MY NEW FAVORITE ICE CREAM TOPPING!

Why did I wait so long to figure this out?

Ice cream is probably one of my all time favorite desserts. Above all, I usually enjoy vanilla, or vanilla bean. Chocolate chip, Mint, Cookie Dough, and others all have their place, but for some reason Vanilla is my favorite. Recently we somehow began adding toppings in a way that we never really had before.

I'm not exactly one for dumping a bunch of sugar syrup on top of ice cream, so I tend not to go the "sundae" route, but these two simple toppings have become my current favorites. Interestingly enough, this post also gave me an opportunity to try out some #foodphotography with my camera. I am really enjoying the results... and they last longer than the ice cream did!

PECANS

Crushed pecans have be a common topping as of late. I used to love the pecan pralines that some of the neighborhood ladies in New Orleans would sell and as far as nuts go, I think that they are one of my favorites. While I have had "pecan praline ice cream" before, I never really thought of adding my own as a topping. Often peanuts are added to hot fudge sundaes, but I guess that I always enjoyed plain vanilla ice cream enough that I never really tried topping it.

As an added bonus, Pecans are a healthy choice too. Pecans can help boost brain, bone and heart health, and also contain many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. I like foods that are tasty and good for you!

SHREDDED COCONUT

This one has now become my absolute favorite ice cream topping. I like coconut anyway, but mixed in with ice cream it is even better. I think that the flavor compliments the vanilla well, and the texture of the dried coconut adds another layer to the dessert as well. When added with the crunchy pecans, it is a great treat. These two topping also work well together when the ice cream is soft and they can be stirred in.

Coconut is another healthy option too, as they are known to be a beneficial source of several vitamins and minerals. With a helpful amount of things like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, coconut is a great snack even on its own.

Again, I really enjoy the shredded coconut as an ice cream topping right now. I'm even having ice cream more often just so that I can enjoy the toppings. I think that it is a simple "recipe" to make the dessert just a little more healthy and tasty. Have any of you ever tried shredded coconut as a topping for ice cream? If not, would you? Also, what is your favorite ice cream topping, if you have one?