Something cool to get your summer started

Banana Maple Ice Cream with Sugared Walnuts
Recipe by Dragon

I’ve been obsessed with making homemade ice cream ever since I got my ice cream maker for Christmas. Girls and their toys! I’ve been working on this flavour combination for a couple of weeks now and I think it’s the perfect banana ice cream. Be sure to let it soften slightly before serving it.

Makes: 1 1/2 quarts

5 bananas (ripe and frozen)
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup sugared walnuts (see recipe below)

Directions:
1. Allow frozen bananas to thaw for 45 minutes before processing them.

2. Peel the bananas and cut into pieces. Combine bananas with lemon juice and place in a food processor. Process the banana mixture for about 30 seconds.

3. Add maple syrup, corn syrup, maple extract and vanilla extract. Process again for
another 30 seconds.

4. While the processor is running, add the cream slowly. Process until smooth.

5. Pour the banana mixture into a clean bowl and cover the surface of the mixture with plastic wrap.

6. Chill mixture in the refrigerator overnight.

7. Transfer the banana mixture to an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions.

8. Fold in sugared walnuts into the ice cream.

9. Place ice cream in an airtight container and freeze for a minimum of 3 hours before serving.


Sugared Walnuts
Recipe by Dragon

Make: 1 cup

1 cups walnut halves, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan combine the sugar, water, maple syrup and salt, bring to a boil over medium heat.

2. Cook until the sugar starts to get golden. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

3. Add walnuts and stir gently until the nuts are well coated and the mixture loses its gloss.

4. Turn out onto a greased baking sheet. Let it cool slightly and separate the pieces.