May 27

Nuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.  If you’re not too keen on fish ice cream or even avocado ice cream, try this great recipe for cinnamon black walnut ice cream.  Walnuts are one of the best nuts for omega-3’s.

  • 4 cups heavy cream
  • 4 cups half-and-half
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups chopped black walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, stir together the heavy cream, half-and-half, sugar, walnuts, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Pour the mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze as directed by the manufacturer.  Makes 4 quarts.  If you’re using your ice cream ball, divide by 4.

May 20

There is never-ending supply of information about omega-3 fatty acids and how, when added to your diet, they can vastly improve your cholesterol & triglyceride levels and also help with your hair, skin and nails. Even people who regularly consume foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon, avocados and nuts) are being urged to take a fish oil supplement because we just don’t get enough.

They are even adding it to baby formula since it is such an essential part of our life. “Scientists report that adding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids — typically found in fish oil — to baby formula may help infants better regulate their blood sugar and make more proteins in their muscle cells. These results may help make better decisions when dealing with pre-term birth, low-birth weight, and feeding of infants in intensive care.” (Source)

Food technologist have been working hard to add omega-3s to everyday foods like eggs, cheese, yogurt and even ice cream. However, the addition of fish oil makes most food have a fishy or “off” taste. This is something the technologists and “food chemists” are still trying to overcome.

While the scientists and technologists continue working on hiding omega-3s in our ice cream, why not enjoy a nice bowl of avocado ice cream? Avocados are high in omega-3s and easily found in the grocery store. Here’s a great recipe from the Food Network:

Avocado Ice Cream

  • 12 ounces avocado meat, approximately 3 small to medium
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk*
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream*

Peel and pit the avocados. Add the avocados, lemon juice, milk, and sugar to a blender and puree. Transfer the mixture to a medium mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and chill until it reaches 40 degrees F or below, approximately 4 to 6 hours. Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. However, this mixture sets up very fast, so count on it taking only 5 to 10 minutes to process. For soft ice cream, serve immediately. If desired, place in freezer for 3 to 4 hours for firmer texture.

*Of course, you can always substitute the heavy cream and whole milk for lighter, healthier counterparts. It may take slightly longer for the ice cream to freeze and it won’t be as rich & creamy. But it will still taste great!