideas

• toasted coconut flakes
• chocolate chips
• fresh berries
• real whipped cream
• chopped nuts
• caramel sauce