I have nothing against cows or the milk they produce, especially milk from those happy grass-fed cows. But 30% of the world can't digest milk products, and millions more choose not to eat animal-related foods. That's a lot of people who don't really enjoy ice-cream. And even for the 70% who do, this coconut-based gelato is phenomenally good. I would love to say I made this up in my kitchen, but the credit goes to CSA member Oriel Wiggins, who scooped out a bowl and handed it to me. She smiled wickedly, as she knew I would want the recipe...and want to share it with the world. It would be immoral to keep her recipe, and this goodness, hidden from the basil-loving, peach-loving, ice-cream-loving population of this great earth. Don't worry if you don't have an ice-cream maker, David Lebovitz will tell you how to make it by hand in your freezer.
Ingredients: 2 cans unsweetened first-pressed coconut milk, chilled 1/2 cup local raw honey 2 locally grown ripe peaches, pitted 15 to 25 large basil leaves 1 tsp vanilla dash salt
Method: Put all ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly. Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference. You may also add more basil to taste. (note: sweetness and flavors are subdued when frozen so take that into consideration when tasting the mixture) Freeze in an ice cream freezer according to manufacturers instructions, or click here to follow the David Lebovitz instructions for making it without an ice-cream maker.