Avocados, my favorite cold preparations

Guacamole is one of the best ways you can prepare avocados, in my opinion. I simply love it, and it seems like a true treat every time I can get my hands on some real, fresh guacamole. I love it with many things, like chips of course, but also in fajitas, and on nachos, and all kinds of Mexican food. Here are some basic things to know about guacamole and how to use techniques to make the most use of your avocados.

I grew up in Southern California, and still remember how well avocado trees grew there. I miss that climate, which also allowed for us to have lemon and citrus trees. I will always be so thankful for my time there. My family and I have some good memories, from when my boys were still very little. We had a big avocado tree in the backyard, that would only put out a few avocados. Whenever we had a family get together, we would all try to get those avocados that grew up so high. One time we waited until it was after dark, and we had the older folks shining flashlights into the trees so the younger folks could see where they were reaching and climbing. No one could hardly see anything, but we laughed and laughed until we almost fell out of the tree!  We did get a few avocados that night. 

Guacamole is so good, in part, because it is so fresh. I am at the point where I can tell a fresh guacamole from one that isn't fresh. Sometimes, in restaurants, etc, they serve guacamole, and its not "gone bad", its just not fresh guacamole. Guacamole is my favorite way to prepare avocados and serve cold.

The main ingredient in guacamole is the avocado, and there are many varieties of avocado. The second best way would be avocados in a salad. Hass avocados seem to be a favorite among people that want to make guacamole. This variety ripens to a deep purple/brown color.  Some other varieties of avocado include, Gwen, Pinkerton, Fuerte, Bacon, Zutano, and the Reed Avocado. There are more than these, but these are among the most grown and well known. Other things that go into guacamole include, tomatoes, cilantro, chiles and green onion.

Avocados are healthy, and can be eaten chilled and just as they are. Its nice to cut one up, and have a little salt or pepper, or lemon or lime juice squeezed over the top. I love their creamy consistency and that they seem so pure and healthy. To know if an avocado is ripe, simply gently push on it with your thumb, and if it gives a little bit, then its ready. If not, give it a little more time.

When you have even one serving of avocado, you get over 20 vitamins, minerals and phytochemical/nutrients. Avocados contain many of the key nutrients we need each day. There is so much that can be said on its health benefits. In short, Viatmin K, Folate, Potassium, Vitamin E, Lutein, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6, are some of the main nutrients you find when you eat an avocado like this. So get an avocado today, and enjoy this incredible food.

I love a good Avocado Salad. I found one that I especially like, it has avocado and citrus in it. The main citrus is grapefruit, and I would have never thought of this combination on my own. You also have salad greens with this. Its so nice accompanied with lemon wedges, or oranges. You could pour just a little of your favorite vinaigrette for a dressing if you like. I will have to give the recipe later, but for now you get the idea. Its a wonderful cold preparation for an incredibly yummy fruit!

More ideas  How about pairing it with strawberries, and a raspberry or honey vinaigrette, or gently including it in a tropical salad? Some people have tried making a cold avocado soup, but I have never tried that yet and think its an interesting idea.

Try your hand at an avocado dip that is completely different than guacamole, to use with veggies and crackers. Or just slice them to put on your turkey or roastbeef sandwich. The possibilities can be endless when you really begin to think about it.

A fun presentation idea for avocados

For a fun presentation with avocado, use the part where the pit was, as a place to fill up with your favorite chicken or seafood salad! Using shrimp, crab, or chicken, would be a great way to utilize your avocados. Always keep in mind, that avocados brown very easily, so having lemon around to squeeze on or spritz on, can help. You will want something inside your avocado that pairs well with lemon or lime, which is no problem for me. I love them!

My favorite though, hands down, is my husband's guacamole. He truly enjoys making it. I love a good fresh avocado or guacamole just about anywhere.