Coconut Creamsicles {Dairy-free}

Oh.my.word. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that these homemade coconut creamsicles are hands-down the easiest popsicle to make and quite possibly, the tastiest. I had leftover coconut milk from making my banana split bites the other day and while I was thinking of what I could do with the rest of it, I remembered my cute little neglected popsicle molds. I quickly grabbed them from under the counter, filled them up and stuck them in the freezer. I just tasted one and sweet mercy! You have to try these. The first bite, will catapult your mind to a tropical paradise, bare feet covered in sand, the smell of suntan oil {does anyone use that anymore? We’re all about SPF 50 in this house!} and relaxing with a thick novel while listening to that wonderful sound of the ocean. Ahhhhhh……. don’t wake me up.

Coconut Creamsicles {dairy-free}

Mix together 1 can of light coconut milk and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Mix on high speed for about a minute. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight.

See, I told you it was easy. Can’t wait to let my little girls try one!

Strawberry Shortcake & Whipped Cream {Dairy-free}

I love a good strawberry shortcake. It makes me think of summertime and running around barefoot in the grass at my mamaw’s house when I was growing up. She and my papaw lived in the country. Technically, it was Knoxville, but it was rural Knoxville. When we took the ‘back way’ (aka – curvy, country roads) to get there, we would pass lots of farmland, cows, an old one-room schoolhouse, several very old dilapidated wooden houses and drive over lots of hills that take your breath away. I don’t know if she ever made us strawberry shortcake, but this summer dessert brings back these memories of my childhood summers.

This has to be one of the easiest desserts to make and it is a crowd pleaser. To make it dairy-free, follow this recipe!

Strawberry Shortcake {Dairy-free}

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sugar {or less – you could even use Agave Nectar or Stevia instead}

2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick mix

2/3 cup Almond milk

3 T sugar

3 T Smart Balance LIGHT buttery spread, melted {only the LIGHT version is dairy-free}

Dairy-free Whipped Cream {see below}

Mix strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar; set aside. Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 T sugar, and butter until soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and dairy-free whipped cream. Makes 6 shortcakes.

Dairy-Free Whipped Cream {this recipe taken from here.}

2 cans of coconut milk full fat

1 cup powdered sugar

Place your cans of coconut milk in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours.  The longer the better.  So when you bring them home from the grocery store just tuck two into the ice box for when you need emergency whipped cream.

Also, place your bowl and whip into the freezer for at least 3 hours to chill.  I use my son’s Kitchen Aid mixer with the balloon whip.

Once you take your bowl and whip out of the freezer and set up the mixer do not waste time.  You need to keep the equipment cold.  Open the cans at the bottom with a bottle opener to drain off the coconut water.  Save this it is great for smoothies.  Now open the top of the can all the way and scoop out the thick cream.

Start your mixer on low and move up 1 or 2 notches for speed until you get to moderate.  As it starts to whip and increase in volume, gradually add in the powdered sugar.  Once it’s mixed and looks fluffy like whipped cream, well you now have whipped cream.  Tip from J.C.- look for the beater to leave light traces on the surface of the cream.

SO Delicious Ice Cream Sandwiches {dairy-free}

Yes, SO Delicious is the name brand and it couldn’t be more accurate. These are some scrumdiddlyumptious ice cream sandwiches. My girls love them. And I love them because they are small. My kids don’t need a full-size ice cream sandwich after eating a meal, so these are the perfect size. And today, on my way to my girl’s school, I found these Banana Split {you heard me} flavored ones. Hush.Your.Mouth. These are so good! Go now and get some. I got these at my local Publix.