Introduction The Chapters Jewish Holidays For the Queen in the Kitchen
The Avocado Salsa a.k.a. guacamole
1/4 onion
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 jalapeno pepper or 4 slices from a jar, rinsed
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Juice of half of 1 lime (about 2 teaspoons)
1 ripe avocado, chunked
In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse onion, cilantro and jalapeno until finely chopped. Add mayonnaise, lime juice, and avocado. Pulse briefly until mixture is the consistency of chunky guacamole. Serve with any Tex-Mex recipe like Chipotle Salmon Fish Cakes
The Avocado
The avocado is a fabulous fruit. Yes, it's a fruit. It grows on a tree like a pear, has a pit like a peach and the skin of..... an alligator. In fact it is called “alligator pear” because of its tough, bumpy peel. But underneath the skin lies a creamy, mellow, rich flavor that has no match in salads, on sandwiches or eaten right out of its skin.
And if that were not enough, we can see how perfectly Hashem takes care of us by looking at a particular health benefit of the avocado. Often avoided because of its high fat content--each avocado contains about 30 grams of fat--yet therein lies the secret to its efficacy in fighting all too common cancers.
Health Benefits of Avocado
An avocado is high in oleic acid, an important breast cancer inhibitor. It also contains carotenoid leutin and vitamin E which fight prostate cancer. Researchers recently found that these cancer fighters can only be absorbed when delivered to the body in a high fat ratio. Imagine. Hashem packages both the refuah and its delivery mechanism together for our benefit, in a delicious magnificent avocado.
Still worried that the fat in avocados may increase the risk of heart disease? Not to worry, the avocado has been shown to reduce overall cholesterol levels.
So enjoy, in moderation of course, this heart loving fruit. You will benefit from a level of potassium higher than that of a banana and folate which improves circulation.
A Natural Convenience Food
It is also an excellent first food for your child as it is easily digested and so nutritious with 14 growth stimulating minerals. Halve an avocado, hold each half in opposite hands -and twist. A firm ripe avocado should easily separate; this is Hashem providing a portable serving bowl for your baby.
Now you can understand why the heart healthy avocado is not only called an alligator pear but sometimes referred to as a “love apple.”
Coming soon, "Beyond Guacamole" in an upcoming monthly newsletter. And look for the debut of more kosher appetizer recipes, right here, at www.thekosherchannel.com !
Cooking for The King: The book of Torah insights, recipes and practical tips designed to bring majesty to the mundane.
1/4 onion
The Avocado 