Avocados may have originated in South America, but they have become a classic summer food in the US. The buttery, savory fruit has a number of health benefits and is a great ingredient to incorporate into your summer cooking. Here are some fun avocado creations for you and your child to make together.
Guacamole
An avocado classic that goes great with just about everything! You can use it as a garnish for tacos or a dip for carrot sticks.
What you need:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1 ½ Tbsp. cilantro
- 2 Tbsp. chopped green onion
- A pinch garlic salt
- Hot sauce (optional – add to taste if you prefer a spicier guacamole)
In a medium bowl, cut your avocados into small chunks and mash with a potato masher. (Clean and save the pits for later.) If you don’t have a potato masher, two forks crossed over each other work as well. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, starting with the diced tomatoes and finishing with the garlic salt to taste. The great thing about guacamole is that it is easy to tailor to your own family’s tastes.
Avocado Toast
This one is as simple as it sounds, but very yummy! All you need is whole wheat toast and half of an avocado. While your bread is toasting, have your child mash the half avocado up in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste (I recommend a little lemon pepper). Then, while the bread is still warm, spread the avocado onto the toast and enjoy a healthy snack.
Avocado Shake
I know what you’re thinking, but trust me on this one: These are tasty! And they are a really great green color.
What you need:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ cup low fat milk
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 1 ripe banana (or 2 Tbsp. sugar if you don’t like bananas)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Put all the ingredients in a blender and puree to a smooth and creamy consistency. Put a straw in the cup and … Bottoms up!
Now What?
Now that you’ve used all those avocadoes, what are you going to do with the pits? Grab a full glass of water, toothpicks, and a clean avocado pit. Stick three toothpicks into the pit so they protrude from its center (you can determine the middle by holding the pit with the pointed part up). Place the avocado pit in the glass of water by resting the toothpicks on the rim of the glass, suspending the avocado pit halfway into the water. Make sure to replace the water that is soaked up by the pit. For the next few weeks, you and your child can take the front seat to watch how a seed becomes a plant in your very own kitchen.
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Filed under: Just for Fun! Tagged: | food, science
