Chilled Avocado Treat

I know some of my American readers would probably gag at this drink, especially since avocados are considered more of a veggie here than a fruit. Sure, it goes great with salads, hamburgers, nachos, etc. But really, an avocado is a fruit. Proof? First, it grows on a tree. Second, it has a seed. Third (and probably the most definitive) - it is a ripened ovary of a flower (eeeew).

Not to say that all that falls in one of those categories are fruits - green beans have seeds but they're really not fruits, right? But I promise, an avocado is a fruit, and as such, can be used in a lot of sweet dishes. In fact, Alton Brown - in one of his Good Eats episode - made avocado buttercream frosting. How's that for creativity?

Growing up, an avocado is a fruit and had you said otherwise, I would have laughed in your face. Don't we love it when our moms would mash some avocados and add milk and sugar, then chill it so we can have a refreshing treat on a hot summer day? Or when our neighbors sell avocado ice candy? Or when we just plainly cube some avocado meat, dip it in sugar and pop it in our mouths?  Ahhh, those were the days.

Anyway, this treat reminds me of my mom's chilled avocados, only I prefer it as a drink nowadays. I also love adding a sprig of mint to it - sort of "makes" the taste for me. So before you thumb your nose at this drink, try it first!


What you need: 

1 Haas avocado
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 to 5 pieces ice cubes
4 mint leaves (plus more for garnish)

What to do: 

Scoop out the avocado meat and put them in a blender. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Pulse three or four times for about 5 seconds each, until desired consistency is reached. Pour into a glass and chill for at least 15 minutes. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Why, hello old blender!

Tips, Tricks and Tweaks: 

1. I prefer mine with a thicker consistency, but if you want yours thin, add more ice cubes.
2. Try honey instead of sugar for a healthy twist. Warning, though - honey usually doesn't mix well with cold drinks. They usually just sit at the bottom of your blender. 
3. Don't like mint? Skip it!
4. You can use regular milk in lieu of evaporated milk. Just add a bit more sugar to your drink.
5. If you are impatient and can't wait to try it - DON'T! It is better chilled!