Nyland - Cooking with Avocados

They make a beautifully complex and flavorful duo and are quite colorful together in salads or salsas (like the Mango and Avocado Salsa on ). In this refreshing smoothie, the avocado creates a smooth and creamy texture along with the Greek yogurt, and the mango gives a tropical sweetness that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meals on the run. YIELD: 1 SERVING cup unsweetened almond milk or other nondairy milk1 mango, peeled and pittedlarge avocadocup plain nonfat Greek yogurt1 Tbsp honey1 tsp vanilla extractPinch ground cinnamon (optional)4 or 5 ice cubes Place all the ingredients in a blender in the order listed and process in short bursts until the ice has been thoroughly crushed. Continue to process until smooth, 10 to 15 seconds. Serve.

Of course, in a pinch, a room-temperature banana will work, but freezing the banana gives this smoothie a milkshake-like consistency. YIELD: 1 SERVING cup unsweetened almond milk or other nondairy milksmall avocadosmall banana, frozen1 Tbsp cocoa powder2 very soft medjool dates, pitted5 or 6 ice cubes Place all the ingredients in a blender in the order listed and process in short bursts until the ice has been thoroughly crushed. Continue to process until smooth, 10 to 15 seconds. Serve.

If you plan on eating this as more than just a snack, add a scoop of protein powder for a more well-rounded meal. YIELD: 1 SERVING