The Making of a Foodie: Avocado Milkshake

Avocado Milkshake

1 ripe medium avocado

1 cup ice

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/4 to 1/2 cup milk

Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender. Add the remaining ingredients, except the milk, and puree until completely smooth. Slowly, begin to add the milk the the rest of the ingredients, a little bit at a time until you reach the consistency you desire. More milk for a thinner shake, less milk for a thicker shake. The shake tastes better (the buttery avocado flavor becomes more pronounced) if it sits in the fridge for about 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 2 servings.

Foodie Notes:

Here in the States, many of us do not realize that the creamy avocado can be used as a vehicle for both savory and sweet treats.(It is a fruit, after all.)

Our friends south of the border, in Mexico, have given us the most common use of the avocado in this country with gucamole. A savory dip in which avocado is diced and smooshed with a little salt, lime juice, red onion and tomato.

But in other parts of the world (most of Asia, Vietnam and Brazil, to be exact) the avocado is used in any number of sweet desserts. Custards, puddings, sweet sauces, ice cream and milkshakes are prepared using their soft buttery flesh.

Granted, if you aren't a fan of the flavor of avocados to begin with, you probably won't enjoy a milkshake made from them, but you should at least understand the additional health benefits you are missing by not at least giving this treat a shot.

Where avocados were once avoided because of their fat and calorie content, we now embrace them, knowing the fats, vitamins and minerals they contain are the good kind that can help lower our cholesterol, enhance our vision and help our bodies fight off certain kinds of cancers with the antioxidants they contain.

When Spring has sprung, my body starts craving lighter and greener food stuff, and this always fits the bill. I feed this to my son, Tastie, as it makes me feel like I have gotten something green in him for the day. You can lighten this treat up even further by substituting Agave in place of the sweetened condensed milk, and using skim or almond milk in place of whole milk. (If I have coconut milk, I might even use that in place of the skim or almond milk.) If you want a little brighter flavor add in some lime zest.

It might not be easy being green, but is sure is tasty. Enjoy!