Two Day Magazine

The warm evenings of the summer months are a great time to spend with your special somebody watching the fireflies come and go.

Whether you and your beloved are looking into a clear night sky in an attempt to spot the planet Venus or just lying in the grass and enjoying the warm summer breezes, this really is the season for lovers.

During this time of the year, the avocado is at its best. Besides using these nutritious and delicious fruit as a feathered item on a salad or as a topping on your favorite burger, how about utilizing it in a refreshing smoothie?  

I found my latest inspirations in a small restaurant located in the neighborhood of the Strip District in the city of Pittsburgh.  Pho Van is a great little place that specializes in Vietnamese specialties.  On the menu are several noodle dishes, but it was the smoothies that targeted my interest.   

Three unusual fruits were listed as main ingredients in the making of their smoothies; Jackfruit, Durian and Avocado.   

Durian is an acquired taste and I would not recommend it to everyone but if you are adventurous give it a try. I did, but I didn’t care for it. Think of it as an acquired taste! Jackfruit was delicious. It was not too sweet but with plenty of flavor.  But the avocado was outstanding and gave the smoothie a creamy rich flavor.  There is where I needed to make my mark.  The only problem I had with Pho Van avocado smoothie was the use of condensed milk.  So, I made a few changes, and I am suggest that you follow my lead. Try my changes and invent some of your own!  

The essentials of a smoothie include: Ice, a fruit or vegetable, a liquid, and a good blender.  

My choices are: Avocado, almond milk, ice, mint and basil.

Each of these ingredients should be added according to your desired taste. I recommend the following proportions:

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 cup of ice

• 1 cup of almond milk

•  3 to 4 large mint leaves

• 1 or 2 large basil leaves

Directions:

• Peal and cube the avocado.

• Load the ice, almond milk and avocado into the blender and mix until all the ingredients are a creamy mixture. (If you feel the consistency is too thick, just add more almond milk).

• Add your mint and basil to taste.

Your smoothie is complete!  Want an adult beverage?  Add a bit of crème de mint and loose the mint leaves to the smoothie. Your house will be rocking!

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Check out other great recipes from twodaymag:

     The Essentials For Making Great Juice, By E. Steve Bland

     "String" Into Shape, By E. Steve Bland

     No Burger is Bland, By E. Steve Bland