Homemade Ice Cream- Date sweetened

This recipe took lots of trial and error to completely eliminate refined sugar, but I love the end result. I most especially love it with 100% cocoa powder stirred in to make chocolate ice cream! It is a result of a strong maternal instinct to offer the best of the best at home where I have influence. The goal is to relax in those situations I cannot control such as parties, school, church and friend dates. The advantages of homemade ice cream are numerous including control of the quality of ingredients and elimination of thickeners, stabilizers, food additives and refined sugars. Last of all it is fun. So enjoy, but remember moderation in all things!

Ice Cream Shop Variety (freezes best for later use):

2 cups cream

2 cups 2% milk 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

140 g (~18 Deglet Noor dates) dates, soaked and blended into smooth paste

Optional add-ins after freezing in ice cream maker:
100% cocoa powder
chopped nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds

9 servings; serving size 1/2 cup

Key nutritional facts per serving: 13 g saturated fat; 14 g sugar (from milk, dates)

Ice Cream Tub Variety (doesn't freeze quite as well for later use)

2 cups Half and Half
2 cups 2% milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
140 g (~18 Deglet Noor dates) dates, soaked and blended into smooth paste

Optional add-ins after freezing in ice cream maker:
100% cocoa powder
chopped nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds

9 servings; serving size 1/2 cup
Key nutritional facts per serving: 4 g saturated fat; 16 g sugar (from milk, half and half, dates)