Avocado Paletas

Avocado Paletas
Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas – Fany Gerson

The paleta is slightly sweetened and gets its creaminess from the natural avocado oils rather than any dairy.

YIELD: Makes 8 to 10
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: Paleta molds, sticks

1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 small ripe avocados
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise. Remove the pit and scoop the fl esh into a blender, along with the cooled syrup and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Add the lime juice and blend just until combined.

3. If using conventional molds, divide the mixture among the molds, snap on the lid, and freeze until solid, about 5 hours. If using glasses or other unconventional molds, freeze until the pops are beginning to set (1 1/2 to 2 hours), then insert the sticks and freeze until solid, 4 to 5 hours. If using an instant ice pop maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Coconut Shrimp with Orange Dipping Sauce

Coconut Shrimp with Orange Dipping Sauce
Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice

Yield: 3-4 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Deep-fried shrimp coated in coconut flakes and panko crumbs with a sweet and spicy orange dipping sauce.

1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup panko crumbs
1 cup sweetened or unsweetened organic coconut flakes (I use sweet)
1 pound medium-large shrimp, cleaned, deveined and butterflied (optional)
vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup orange marmalade
2 tablespoons rice or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
a dash or more of red pepper flakes

Set up a dredging station for the shrimp by placing the flour in a wide, shallow plate or bowl; beat the eggs in a small bowl and combine panko and coconut in a separate, wide, shallow plate or bowl. Coat shrimp with flour, dunk into egg mixture and then into coconut crumbs, patting the crumbs on if needed. Set on a large platter and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile combine orange marmalade, rice vinegar, dijon and red pepper in a small bowl; refrigerate.

Add about 2 inches of oil to large, deep pan or skillet and heat to 350 degrees F. Fry shrimp in batches until light golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towel lined plates. Serve with orange dipping sauce.

Farro Salad with Asparagus and Parmesan

Farro Salad with Asparagus and Parmesan
Allrecipes – Duncan

“A light and delicious way to get your whole grains. Perfect salad for picnics, baby or bridal showers or just because!”

Original Recipe Yield 12 servings

2 cups farro
3/4 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 cup red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or to taste
1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided

Soak farro in a large bowl of water for at least 12 hours. Drain.

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the drained farro, and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, then cook the farro uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and continue simmering until tender, about 30 more minutes. Drain and allow to cool.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus, and cook uncovered until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Once the asparagus is cold, drain well, and chop. Set aside.

Place farro, asparagus, tomatoes, walnuts, cranberries, parsley, and chives in a large bowl. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over and sprinkle about 3/4 cups Parmesan cheese, then toss. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Serve at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 223 | Total Fat: 9.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg