AVOCADO RECIPES

JULY 26, 2012 - AVOCADO RECIPES

Avocados are by far my favorite when it comes to fresh produce.  I like them fresh out of the peel or even grilled.  There are many recipes that you can easily add this delicious fruit, and create a buttery, nutty change for the better.

I found some ways for you to enjoy avocados...hope you can now see that there is more to the avocado than just guacamole!  And the benefits, wow!  High in fiber, good for your heart, and packed with vitamins...avocados are one of the power fruits you can eat every day!  But remember, one whole avocado has 322 calories, so go halfsies with a friend!

Grilling garnish: Dice an avocado, a mango, and a cup of cherry tomatoes into a bowl. Add lime juice, a bit of olive oil, chopped fresh basil, and a dash of kosher salt. Use to garnish grilled chicken or fish.

Bagel spread: Mash a ripe avocado. Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and spread on a toasted bagel.

Omelet complement: Mix an avocado with a little cheese, sour cream, and cilantro for an omelet filling.

Seafood salad shell: Stuff a chilled avocado half with fresh tuna or lobster salad.

“Mexed” up: Slice thin avocado wedges into homemade tacos or burritos.

Fresh dressing: Puree a fresh avocado. Add a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Use to dress a salad.

Chilled soup: Place 8 to 10 large avocados, pitted and peeled, in a blender. Add 2 cups chicken stock, 1 cup heavy cream, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne. Puree until smooth. Add water as needed until the soup reaches the consistency you prefer. Chill and serve. Garnish with lump crabmeat or croutons.

Easy crostini: A dressed-up version of guacamole and chips is easy to prepare with this Avocado Crostini recipe.

Flavorful topper: Top black beans and rice with avocado slices.

Avocado Broiler: Slice an avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, then score and sprinkle with Tabasco sauce, squeeze a lime over, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top the "hole" with parmangiano regiano cheese.  Broil in the oven for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with additional cheese and broil another 2 minutes.

Appetizer plate: Arrange thin slices of tomato, avocado, and cucumbers on a platter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with fresh lemon juice and a good quality olive oil. Add fresh basil leaves and enjoy as a first course with a crusty French loaf.

Perfect pita: Stuff a pita pocket with sliced avocado, feta cheese, and tomatoes. Drizzle with Greek dressing.

Enjoy these ways of the avocado...and maybe try a new one!