It’s officially summer, and summer means ICE CREAM! Now, I am not giving you an ice cream recipe, but instead a recipe for balsamic berry compote that you can put ON ice cream!
You’ll likely also want to slather it on yogurt, eat it by the spoon or just stand over the pot and smell it because this stuff is GOOD.
How to make balsamic berry compote
To make the compote, simmer frozen or fresh mixed berries with a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and just a touch of sugar to balance it all out.
It’s bright, beautiful and bursting with flavor.
I like mine a little tart because it works so nicely with the sweet and creamy ice cream. *swoon*
Can ice cream fit into a healthy diet?
And whether you choose homemade ice cream or buy a high-quality vanilla at the store, this balsamic berry compote is the absolute perfect topping.
Now, I get asked sometimes how, as a registered dietitian, I can promote foods like ice cream and cupcakes. Well, my philosophy isn’t around depriving yourself of your favorite foods.
It’s all about using real, wholesome ingredients, cooking for yourself, as well as balance, moderation and having a healthy relationship with food. Ice cream and cupcakes can easily fit into a well-balanced diet, as long as they aren’t your main entrée. 😉
You have to have a little bit of fun (ice cream, cupcakes) mixed in with your veggies, fruit, lean proteins, heart healthy fats, etc. Not that those can’t be fun, right?! I have an entire blog committed to making sure alllll the healthy recipes are fun.
Anywho, that’s my soap box for today. I hope it makes sense to you..
HAPPY SUMMER, FRIENDS!
PrintBalsamic Berry Compote + Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
4 ingredient balsamic berry compote served with vanilla bean ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey
- 4-6 small bowls Turkey Hill Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place berries, balsamic vinegar and sugar/honey in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until berries burst and mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Let slightly cool, then place in a container and chill in the refrigerator.
- Serve berry balsamic compote over vanilla bean ice cream and serve with fresh mint leaves.
Notes
Cooking Tip: You can make the compote in advance - store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 228
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 74
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 33
Keywords: summer, seasonal, easy, quick, simple, healthy
Laura says
mMMMMMmMMMMmM sounds like a perfect dessert for July 4th holiday!
Julie Andrews says
YES! I hope you get a chance to try it!! 🙂