Category: Frozen Treats

Granita al limone. Italian Ice, but not really. (GF + V)

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One of my most vivid memories I have from childhood is when my soccer team would go to Rita’s after a game to get ‘Italian ice.” At 8 years old, I made it my mission to inform my teammates that there is no such thing as Italian ice! It was all an American ruse! They didn’t really care.

And as it turns out, I may have been partially wrong. Years later, I fell in love with granita, a sweetened and flavored slushed ice from Sicily. Instead of ice and dyed syrups, granita is made with whole ingredients, and a good fork (or blender) to slush. I first discovered lemon granita with my brother in Pozzallo, Sicily, where we ordered a cup from a cart on the street. To this day, it’s one of my favorite summer desserts – just ask Mount Granita from Cleveland!

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Around the World: American cuisine

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Amidst coronavirus, I’m sticking to what I – and a lot of other people – love most: cooking and baking.  One challenge I’ve presented to myself is to make a dish (or dishes) of international cuisines every week, learn some words from the language, and e-visit some of the country’s landmarks.  Some of these dishes will be more complex than others, based on what ingredients I have available in the house.

You’re probably thinking: I thought this was supposed to be about international cuisines. And yes, it is, but with July 4th on the horizon, why not learn more about American cuisine? Particularly for our non-American friends. Besides, the more you know.

Let’s go!

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Four-ingredient ‘Dibs’ Ice Cream Bites (Vegan + GF)

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vegan 'dibs' bites

Do you remember Dibs?  They’re the little vanilla ice cream bites coated with milk chocolate.   Anyways, on the rare occasions that Dibs were in my house, my brother and I would go crazy – who wouldn’t?  It’s fun to just pop them in your mouth 🙂  Since our Dibs days are extinct, I made a healthier (like way healthier) version of these ice cream nuggets!

bite of vegan 'dibs'

Little summary of these bites:

  • four ingredients = banana + chocolate + Himalayan salt
  • four steps
  • no ice cream machine required

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Vanilla Bean Hazelnut Cheesecake Bites

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Vanilla, hazelnuts, chocolate; these are a few of my favorite things.

So when it came to creating a cheesecake recipe, I wanted it to involve all of these ingredients in the most harmonious way possible while tasting like an actual, real cheesecake.  These vanilla bean hazelnut cheesecake bites are decadent, smooth, creamy, and not to mention gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free (oh, and no-bake!).

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Mint Lemon Sorbet (Vegan)

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I am often asked what I think is the perfect summertime treat.  Without a doubt – sorbet!  Sorbet is not only an incredibly easy dessert to make at home, requiring very few ingredients, but also, perfect for every age group – children, adults, and elders.  It is especially great for those with many food intolerances and allergies.  It just hits the spot for those who aren’t looking for a dessert that’s too fruity,  too tarty, or heavy (like my family!).  A true crowd pleaser!

In Italy, people generally have “sorbetto” in the summer to finish a meal.  In other fine dining instances, small amounts of sorbet, called the “intermezzo”, are served between courses.  It is considered a palate cleanser, and prepares your taste buds for the next course.  Either way, it is a delicate part of any meal, and with the mint, it instantly places a refreshing taste in your mouth.  At the end of your spoonful, there’s a very subtle tang from the lemon which is softened by the sugar, and if you choose, honey.  You can get this summer hit made within 45 minutes (freezing not included)!

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