Monday, April 12, 2010

The Darling Buds Of ... April?

See this luscious creation? This creamy, dreamy, unctuous concoction? It's my new favorite beverage. I made it for the very first time just the other day, and I was mesmerized. It took every last drop of my meager willpower to leave half for DH. And I'll be honest, quite a bit of my fascination with this drink has to do with the main ingredient that goes into it. I love surprises, and this took me by surprise. Now it's your turn to guess what this drink is made from.

Go on, you have about a minute or so to throw out your ideas. In the meantime, let me take you for a lovely walk around my neighborhood, during a gorgeous spring day. Everything is flowering. The buds are peeking out on all the trees, and the air is fragrant with some of this season's early bloomers.

My hood.


The pink tree, as I refer to it, in front of my apartment!

Ok! The wait is over! Did you guess the secret ingredient yet? Drumroll please ...

It's avocado!

Fun, huh? An avocado milkshake. And it's deeeee-friggin-licious!

It's also good for you. Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, vitamin E, B-vitamins, and folic acid.

Vietnamese Avocado Milkshake (thanks to Wandering Chopsticks for opening my eyes to this!)

Makes 2 servings

Click here for printable recipe

Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1 cup ice-cubes
2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or more if you like)
1/3 cup skim milk (or more, if you like your milkshake runnier)

Method: Scoop out the ripe avocado flesh. Combine with the rest of the ingredients and zap it in the blender till smooth and inviting. Taste for sweetness.


Verdict: To me, this tastes like a cross between coconut water and sugarcane juice, but you can definitely distinguish the avocado flavor as it goes down your throat. Let me tell you though, after a couple of sips, you really start to appreciate it. Especially that velvety texture as it coats the inside of your mouth. And then you end up craving it for breakfast everyday, like I do. Don't you just love the color? I happen to have a thing for green drinkies, having grown up with Pakistan's national soft drink - Pakola, baby! (if you've never heard of it, Google it folks, it's awesome) I will happily be making this drink throughout the summer, since it's also beautifully refreshing.


Me thinks I shall send this recipe in to the lovely Katie over at Eat This! She's hosting the next Weekend Herb Blogging event, and since she leads a gluten-free life, I believe she'll really appreciate this milkshake.

17 comments:

Cool Lassi(e) said...

Hey, my guess was right. Avocado milkshake looks awesome. I saw a variant of this at a blog and have bookmarked to try. I always have avocado in the fridge..very versatile fruit that easily transforms to salad, dip and milkshake, no?

ARUNA said...

tht's a refreshing shake, liked ur apartment area....nice clicks!!

Mari said...

OMG I want to try THAT green monster! YUUUUUUMS!

I love all the pictures! Spring is here!

Foodiewife said...

I tried my first slice of avocado pie, last summer, and it was good. Avocado milkshake? Who knew? I'll sneak it on my husband and see what he thinks... if "Mikey" likes it, then I will, too! Love Lilly of the Valley! We don't get them in California...at least, I've never seen them. Gorgeous Spring photos!

Faiza Ali said...

That has watered my mouth. Very Refreshing and even Yummy!

Ann said...

I love Avacado anything, drink looks yumm! Excellent pics too.

Unknown said...

Hmmm... I was thinking it was a pistachio flavour :D. I do love a good milkshake. Can we put a little ice cream in mine? I'm not really into things that are too healthy LOL.
Looks nice and thick
*kisses* HH

Joanne said...

Holy. Yum. Avocadoes are one of my favorite fruits. I swear you could put them in anything and I would like them. And with that you've just sparked an idea for avocado ice cream!

I would have drank the whole thing myself. Seems like a perfect idea.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful photographs! I have been living in Saudi Arabia for too long and sincerely miss the beautiful spring times in my country (UK).

The milkshake looks wonderful - I'd never have thought of putting avocado in a milkshake but since I love avocados I'd like to try this!

Nicola

Mary said...

Great choice! I love avocado smoothies! I make one with just avocado, water, lime juice and sugar, and it's the most amazingly creamy, sweet and tart thing ever. Yum! Your neck of the woods looks a bit springier than mine--lucky!

Wandering Chopsticks said...

I love avocado milkshakes since I've always grown up with them. Always amazes me when I find out people have never tried it before. :)

nandini said...

What a view!!! Daoffodils and pink blossoms!! Turning green with envy Muneeba!. Avocado milkshake looks super smooth and thick must taste heavenly too!. Will try it!.

Doppelganger said...

You definitely make me want to visit your neck of the woods! So far our spring has been rather wet. But your pictures are just beautiful! I love your neighbourhood! And as for that milkshake. Yeah...not a fan of milkshakes or avocadoes. *cowers expecting severe retribution from the gods* I only like avocado (which my son calls "Aboo-cado") in my guacamole.

Jamie said...

Ah, Muneeba, I love your blog and never find enough time to get here often enough! Your hood is beautiful and that drink, well, I want! So many people are raving about avocados in sweet desserts and now I'm a believer. Luscious!

Anonymous said...

Avocado milkshake sounds wonderful! A must try! I love your gorgeous spring pictures!

Katie said...

I love the sound of this milkshake!! Thanks for contributing to WHB!

Duchess of Tea said...

Shocking ingredient to say the least, but a favourite ingredient at Rose Tea Cottage. Avocados go almost in everything from omelets to salads and main dishes and now in our shakes. Muneeba darling thanks so much for the sweet comment you left on my blog. I truly am grateful for our friendship.

Kiss Prince Bashaar for me
Love & Hugs
Duchess