Cool off with this refreshing blueberry coconut ice cream! It's so easy to make, plus it happens to be both gluten- and dairy-free.
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 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries, ¾ cup sugar, and ⅛ 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.
Printable Recipe
Blueberry Coconut Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 3 cups coconut milk (full-fat version) well stirred
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Noelle
I am going to have to make this! Ihave been wanting ice cream and this sure would save money! Thanks!
Helen
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!
Maggy
This is absolutely beautiful - and I bet it's delicious too! We'll be making this.
ThermomixBlogger Helene
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.
Chef E
Hubby loves blueberries, so this is a keeper!
Anna
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!
Jessica @ How Sweet
That ice cream sounds fantastic. I have a very close (younger) cousin who is autistic - you are very inspiring!
Biren
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 🙂
SashaInTheKitchen
this looks absolutely delicious. check out my blog for some other interesting and fun ice cream recipes. I love the blueberry color!
neil
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.
Mother Rimmy
What a terrific, informative blog post. The work you do is inspiring!
The ice cream looks delicious too.
Maria
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!
Michelle
Such a gorgeous color..who could resist!
Jenny
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!!
Angie's Recipes
I made this ice cream last summer and it was REALLY good!
Phil
Looks delicious! What a great recipe to raise awareness for a great cause.
How To: Simplify
My husband loves blueberry flavored treats. I'll definitely have to make this for him. It looks so refreshing!
Tracy
Mmm, looks delicious and refreshing!
tspegar
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"!!
Divina Pe
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. 🙂