Sweet, creamy avocado shakes are a favorite dessert or mid-afternoon snack of the Vietnamese.  Avocados, referred to as "butter fruit" around the region, are used as a dessert ingredient throughout Vietnam and southeast Asia.

Ingredients:
1 large, ripe avocado
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 cup sweetened, condensed milk
1 cup ice cubes
lemon slices (optional)

Directions:
Slice avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop small pieces of the avocado, flesh and fruit, into blender. Next add vanilla, yogurt, ice cubes, and sweetened, condensed milk to blender.  Blend on medium-high speed until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Pour Smoothie into glasses, garnish with a lemon slice (optional), and enjoy .....recipe makes 2 servings.

Global variations on the Avocado Smoothie:
     Called "Es Apokat" in Indonesia, strong coffee is substituted for the milk. Another Indonesian variation to the shake above, calls for dripping about 1/4 cup chocolate syrup around the edges of a tall glass before pouring in the shake. Very pretty and very delicious!

     Brazil's version is called "Creme de Abacate" and calls for adding a squeeze of lime juice to the above Avocado smoothie recipe.  Again, another delectable treat.

Read more »

February is National Grapefruit Month

To honor a longtime Citrus favorite, we offer up a salad that's sure to perk up even the frostiest of winter days and it's easy on the waistline too!

Ingredients
2 Avocados, sliced in thin wedges
2 Mangos, sliced in thin wedges
2 Ruby Red Grapefruit, sliced in thin wedges
       Additional salad mix-ins if desired:

Almond or cashew pieces, cottage cheese or finely shredded Cheddar

Ingredients for Vinaigrette
1/2 cup red onion
1/2 cup olive oil
2/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup white sugar
2 Tbls balsamic vinegar
2 tsps Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions for Vinaigrette

Combine all Vinaigrette ingredients into blender.  Set to liquify, and process for 1 minute or until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and pouring consistency.

Directions for SaladPlace the avocado, mango, and grapefruit slices into large bowl.  Pour vinaigrette mixture over fruit until all pieces are thoroughly coated.  Arrange fruit onto large serving platter or individual plates.  Garnish with a small pile of Arugula lettuce in center.  Serve chilled anytime; morning, noon or night.

Read more »