Heatwave!
If you are in the UK – especailly more in the South, then likely you are in the heatwave too! Temperatures like today – currently at 36c are one-off rare occurrences here (real feel is logged as 41c) and we are very unprepared for heat like this!
Children have been allowed to go to school in P.E. kits, trains have issued ‘check before you travel’ warnings and the public have been advised to keep their curtains closed and stay indoors! Of course, we need everyone to be safe, but many people travel abroad just to find heat like this… but then they do not have to go about their daily business.
DRINK WATER – is my number one advice to you… and drink some more! If you need to, add a bit of flavouring – sliced fruits or a splash of cordial or squash. Defineitly use suncream and wear a hat if going out. Travel with spare water just in case you are delayed and check on vulnerable family and friends.
Which brings us to food! For many, it is too hot to eat! Salads area n obvious choice – no added heat from the cooker, or quick and easy to prepare wraps, sandwiches or buddha bowls.
Of course, hot weather brings thoughts of ice-cream and this is where today’s recipe (or non-recipe) comes in!
The Ice-Cream Bites Recipe
This is a building recipe! We will use what you have rather than make something from scratch. So, grab your favourite ice-cream (leave it in the freezer for now)! Grab some chocolate – ends, drops, the one you have in the cupboard as it is not your favourite. Lastly, you need some coating – shredded coconut, chopped nuts, crushed granola or other cereal.
Prepare everything first!
The Ice-Cream
Grab a freezer proof container (a fast food container works)! Get your ice-cream out and spoon (or scoop) portions which are a bit smaller than a ping-pong ball size. Using clean hands, press the ice-cream together in your hands until you have a ball (or a square ball!) shape. Place in the container. Repeat with how many you would lke to make. I suggest 6 at a time is a good number to start with.
The Coating
Add a teaspoon or so of each coating you want (coconut, nuts, cereal) for each bite and put it on a saucer or small plate. Have a couple of teaspoons handy and place these in a workable space where you can do the assembling.
The chocolate
Break your chocolate up if necessary and place in a small heatprrof bowl which fits inside a saucepan. Boil the kettle and pour 1-3cm of water into a saucepan. You will carefully add the bowl of chocolate into the centre of the water (avoid the water touching the chocolate). Stir the chocolate carefully with a metal spoon – it should start to melt without having to add extra heat. IF, you do need to add heat, carefully (remember water and chocolate do not mix) move the pan to the cooker and gently heat for a few seconds then turn off and stir again.
Building the Bites
Get everything ready nearby. Do this or you will regret it.
Gather: Melted chocolate, teaspoons, tongs or a larger spoon, toppings, container. Ice-cubes on a place covered with a piece of foil. Spare freezeproof container (unless you are clever and use the original one)! Put everything in a logical order. Lastly when you are ready to start, get the ice-cream balls out.
Assemble
Place a ball of ice-cream in the melted chocolate and roll gently to cover. Remove with the tongs (or larger spoon) and allow excess chocolate to drip off for a second. Immediately roll in your desired topping, using teaspoons to completely cover the chocolate and any visible ice-cream. Place on the foil over the icecubes. Repeat.
You may have to heat the chocolate up again depending how fast you work – if there is ice-cream in the chocolate it will appear to thicken but with stirring you can eventually make it smooth again.
Clean your container if re-using, (ideally using kitchen roll so not to heat it up – ensure it is throughly dry) then place the coated bites back in, add the lid and replace in the freezer.
They will be ready to eat in about 10 minutes – just enough time to tidy up and get ready to enjoy!
What do I need?
Hopefully you already have everything you need for this recipe, but in case you’re new to baking and cooking, or just want a refresh, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: saucepans, mini plates, ice-cream scoop, food tongs, containers, and find our favourite items in our NEW Life Diet Health Amazon shop. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your ice-cream bites slightly thawed (1-2 minutes) straight from the freezer just as they are. Bite them. Slice them. Spoon them. Your bites – your way!
Storing
These will store well in the freezer in an airtight container for up to a month (if you forget they are in there)!
Sharing
I hope you will make these in your favourite flavours and share them with your friends and family (& the recipe)! Let me know if you’re sticking with vanilla or if you’re trying mint ice-cream, strawberry with pistachio coating, chocolate with coonut or any other combination!
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
Stay safe in the sun and keep hydrated!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
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