What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Splurge-Worthy Goodness: Vanilla Bee Pollen Ice Cream! What’s all the “buzz” about? The jury is still out on the benefits of bee pollen. Some claim amazing health results while others blame it for side effects. Bee pollen is actually intensified plant pollen picked up by honeybees and brought back to the hive as a source of food for the colony. So obviously, its characteristics depend solely on the geographic location of where it is collected. Just like honey, some say if you struggle with seasonal allergies, the best way to combat that is to take a teaspoon of raw honey every day from the area where you live. Bee pollen is made up of carbs, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can certainly see why naturalists call it a superfood. As with any herbal supplement, contact your health care provider before beginning something new. Many foodies like to add a teaspoon of bee pollen to their morning smoothie. Here it is sprinkled over no-churn ice cream.
VANILLA BEE POLLEN ICE CREAM
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 vanilla bean pod, sliced horizontally, seeds extracted
2 tablespoons raw honey
1 teaspoon bee pollen
Agave nectar, for drizzling
Lemon thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
Be sure the mixing bowl, whisk, and loaf pan are chilled before using. (I placed mine in the freezer overnight. If the ingredients are warm, the mixture won’t thicken to desired texture. I also put the can of sweetened condensed milk in the refrigerator the night before.) In the chilled bowl of the stand mixer, combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla bean seeds, and raw honey. Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to the chilled loaf pan. Freeze 6 hours or overnight. To serve, place three rounded ice cream scoops in a dish. Sprinkle bee pollen over top. Drizzle with agave nectar ribbons. Garnish with a sprig of lemon thyme.
Sounds interesting, though I’ll have to check where I can find bee pollen in my area.
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Local bee keepers tend to have it set aside. You may need to ask for it. I do the same when I’m looking for honeycomb. 🍃🍯🐝
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Alright, thanks! 😊
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Thank you, Gail, for such a wonderful treat! Anything that bees provide is divine!
Joanna
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I agree. 🧡🍂🐝🍯🧡
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wow this is a very tempting recipe… great picture too..
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Thank youuu, dymoon. 🐝🍂
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The bees are always feeding us one way or another!
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That’s for sure. 💫🐝💫
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Part of the confusion over bee pollen products is their source. Bees pollinate different flowers at different seasons and depends a lot on available foliage. Once the hive begins, the entire hive usually stays with only one flower for however long the flower is available.
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You’re so smart. I did not know that fact. 🐝🍯🐝🍂🐝
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Like a friend says, don’t be impressed, you can look it up.
But actually, I know this because a friend in our church has several hives and we often buy honey from him. When I noted the difference in color from one jar to another, he informed me.😎
❤️&🙏, c.a.
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Friends like that are golden. You know you can trust them. 🍯🐝
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Does this have a straight vanilla taste or does the bee pollen give it a distinctive flavor? It sounds very interesting 🐝🍨🍃
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My jar had a strong floral taste due to the wildflowers. It’s also slightly sweet, but potent. A little goes a long way.
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I’m really curious now!
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Oh, what a flowery touch it must give the vanilla ice cream. Great idea, Gail!
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Careful. Too much bee pollen can cause quite a buzz. It’s super-concentrated. 🍂🐝
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That sounds even better….😋
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🤣🤣🤣
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This is such a grand and creative idea – yum!
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Kinda like sprinkles…..only better. 😜🍂
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This is amazing! And I’m not even an ice cream person!
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Anything goes, these days. 😜🍂🍯🐝
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I love this idea of bee pollen. I’ve been wanting to pick some up from our local farm, but wasn’t sure how to use it. Thanks!
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Wonderful. I’m sure the local beekeeper will give you more ideas. 🐝🍯💫
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