January means new year, new goals right? Nothing beats the satisfaction of accomplishment - from losing 10 lbs (and keeping it off) to running a record 10k race to finally finishing off that research article you've put off forever. As my friend pointed out, I have just enough "medical student" to make me a type A workaholic and just enough "artist" to give me a hyperactive, manic imagination - a nice combo.
So, in the spirit of heck yeah, I can do anything - I'm helping kick off Williams-Sonoma's Smoothies of the Week! Williams-Sonoma thought I was crazy enough for their Not Your Typical Smoothie installment. Well, have some avocado shake!
Before you think, Eww, Natalie, avocados in shake? Did you make this up this nonsense? I promise you these are real and are very popular in the Philippines! This is a very easy recipe - just 3 basic ingredients plus ice.
Plus, avocados are good for the heart (I won't bore you with with the cardiovascular biochemistry). If that's not enough incentive, they're great for getting awesome hair and skin. And they make me happy.
Most people associate avocados with guacamole, especially here in Texas, so when I tell people I drink my avocados, they usually give me a look of horror. People ask why would I combine milk, sugar and avocados, and I say why not? Avocados are fruits, and you put those same ingredients in smoothies. Heck, people put kale in smoothies, and that's a bitter leafy green vegetable - never figured that one out.
My friends thought this would be "like drinking guac," but I assure you this is sweet and creamy plus it's very filling, not like typical smoothies where you're hungry again 30 min later. You can make it thinner with more milk, but I like it super thick, so it tastes just like the avocado ice cream in Asian markets.
If you're feeling adventurous this new year, check out some other fun ideas, such as my Azuki Red Bean and Watermelon Ginger. Happy blending!
Ingredients
8-10 ice cubes, crushed
1/2 small ripe avocado
3/4 cup milk, to desired thickness
2-3 tablespoons sugar, to taste
Directions
Crush the ice in a blender. Add avocado (the riper the better so it's easier to blend), milk, and sugar.
You can add any milk of your choice (regular, almond, soy), though I usually go with plain milk. Depending on how thick and sweet you want it, adjust the milk and sugar. Some people add honey instead of sugar, but I prefer sugar because honey has a stronger taste and can take away from the avocado flavor.
Blend until creamy. Pour and serve right away, or you can keep it in the freezer for half an hour to make it even thicker like ice cream. Enjoy!
My friends thought this would be "like drinking guac," but I assure you this is sweet and creamy plus it's very filling, not like typical smoothies where you're hungry again 30 min later. You can make it thinner with more milk, but I like it super thick, so it tastes just like the avocado ice cream in Asian markets.
Ingredients
8-10 ice cubes, crushed
1/2 small ripe avocado
3/4 cup milk, to desired thickness
2-3 tablespoons sugar, to taste
Directions
Crush the ice in a blender. Add avocado (the riper the better so it's easier to blend), milk, and sugar.
You can add any milk of your choice (regular, almond, soy), though I usually go with plain milk. Depending on how thick and sweet you want it, adjust the milk and sugar. Some people add honey instead of sugar, but I prefer sugar because honey has a stronger taste and can take away from the avocado flavor.
Blend until creamy. Pour and serve right away, or you can keep it in the freezer for half an hour to make it even thicker like ice cream. Enjoy!
I can personally attest that the Chef drinks this often and she has beautiful hair and skin =)
ReplyDeleteYum! This looks creamy good - how creative to eat avocados as a dessert!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this! I wouldn't naturally think to put avocado in a smoothie, mostly because I forget they're actually a fruit!! But, I adore avocados, so am going to have to try this!
ReplyDeleteYeah it's a southeast Asia thing. Hope you enjoy it :)
Deleteyeah, I once made a horrible mistake of trying to "use up" way overripe avocados. It wasn't green and it wasn't good haha. Nice avocados are the way to go
ReplyDeleteOh yes, your ability to juggle medicine and cook and raise a family is highly inspiring. Thanks so much for stopping by :)
ReplyDeleteHi! :D I found your blog from Sonali's About page and am super excited to find another 3rd-year med student who loves food as much as I do! (Foodies unite! <3)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about your adventures! :]
Hey Farrah, awesome, I'm always looking for fellow med student bloggers :) your site's name is too cute haha
DeleteI've never tried an avocado shake, I'm totally intrigued! Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDelete