GF {w/DF option} Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Holy GF banana ice cream batman!!!

So anyone who really knows me, knows that I am not an ice cream fan but when I discovered Coldstone's banana ice cream I about fell in love many years ago. I haven't actually had it in probably 3-4 years now because of the celiac and the heaviness of it never agreed with my stomach, but I have never forgotten about it!
I originally saw a recipe on the night time mom bleeps on the Disney channel for homemade banana "ice cream" that was just frozen bananas and I re-saw a few different recipes on Pinterest that really made me want try it. So tonight I did!!

I made a version of the coldstone concoction I LOVE. Banana split decision :-) made with banana ice cream, fresh strawberries, melted fudge and roasted almonds bits. You can easily do a plain banana, strawberry banana or try one like this! It was really tasty and minus the chocolate it would be totally dairy free too!

All you need is a ninja or a food processor, frozen banana chunks {I used two large bananas}, a handful of frozen strawberries, around 1/4 cup chocolate of choice {I used dark, melted} roasted almonds, and a few fresh strawberries.

Place frozen banana, frozen strawberries and melted chocolate into the ninja or processor and use the blade attachment first, after a few pluses and you see everything chopped up into small pieces {it looks dry, but it's not!} switch to the attachment that has no blade. Pulse and watch the ice cream create!!! It's fun as it turns to see it coming together :-) scoop out and top with fresh strawberries and almonds! So easy!! I'm sure too if you did like it creamier you can add a splash of milk, cream or dairy alternative. Just not too much bc you don't want to water it down.

This made about 3 servings, but I find, when making it you only want to make enough for 1-2 times eating bc it is fresh and I don't think it freezes and re-eats like it does the first time. But your choice totally!

The best part of this, it's super low cal, fruity and yummy, and you do NOT have to feel bad about splurging bc it's not real ice cream that's heavy and full of junk!

The only thing that has dairy I used was the milk in the chocolate but you can use DF chocolate too for a full DF.

ENJOY!!

WIAW

So today is my first WIAW and I have been inspired to do so by my cousin whose been actively pushing me to pursue my goals. I feel we help one another to do so all the time! It's great to have her in my life :-)

So today for my first WIAW I wanted to post my dinner from last night! Ever since I was diagnosed with a severe case of celiac disease last April I have been missing my favorite foods. I haven't had too many cravings, but now that I'm almost 10 weeks pregnant the cravings for all the things I simply cannot have, have been kicking in like crazy!

One of my favorite foods since I was in middle school is chicken lo mien. Love, love, love Chinese food. In past blogs posts I've done pork pot stickers from scratch and they were AMAZING and although I've made stir fry and lo mien before it just hasn't hit the spot like the REAL thing till last night.

I think I nailed it this time. And mostly due to the change in noodles. I had been using Thai rice noodles prior and I decided to try brown rice vermicelli by the brand Peacock instead, and WOW I impressed myself again.

For the veggies this time I used:
Water chestnuts
Red peppers
Green peppers
Onions
Carrots

{I also like use sprouts, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots but stuck to what I had on hand last night.}

For the sauce and marinade I used:
Tamari GF soy sauce
Orange juice
Water
Ginger paste
Ginger powder
Garlic powder
Minced Garlic
Salt
Pepper

And the noodles were brown rice vermicelli

So good!!

Gluten Free cooking has been an adjustment for me, but not giving up and trying again and again till I hit perfection has been key. Don't give up new Celiac's! There is hope :-)

Take time Tuesday

Lately I have not had a lot to be thankful for. Sounds harsh but I've had quite the ride the last few years with my health. Especially the last year in particular. But through it all I do have a few things I can say I'm thankful for.
Last week after dealing with most of my hair falling out I decided it would be best to cut it all off and start fresh. My dr's still aren't exactly sure why it's been falling out but hopefully in the coming weeks there will be some answers. Anyways I was terrified to cut all my hair off. I've had long hair for about 3-4 years now. So I picked out some photos and found some really cute cuts. Much to my surprise I REALLY loved the end result! I was so comfortable in my long hair routine but when it started falling out rapidly it looked like death there were short pieces and long looked bad. But I'm loving the low maintenance of my new do and the many compliments I've been getting from people who see me regularly!
Also being 9 weeks pregnant has not been easy on me, but I'm thankful for my healthy bean growing and our family expanding. So many people have had a hard time getting pregnant and I feel lucky (even being told I would be infertile.) I have not had any issues getting pregnant this time or the first. We have been truly LUCKY.
With that being said Cj and I had quite the bath time fun on Saturday. He can be a handful but gosh is he funny and full of life. I love him so very much. Absolutely thankful for him and my husband everyday.
Lastly although the snow keeps deciding to fall down we were lucky enough to have some sun and in the high 30's Sunday so the family and I took a nice few mile walk and it gives me hope spring is around the corner and my winter blues are coming to an end!! Thank goodness!!! :-)