subject: Ode To The Avocado [print this page] My ode to the Avocado My ode to the Avocado
The avocado tree is a fast growing, hearty, evergreen tree which can grow to be 80 feet tall. It originated in southern Mexico but it was widely cultivated from the northern borders of Mexico to Peru by the time Europeans began exploring the Americas. This deliciously creamy fruit is good for your body inside and out so indulge and enjoy while avocado season is here!
The word 'avocado' comes from the Mexican Spanish word aguacate which is rooted in the native Nahuatl word, "ahucatl" which literally means "testicle" referring to both its shape and believed aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing qualities. Add some avocado to a Chocolate (cacao) mousse (see recipe below) for a seriously heart healthy love potion!!
When is an avocado ripe?
Color is not necessarily the best indicator of a ripe avocado. The best way to determine when an avocado is ready to eat is to use the squeeze test. Hold the fruit in the palm of your hand and apply gentle pressure. If the fruit yields just a bit, it is ready to eat. If the flesh feels hard, you can put it in a paper bag with an apple to speed up the ripening process.
Once a ripened avocado is cut, it is prone to enzymatic browning when exposed to air. You can prevent this by squeezing some lime or lemon juice onto the fruit. To prevent guacamole from browning, add lime or lemon juice and place the seed in your guacamole. This works like a charm!
Good for your insides!
Heart healthy avocados contain almost all of the vitamins our bodies require, over a dozen minerals, and essential fatty acids. Just one medium size avocado contains 20% of the US recommended daily requirements for vitamins B6, C, and E, potassium, ribloflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and fiber; 35% of the USRDA for vitamin K and 40% of the USRDA for folate making it an excellent food choice for pregnant women.
Here's a bit of trivia; avocados have more potassium then bananas and have the highest amount of protein than any other fruit!
Good for the outside too!
Don't throw away the avocado peel as that oily layer inside is good for your skin! Those essential fatty acids along with vitamins A and C act together to create a powerful anti-aging antioxidant mask for your skin. Rub the inside of the peel on your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. You could also mash up half an avocado and massage it into your face, neck, and hair for a super moisturizing treat!
Make Life Delicious,
Chef Tina Jo
Recipe: Granny's Chocolate Mousse
Grannies Chocolate Mousse.jpg
The beauty of this mousse is its ability to go from plain to fancy! You can wow them by creating mini mousse cups, serving it up in a fancy party glass or (my favorite) eating it right out of the blender! Whatever you decide, the amazing flavor has hints of grandma's spices. This mousse will have them (and YOU) begging for more!
Ingredients:
2 whole avocados, medium in size, seeded, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup raw almond milk
1 cup agave nectar
1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
2 tsp apple pie spice (mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg & allspice)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1 pint raspberries, to garnish
12 whole mint sprigs, for garnish
1/4 cup raw cacao nibs, to garnish (if desired)
Procedure:
Place almond milk, cacao powder, agave, salt, vanilla, apple pie spice and avocados into blender.
Blend until creamy and smooth.
Place mousse in a non-stick mini cupcake pan (removable bottoms make for an easy release!) or in whatever cup or glass you desire.
If you're making the small mousse mini-cups, you'll want to evenly fill each cup and then press the mousse firmly down. Place pan in the freezer for 2 hours to set.
If you're placing it in a serving dish or glass, you can serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Before serving, top with cacao nibs, raspberries and mint leaves.
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
This dessert is very easy to make and super good for you!
