Lunch: Lavender and Toasted Almond Ice Cream with Warm Figs Recipe | MyRecipes

Recipe by Joanne Weir Weir's students prepare this delicious ice cream, which is redolent with lavender, almonds, honey, and figs. Look for dried lavender flowers in natural foods or specialty grocery stores.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Lavender and Toasted Almond Ice Cream with Warm Figs Recipe | MyRecipes

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

5 tablespoons sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, divided
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
Cooking spray
12 ripe figs, halved
2 tablespoons ruby port

Instructions

Place sugar and lavender in a spice or coffee grinder, and process until ground. Discard any large pieces.
Combine milk, 1/2 cup honey, and egg yolks in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook until mixture is slightly thick and coats the back of a spoon (about 8 minutes), stirring constantly (do not boil). Remove from heat; add lavender powder, stirring until blended. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Chill 2 hours.
Pour mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
Spoon ice cream into a freezer-safe container; stir in almonds. Cover and freeze 1 hour or until firm.
Preheat oven to 350 °.
Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons honey in bottom of dish. Place figs, cut-sides down, in prepared dish. Bake at 350 ° for 20 minutes or until figs are tender. Turn figs; add port to dish, and baste figs with honey mixture. Bake an additional 5 minutes. Spoon ice cream into bowls, and serve with figs and sauce.

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