Football season is in full swing and tailgating and football parties will be on many of our weekend calendars for the next couple of months. Trying to make healthy choices can become difficult at tailgates equipped with BBQ, potato chips, heavy sweets, and different salads packed with mayo. But with preparation and the right ingredients, a day of tailgating doesn't have to mean a day of poor food choices! Here's an ingredient you might not think about bringing to your tailgate: avocados!
Avocados are a natural super food and are packed with essential nutrients. This fruit (yes, it's a fruit!) contains twice the potassium of a banana, 3-4 grams of protein, and is a great source of fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, and folic acid. And they are so versatile! Chop them up to top a salad, place slices on a sandwich, or blend them into a smoothie. They can even be used as a substitute for butter in your baked goods! If used in the right ratios, you can make healthier cookies, muffins, or brownies! Below you will find a chicken salad recipe and a cookie recipe using this amazing super fruit that would be great additions to your tailgate or football party this weekend! Enjoy!
Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 avocado 1/4 cup chopped onion juice of 1/2 a lime 2 Tbsp cilantro salt and pepper to taste
Directions: 1. Cook chicken breasts and let cool. 2. Shred chicken. 3. Chop up and cream avocado with a mixer. 4. Combine shredded chicken, avocado, and all other ingredients.
Ooey-Gooey Rocky Road Cookies
Ingredients 1/2 cup avocado (about 1/2 of medium-sized avocado) 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1&1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp hot water 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup mini marshmallows 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Directions 1. Cream avocado and both kinds of sugar with mixer. 2. Add egg and vanilla, beat on medium-low until mixed in. 3. Slowly add in flour and cocoa powder, mix until completely incorporated. 4. Mix together warm water and baking soda, then add to mixture with salt. 5. Slowly add in marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts. 6. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, spoon big spoonfuls onto the sheet about an inch and a half away from each other. 7. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes (less time for more gooey cookies, more time for less gooey cookies). 8. Move to cooling rack, serve when cool enough to touch! *Recipe courtesy of laurenariza.com -- These are truly delicious!
Change up your breakfast routine with avocados as well! Try this simple and tasty breakfast recipe!
Avocado Egg Breakfast
Ingredients 1 large hass avocado, pitted 2 small eggs to taste: salt and pepper garnish: bacon bits, shredded cheese
Directions 1. Heat oven to 425. 2. Cut avocado in half lengthwise and remove pit; if indenture is not deep enough cut out a bit of the avocado flesh to make enough room for the egg to fit easily.(Do not remove peel from avocado, just the pit).But do cut a small piece from the bottom so it sits upright and not spill out the egg. 3. Place avocado halves in a pie plate or baking dish. 4. Crack one egg into each 1/2 of avocado hole. Sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes depending on how well you want your egg cooked.
1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" With great nutrients we can honor God through our bodies!
Blessings, Caroline