Are avocados something you eat regularly? If not, it is time to rethink them and add them to your diet. They are a heart-healthy fruit and with February being American Heart Month, what better time to add these gems to your grocery shopping list?
Yes, avocados are a fruit and one of the more nutrient dense fruits you can eat, making them a super food in our book. Nutrient dense? They have over 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamin K, vitamin E, potassium, folate and many B-vitamins. Not to mention they have a good deal of healthy fats, or monounsaturated fats. They are a great replacement for saturated fats in the diet when used in dips and spreads.
But avocados are so much more versatile. Sure you can eat them mashed up in guacamole, diced up in salads, smashed on toast or as part of a smoothie (and we LOVE all of those ways), but they are actually great in baking and cooking too. They can help create a creamy texture and of course replace saturated fats often found in baked goods or sauces.
Here are some recipes to get you started:
Chocolate Cherry Avocado Muffins
These are the perfect heart healthy treat combining dark chocolate, tart cherries and avocado. You’re family will love them and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, what better time to try them out?
Peanut Butter Avocado Cookies by Lindsay Livingston
Our colleague, Lindsay Livingston at The Lean Green Bean, created these simple, flour-less cookies. Next time you are in the mood for peanut butter cookies, try this variation.
California Avocado Yogurt Key Lime Pie by the Meal Makeover Moms
Liz and Janice, the Meal Makeover Moms, made over a normally decadent dessert into a luscious and delicious one with avocados.
I bet your family won’t notice the difference.
Chocolate Zucchini Power Muffins by Sharon Palmer
Sharon Palmer, the Plant-Powered Dietitian, created this muffin recipe also using avocado, as well as many other healthy ingredients like zucchini, almonds and chia seeds.
Spinach Avocado Alfredo Sauce by Deanna Segrave-Daly
Deanna, one of the power duo over at Teaspoon Communications, created this recipe to lighten up a family Italian favorite. The avocados help keep the creaminess of an alfredo sauce but without the heaviness that goes along with it. We can’t wait to try this one ourselves!
[bctt tweet=”Avocados are for more than just guacamole. Get cooking or baking in the kitchen with these #recipes”]
What is your favorite way to cook with avocado?
