There is something so contagious about the summer months and the energy that they bring into my life. I find that I want to be outside more, I want to cook more, and I am all around just a happier person. Food is such an important part of that happiness in my life, and thanks to my friends at Avocados from Mexico, I am sharing three summer recipes that will have the whole family smiling. Because when I think about fresh food, especially as an honorary Latino now that I’m married, nothing comes to mind more than avocados!
Here’s a few fun facts that I didn’t realize when it comes to avocados. Did you know that Mexico is the world’s top avocado producer (over 1,200 growers in the Michoacan region), far outranking the United States and Chile? Delicious, healthy, and most importantly, far more versatile than you might imagine. Avocados from Mexico are the world’s leading producer of avocados.
- 250 million avocados are consumed by Canadians per year.
- 90 per cent of avocados consumed in Canada come from Mexico.
- 55,000 tons of avocados shipped from Mexico to Canada every year.
Earlier this year, you’ll remember that I attended a cooking class with them to learn about this versatility and the health fact behind this superfood. We’ve all heard the avocado in your green smoothie trick, but there is so much more to explore in the kitchen!
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It really got me thinking about how sometimes it’s easy to stay comfortable with the recipes I cook at home. But these two recipes (with one of my very own to make three) help to really showcase the versatility of a simple avocado!
Feeling hungry? Me too. So let’s take a look at three delicious recipes that I’ll be making all summer long for Julio, family and friends to enjoy delicious food that is also really good for me while I am working to be healthy and happy.
- 1 naan flatbread
- 60 ml commercial Alfredo sauce
- 1 grilled red pepper, sliced into strips
- 15 ml olive oil
- 5 raw shrimp, peeled
- 1 avocado, quartered
- A few arugula leaves
- Fleur de sel and fresh pepper to taste
- ½ grilled lemon
- Brush the bread with the Alfredo sauce.
- In a skillet over high heat, sauté the shrimp in the olive oil and arrange on the bread.
- Add the red pepper slices.
- Bake in a 300˚F oven for 5 minutes.
- Add the avocado pieces and arugula leaves.
- Season and drizzle a little olive oil over top.
- Serve with the grilled lemon.
- CHEF'S TIP: Garnish with grated cheese and top off your presentation with a few slices of smoked salmon.
- 2 large avocados, seeded, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa or rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of kosher or sea salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon balsamic vinegar
- Zest of one medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed
- 2 cobs of corn, husked, boiled and grilled
- Cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish
- Combine the quinoa, water and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, and after the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
- Gently simmer, covered, for 15 minutes (there may still be some water not yet absorbed).
- Remove from heat.
- Keeping the pan covered, let stand for 5 minutes or until the remaining water is absorbed.
- Remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- With a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels away from the husk.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked quinoa, kale, black beans, corn and avocado. Toss with the dressing, and serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge.
- Feel free to add some grilled salmon or chicken on top for a heartier meal that is full of protein and essentials that your body needs to be summer ready.
- 1 Large Avocado
- 3-4 Large Strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup of Natural Pineapple Juice
- In a blender, combine avocados and juice. Blend until smooth.
- Place sliced strawberries in Popsicle maker
- Slowly pour into mold and place in freezer for an hour
- Three ingredients but so much delicious creamy flavour! To try out different variations, use your favourite natural fruit juice and try different berries. The possibilities are endless and if you get the kids to help you make them, they'll love them even more. I can assure you they help to keep you cool, calm and refreshed!
“Avocados From Mexico reflects that positive, fun, and vibrant feeling that avocado lovers enjoy. Throughout the avocado growing, packing, and distribution process, we stay true to our essence by integrating good foods into good times and good fun with good people. We want the world to know that our avocados are made with that heritage and the utmost attention to detail in mind, from their humble beginnings as seedlings to their maturity as the plump, delicious, creamy fruits you know and love.”
To get the whole story about this superfood and for EVEN MORE recipes ideas, visit AvocadosFromMexico.ca.