Dreaming of warmer days...

That's right, as crazy as it may be, I am already dreaming of summer. The hot days and warm evenings... the sunshine... the GARDENING! It's my favourite time of year for sure.

I figured that there really is no better way to celebrate the fact that we are already a week into April (so only a couple more months to go!) than to create a snack that works as a summer treat, but is really just yummy any time of the year.

This is a great snack because while it tastes completely decadent and like it probably has a thousand calories, it's actually pretty good for you - the pistachios contain healthy fats (omegas and the like), and bananas has tons of fibre that is really great for your gut. Eating pistachios every day is also associated with a decreased risk of death from cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease (1).

I like this recipe because it is SUPER creamy and has a ton of flavour from that banana-pistachio combination. You can top it with crushed pistachios, chocolate chips, whatever you like. Try drizzling a bit of caramel sauce on top for something really unique and yummy! Try using real vanilla bean if you can get your hands on some... it's a game-changer!

I am whipping up a batch of this over the weekend for sure. Planning to eat it while sitting out on my patio in the sunshine and planning out my garden for this year. It's the little things in life that are the best!

Banana & Pistachio Ice Cream:

· 3 frozen bananas

· ¾ cup alternative milk of your choice (I love using cashew milk here! Soy or almond milk is also quite nice though)

· ½ cup cashews, soaked overnight

· ½ cup raw pistachios, shelled

· 1 tsp. vanilla extract

· For serving: crushed pistachio pieces

1) Place all ingredients in a food processor

2) Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy (you can add more milk if the ice cream is too thick)

3) Sprinkle with pistachios and serve immediately for soft serve (if you want it harder, just pop it in the freezer for an hour or two first)