Healthy Desserts : Why Start an Ice Cream Truck Business

The ice cream truck business has been an icon of Americana since the early 1920's. By the 1950's, there was an ice cream truck in just about every neighborhood of the country. Today, this frozen dessert business can be a fun and profitable business for the entrepreneur.

In today's uncertain economy, it can be tempting to start your own business that has a low initial investment, no boss holding all the power and you can earn up to $500 in just a few hours. The ice cream truck business is just that sort of venture.

Healthy Desserts : Why Start an Ice Cream Truck Business

Getting Started

Unlike a lot of new ventures, getting started in this exciting business is relatively easy and inexpensive. With a solid business plan, the right permits, and a truck, van or scooter, you can be running your own route in just a few short months.

Get off to the right start!

For an affordable price, a business plan template acts as your blue print as to what the goals of your business are and how you will reach them. An industry specific template is an inexpensive way to make sure that all the necessary research has been done to help you succeed.

 What permits will I need to start my new business?

The permits you need to start your new business venture varies from county to county, but typically you will need to get a business license, a permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles and an inspection done by your local Health department. By contacting each of these government offices, you can quickly learn the costs involved for your particular area.

How much will the truck cost?

The cost of trucks range in size and style. You can purchase a used van fully equipped for less than starting an ice cream shop - under twenty thousand dollars or a scooter type cart for even less. Getting financing for an ice cream truck vehicle is usually not a problem, especially if you have a solid and well thought out strategy to show your investors.

Be Your Own Boss

While being your own boss may sound appealing, it does come with its own risks. While you won't have someone watching over you who can fire you on a whim, it is entirely up to you whether your new venture makes a profit or not. It is true that with the right ice cream truck business plan, the right route and the right amount of commitment, you can earn as much as $500 handing out tasty treats to neighborhood kids; but it will be up to you to actually make that happen.

Healthy Desserts : Why Start an Ice Cream Truck Business

The key to succeeding in this business is three-fold:

1. Create or purchase a well-researched and detailed plan.
2. Establish and stick to a route that includes areas with lots of families as well as parks and other public areas where kids hang out.
3. Put in the time and effort to keep your customers coming back for more.

Healthy Desserts : Easy To Make Dessert Recipes For the Busy Cook #2

One of the best things a diabetic can do for themselves is to eliminate processed products as much as possible and replace them with whole-grain. Whole grains digest more slowly helping to prevent blood sugar spikes. Another benefit is the fiber makes you feel full quicker and longer. Try using this whole-wheat pastry recipe for your pies. Try it with these recipes for Diabetic-Friendly Apple and Cherry Pies. Yummy!

Healthy Desserts : Easy To Make Dessert Recipes For the Busy Cook

WHOLE-WHEAT PASTRY 
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp canola oil
4 tbsp cold water, divided

In a medium bowl combine the two flours and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the canola oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cold water over the mixture and toss with a fork.

Push the moistened dough to the side of the bowl and repeat the process with the additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all the flour is moistened. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll out dough as you would with any other pastry recipe.

Healthy Desserts : Easy To Make Dessert Recipes For the Busy Cook

APPLE PIE TO MAKE YOU FORGET YOU ARE DIABETIC 
double pie crust pastry made without sugar
7 to 8 cups apples, peeled, cored, sliced thin
1 cup Splenda Granulated
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
dash of salt

Healthy Desserts : Easy To Make Dessert Recipes For the Busy Cook

Are you a busy cook who still likes to serve delicious and pretty and healthy desserts? Then this article is for you. The Easy Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake goes together quickly but bakes about an hour and does need chilling time. The Summer Dream Strawberry Pie is also quick to make but needs chilling time. Both are so yummy and refreshing!

Healthy Desserts : Easy To Make Dessert Recipes For the Busy Cook

EASY VANILLA MOUSSE CHEESECAKE

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Crust: 
1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies
3 tbsp butter, melted

Combine the cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Filling: 
3 pkgs (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs

Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in large mixer bowl until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until egg is blended in. Pour the filling over the crust.

Bake cheesecake at 325 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until the center is just almost set. Remove from oven and run a thin knife around the rim of the pan to loosen cake. Allow cake to cool completely in pan placed on a wire rack.

Topping: 
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 carton (8-oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
fresh blueberries for garnish

Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together in a large mixer bowl until well blended. Using a whisk, stir in the thawed whipped topping. Spread the topping over the cooled cheesecake.

Garnish with fresh berries (I prefer blueberry; use your favorite).

SUMMER DREAM STRAWBERRY PIE
1 (9-inch) Graham cracker pie shell
1 tbsp room temperature water
1 pkg unsweetened strawberry drink mix (ie Kool-Aid)
1 tbsp strawberry ice cream topping
3 pkgs (3-oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whipping cream, whipped
2 tbsp hot fudge, warmed for drizzle
fresh strawberries for garnish, if desired

Combine the water and strawberry drink mix in a small bowl until dissolved completely. Stir in the ice cream topping.

In a large mixing bowl, beat both cream cheese blocks powdered sugar,vanilla, and the strawberry mixture together until fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Spread the filling into the Graham cracker crust and chill for at least an hour or until set.

To serve, cut pie into 6 to 8 wedges. Place pie wedge on plate and drizzle with the hot fudge and garnish with a strawberry if desired.

Enjoy!