There are moments when the collision of two worlds can bring about positive events. In my case, those two worlds are food and autism. My husband and I are consultants for families who wish to set up intensive behavioral programs for their children on the autism spectrum. The dedication of these families to making the lives of their children the best that they can be is nothing short of astounding. In many places, funding for autism treatments is minimal or nonexistent. That’s right – there is often no funding available for children who are diagnosed with the fastest-growing childhood disorder. One in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. That means that you probably know someone who has a family member effected by autism. If you do, that means you know that raising a child with autism is no cakewalk.
That being said, I have fallen in love with the kids I work with. Despite their learning difficulties and higher levels of negative behaviors, they like to have fun and enjoy life as much as any other child. To see the pride on their faces when they master a new task or to hear them giggle when their parents doing something silly makes the world seem full of hope and innocence. These children and their families have a long journey in front of them – a journey that will be filled with heartache and joy.
What can you do to help these families? Raising funds and awareness would be the obvious answer, and those things are desperately needed. If you are interested, check out the fund-raising events put on by Autism Speaks. However, I would like to suggest something simpler. Whenever you see a child out in public, whether it’s at the grocery store or the park, who is clearly having a difficult time behaviorally, be gentle in your judgement. While it may just be a typical child throwing a tantrum over a coveted candy bar, it is also possible that this may be a child with autism. Be aware that the parents are doing the best that they can do and that the child is NOT just being naughty. Don’t watch them with judgmental eyes. All they ask for is a little understanding and acceptance.
Since entering the world of food blogging, I have come to appreciate the generous nature of many food bloggers. When Neil of At My Table suggested a food blogging event in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, many bloggers jumped at the chance to be involved and to help raise awareness. Neil, who has a daughter with autism, suggested cooking foods using a single color, which is representative of the limited food repertoires that many people with autism have. Considering that many of our clients are on gluten- and casein-free diets, I decided to take this one step further and develop a recipe that fits those criteria. To show support for autism awareness, everyone is encouraged to wear blue today, which is what inspired the blueberry ice cream.
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, mashing the blueberries with the back of a fork. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes.
In a blender, combine 3 cups coconut milk (the full-fat version), the blueberry mixture, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cover and chill the mixture until cold, about 2 hours.
Pour the mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in the freezer for several hours, or until ice cream hardens. The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Other gluten- and Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes:
Gluten-Free Goddess’ Maple Roasted Banana Ice Cream without Dairy
Aprovechar’s Fresh Mint Ice Cream
Gluten-Free By Nature’s Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Gluten- & Dairy-Free Blueberry Coconut Ice Cream
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
3 cups coconut milk (full-fat version), well stirred
1 tsp vanilla extract
In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and salt. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, mashing the blueberries with the back of a fork. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes.
In a blender, combine coconut milk, the blueberry mixture, and vanilla extract. Cover and chill the mixture until cold, about 2 hours.
Pour the mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in the freezer for several hours, or until ice cream hardens. The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Makes 1 quart.
Divina Pe says
This is a beautiful ice cream Dara. I'll substitute it with our strawberries here while they're are still in season. You are doing great and your calling is helping a lot of children with autism. My hats off to you. 🙂
tspegar says
What a fulfilling job you have. I don't have a child with autism but I hate to think of ANY struggling child. You are a gem. I also love this flavor combo and simplicity… and that you specified "full fat version"!!
Tracy says
Mmm, looks delicious and refreshing!
How To: Simplify says
My husband loves blueberry flavored treats. I'll definitely have to make this for him. It looks so refreshing!
Phil says
Looks delicious! What a great recipe to raise awareness for a great cause.
Angie's Recipes says
I made this ice cream last summer and it was REALLY good!
Jenny says
What a gorgeous and drool worthy ice cream Dara!! Love this 🙂
What a wonderful thing you are doing with Autism Awareness. Both of my boys have very good friends with Autism.
Have a great Easter Weekend!!
Michelle says
Such a gorgeous color..who could resist!
Maria says
I love the color of the ice cream! Happy weekend to you! And great information here. I admire your work and dedication to this cause. I better find some blue!
Mother Rimmy says
What a terrific, informative blog post. The work you do is inspiring!
The ice cream looks delicious too.
neil says
That's some bowl of icecream, fantastic colour! Loved the way you thought about the challenge of cooking for autistics, thanks so much for joining in.
SashaInTheKitchen says
this looks absolutely delicious. check out my blog for some other interesting and fun ice cream recipes. I love the blueberry color!
Biren says
We really need more people like you who are willing to work with autistic children. Thanks you for bringing this awareness to the food blogging world 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet says
That ice cream sounds fantastic. I have a very close (younger) cousin who is autistic – you are very inspiring!
Anna says
I have been following your blog for the past couple of months and had no idea that you work with kids with autism. My son has autism, and the people who work with him AMAZE me. Thanks so much for bringing attention to this cause today, and thanks for your work that you do with these children and families. Oh, and all your recipes are fabulous!
Chef E says
Hubby loves blueberries, so this is a keeper!
ThermomixBlogger Helene says
Hi Dara — Thanks for this. I've been thinking about using coconut milk to make ice cream for weeks not but still haven't got around to it. Your recipe is just the inspiration I need to get those frozen "blubes" out of the freezer! Here, in my Thermomix kitchen, I usually just blend the blueberries with sugar and egg white, but I can't wait to add the coconut milk because I love coconut milk — the ticker the better!
Cheers from another Canuck in Victoria, BC.
Maggy says
This is absolutely beautiful – and I bet it's delicious too! We'll be making this.
Helen says
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog. That looks so good! Now I absolutely must get an ice cream maker. My son has autism and he enjoys So Delicious coconut milk ice cream. (We all do!) But it would be wonderful to be able to make him any flavor his heart desires at home, too!
Noelle says
I am going to have to make this! Ihave been wanting ice cream and this sure would save money! Thanks!
Cookin' Canuck says
Thanks to all of you for your kind comments, both about this recipe and autism awareness.
Neil – Thanks so much for hosting this blogging event. You are truly inspirational!
Anna – It is the families of people with autism who deserve the pats on their backs. What strength you have.
Helen – The So Delicious ice cream really is good. I hope you enjoy coming up with new flavors for your son.
pegasuslegend says
This is a great cause, I do know several children who have this and you are so right that so many people judge behaviors without knowing underlying conditions, a wonderful tribute post to this cause and fabulous ice cream love the single color idea and will pass this on to many others, thank you
Jenn says
Yum! I've never had blue berry Ice scream before. The color reminds of of a purple yam ice cream from the Philippines.
It's good to bring awareness to autism. Good for you for participating.
Cristie says
I've worked with children with autism- hats off to you and your effort to bring it's awarness level up. What a great cause. Blueberry icecream sounds very refreshing- and the color is wonderful.
The Dutch Baker's Daughter says
Wonderful cause—beautiful ice cream!
Karina Allrich says
The work you do is so important. And this gluten-free casein-free ice cream? Gorgeous. The color is amazing- beautiful photo!
Brisbane Baker says
Mmmm yum! My sister just gave me her icecream machine! I will definitely be making this one!
http://www.brisbanebaker.blogspot.com
Jamie says
Gorgeous ice cream and what a fantastic flavor combination. And wonderful work you are doing and more power to you! Just saw a special on French tv about an autistic boy who, with constant care and input from caregivers and teachers + spending part of each day in a regular classroom in a regular school has become active, attentive and is learning great things! All it takes is faith that each child has great potential.
Fuji Mama says
Beautiful post and beautiful ice cream!
Casey Angelova says
Oh my goodness! This looks absolutely amazing! If blueberries were available, I would make this in a heartbeat.
Tasty Eats At Home says
Great post. Love the ice cream. I agree – patience with other people's children is key. Sometimes, special needs aren't readily apparent – it can appear to a casual observer that the child is just not well-parented, when in fact, there is something more going on.
SLCFoodie says
I was so sad to leave early and miss your delicious ice cream! It looked amazing. Guess I'll have to make it myself 🙂
Pretty. Good. Food. says
I recently discovered I have a some lactose issues, finding this recipe is a dream come true!!! Sounds perfect 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
I’m so glad. I hope you enjoy it!
Lachlan says
Okay, beware guys, this does not work if you do not have an ice cream machine. Since I don’t have one, I tried just plain freezing. It’s more ice than cream. I am not giving up on this recipe though, I’m adamant that I can get it to work without a machine! I might try separating the coconut water from the milk in the refrigerator and using the cream left over. Thoughts? Thanks