TAHINI & TURMERIC NICE CREAM

Nice cream uses frozen banana as its base and is a great dairy-free alternative to ice cream.  Here we take this vegan treat into fall with some tahini and wonderful warm chai spices.  And the ground turmeric adds an extra healthy twist!

Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds.  Unhulled paste is more nutrient-rich since it is made from intact seeds.  Tahini is loaded with vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron.  It is easy to digest; a great source of protein and healthy fat; and rich in anticancer, heart-healthy plant lignans as well as methionine, which helps with liver detoxification.

Nice Cream is super simple to prepare with a heavy-duty blender.  I use the "frozen" setting on the Vitamix.  You put the ingredients into the container, turn it on, and mash everything together into the blades with the tamper.  It takes only minutes to make a wonderful and healthy frozen treat!

For 3 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 3 frozen bananas

• 3 Tbsp or more tahini, adjusted to taste and consistency

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric plus a pinch of black pepper (to facilitate absorption)

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp ground ginger

• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom

• Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure maple syrup, or raw honey (nonvegan), adjusted to taste (optional)

Scoop, top with sesame seeds and enjoy!