When the hot summer sun is beating down on you and you don't feel like having dinner at all, there always seems to be room for ice cream. This month, I'm offering a recipe that takes this decadent treat, lightens it up a bit and offers it in a unique package that will delight summer guests and picky family members alike.
And what makes it even better is that it only takes a few minutes to put together and you can have a neat dessert on hand in the freezer for anytime unexpected guests arrive. Your only problem might be the number of unexpected guests you get after word gets around that you offer a slice of ice cream pie when the July heat gets to be a bit much!
You can tweak this recipe by varying the type of ice cream you use and the kind of fruit you choose. Strawberries or raspberries and chocolate ice cream are a great combination. Blueberries with a light lemon ice cream are very refreshing. Of course, you can skip the fruit and use other add-ins like chocolate bits, nuts or coconut. A recent favorite includes vanilla ice cream studded with bits of pineapple, coconut and nuts ... it's almost like tasting a bit of the tropics!
Ultimate Easy Ice Cream Pie
- 3 c. light vanilla ice cream
- 2 c. fat free frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 reduced fat graham cracker pie crust
Combine the ice cream and whipped topping until well blended. Fold in the drained oranges. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Place the pie in the freezer for at least 3 hours before serving. Store any leftovers in the freezer.
- Yields: 8 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes plus freezing time