Join Keith as he shares the step-by-step process of creating this creamy, homemade treat using simple, wholesome ingredients.

Along the way, Keith dives into the fascinating history of ice cream, explains the health benefits of bananas, and answers listener questions about customizing your ice cream. Plus, discover why making your own ice cream at home is rewarding and better than store-bought. Tune in for a flavorful journey that's as entertaining as educational!

Don't miss the trivia question segment at the start—can you guess which U.S. president served the first ice cream at the White House? Find out the answer at the end of the episode!

Visit GrowlingStomachPodcast.com for the full recipe, more culinary tips, and to share your own delicious creations. Let's get cooking and satisfy those growling stomachs!

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen bananas, sliced

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts and pecans, chopped

Yield: Approximately 1.5 quarts of ice cream

Approximate Cost: $10-$12

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas

Make sure your banana slices are fully frozen. We don't want any mushy bananas crashing our ice cream party!

2. Whip the Cream

Whip the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl until it forms stiff peaks. Think of it as giving your cream a little workout—we want it to stand tall and proud. Once it's nice and fluffy, set it aside.

3. Blend the Bananas

Pop those frozen banana slices into your trusty Magic Bullet. Give it a whirl until it transforms into a creamy, dreamy consistency. You may need to pause, shake the cup, or stir a few times to blend everything evenly. It's like a mini dance party for your bananas!

4. Combine Ingredients

Mix the blended bananas, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and peanut butter in a large bowl until they're all buddy-buddy. It's like a flavor explosion waiting to happen. And remember the most essential step—taste it! You know, for quality control purposes. We wouldn't want to serve anything less than delicious.

5. Fold in the Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the banana mixture until thoroughly combined. This will make the ice cream light and airy. We want it to be as fluffy as a summer cloud.

6. Add the Nuts

Time to add some crunch! Gently fold the toasted walnuts and pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These nuts are the secret to taking this ice cream to the next level of deliciousness.

7. Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for a firmer texture. The hardest part is waiting for the ice cream to be ready. But trust me, it's worth it!

8. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the ice cream into bowls and enjoy! You can optionally top it with more peanut butter, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. And there you have it—a summer delight that will make your taste buds dance!

Welcome to "The Growling Stomach!" In this episode, Keith Breitbach, your friendly cooking buff, guides you through the steps to bake the perfect chocolate birthday cake. Whether celebrating a special occasion or craving something sweet, this episode has you covered. Join Keith as he shares his favorite recipe, clever cooking hacks, and fascinating food facts to help you create a delicious and impressive cake.

Perfect Chocolate Birthday Cake

Recipe and Step-by-Step Instructions:

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for extra flavor)

• For the Ganache:

• 8 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

• In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on medium speed until well combined.

5. Add Boiling Water:

• Carefully add the boiling water (or hot coffee) to the batter. Mix on low speed until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

6. Bake the Cakes:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cakes:

• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Ganache:

• Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it's just about to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt if desired.

9. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them if necessary. Place one layer on a cake board or plate, and spread a generous amount of ganache over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the outside of the cake with the remaining ganache.

10. Decorate:

• Get creative with decorations! Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of cocoa powder can add a beautiful touch.

11. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve your perfect chocolate birthday cake. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the compliments from your guests!

Subscribe to "The Growling Stomach" on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on Facebook, and share your baking triumphs. Ready to turn your kitchen into a hub of delicious creativity? Visit GrowlingStomachPodcast.com and let's get baking!