The COVID-19 pandemic has made eating in an everyday occurrence across the country, but for cancer patients who often have unique nutritional needs, at-home meal preparations can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, culinary experts at the OSUCCC – James are here to help with tips and easy-to-prepare recipes that can help cancer patients and caregivers get the most out of their homemade meals and snacks. “In The James Instructional Kitchen, we work with patients, outpatients and caregivers on personalized nutrition education plans,” says chef Stephanie Urrutia, RD, LD, a senior culinary educator at the OSUCCC – James. “We focus on high-protein, high-calorie and easy-to-eat recipes, and provide information tailored to the patients’ diagnoses.” Today’s Recipe: High-Protein, No-Churn Ice Cream The High-Protein, No-Churn Ice Cream recipe is an easy, recognizable way to pack more nutrients per bite into a typically fat and refined sugar-heavy treat. It’s a great snack or dessert option that the whole family can enjoy together. Cream adds high calories to meals but is very low in nutrient density. By adding a nut butter mix and/or a frozen fruit puree to the ice cream, the nutrient density jumps up to include protein as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber from the fruit. Frozen produce is a great way to adhere to immunocompromised diets while still getting antioxidant-loaded fruits and vegetables. This recipe can be adjusted to address taste changes by adding lemon, lime or citrus zest to the ice cream as a mix-in to help open up taste buds and sooth dry mouths. Vanilla or almond extract can be added to give a sense of sweetness and deepen the flavor of the ice cream without adding more sugar. It’s important to remember that safe preparation and handling of foods is the most important factor for food preparation to make sure that you have lowered the risk for introducing food borne illnesses, bacteria and viruses into your body. Ingredients 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 cup (1 bottle) high-calorie, high-protein supplement — vanilla, chocolate, etc., whatever is preferred 1/3 cup mix-in options: nut butter, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, frozen fruit (berries, cherries, bananas, etc.), lemon zest, lime zest, orange zest Directions In a medium mixing bowl or a stand mixer, whip 2 cups heavy cream until medium peaks form While cream is whipping, stir ¼ cup of mix-in with sweetened condensed milk and high-calorie, high-protein shake Remove bowl from base of stand mixer and fold in sweetened condensed milk and mix-in blend Place cream mixture in a 6-cup airtight container with lid tightly closed Freeze ice cream for at least 4 hours and up to 7 days Once ice cream has frozen to solid but scoopable consistency, it is ready to be enjoyed