Berry Tart with Blueberry-Banana Ice Cream

It might be blue, but there is nothing sad about this no-bake tart that is packed full of antioxidants and healthy fats. Made mostly with fruits, nuts, and oats, you could make a case for serving a warm slice for breakfast.

3/4 cup (180 mL) walnuts or almonds
2 cups (500 mL) rolled or quick-cook oats
1 cup (250 mL) raisins
1/3 cup (80 mL) melted coconut oil
1/2 cup (125 mL) honey, divided
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon, divided
1 tsp (5 mL) minced fresh ginger 
1 cup (250 mL) blueberries
1 cup (250 mL) blackberries
1 1/2 cups (350 mL) raw cashews
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) almond extract
2 large frozen bananas, chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen blueberries
2 Tbsp (30 mL) milk of choice

Place nuts in food processor and process until broken down into small pieces. Add oats, raisins, coconut oil, 1/4 cup (60 mL) honey, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon, and ginger. Process until everything is moist and mixture sticks together when pinched between your fingers.

Lightly grease tart pan or pie dish. Pour nut mixture into pan and press crust firmly into pan so bottom and sides are covered. Place pan in freezer while you make filling.

Place blueberries and blackberries in blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Strain berry mixture through fine mesh sieve into bowl to remove seeds by pressing down firmly on berry mixture with wooden spoon or spatula. Return berry mixture to blender or food processor and add remaining honey, remaining cinnamon, cashews, lemon zest, and almond extract. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

Place berry mixture on top of crust and spread out evenly. Place tart in refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving.

To make ice cream, place frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, and milk in food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Don’t overprocess or you’ll melt fruit. Serve immediately on slices of berry tart or place ice cream in freezer in airtight container. When ready to serve, leave ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Serves 10.

Each serving contains: 438 calories; 8 g protein; 24 g total fat (9 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 55 g total carbohydrates (30 g sugars, 5 g fibre); 9 mg sodium

source: "Colour Your Plate", alive #367, May 2013