April 29, 2012

Chocolate Mousse - Avocado Style

A couple of years ago, one of our CSA members shared on Facebook that she couldn't stop making chocolate avocado mousse with the avocados in her box.  It didn't take more than 30 seconds for two other members to ask for the recipe.

But she didn't have one. 

She said that you just need a ripe avocado and you likely have everything else you need on hand - it was her "chocolate mousse you don't have to go to the store for" recipe.  She gave us some general guidelines and options for ingredients and that was that.

I was so excited, my avocados could not ripen fast enough.



Recently a friend asked me for the recipe, and I surprisingly found my answer was pretty similar to the original and was more general than specific. Although I can't find the original post today, in giving out the recipe, I was reminded that we are all cooking from similar seasonal ingredients and many of you have given our family new recipe favorites over the years.  Everyone sure thanks you for that!

As such, it seemed fitting to share this again.  This time, I jotted down something that looked a little more like a recipe but you can see how easy this is to adapt and customize to what you have on hand and your own tastes. 




1  large ripe avocado, halved, peeled and seeded (about 8 oz)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup agave nectar (or honey) or more if you like your mousse a little sweeter
1/4 cup soy milk (or almond, coconut or regular milk)
1 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract


1.  Cut the avocado into several chunks and put in food processor (I use a bowl and an immersion blender).
2.  Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, milk and vanilla and blend until the mousse reaches the desired consistency, adding a little more milk if needed.
3.  Chill before serving.

My notes:  I like to use a combo of honey and agave to make up my 1/4 cup as I like the combination of flavor. I also like to make mine the night before as I think it needs a little melding time. 

Do you use avocado in a different way? I'd love to hear more...

April 20, 2012

Earth Day Everyday


Stroll Among the Blossoms


  " In every walk with nature

one receives far more than he seeks. "

John Muir, Naturalist 1838 - 1914

Growing up on the farm, we learned first-hand the important connection between caring for the earth and enjoying it.

Through you, we see this connection happening every day. Your belief in and support of our small, organic family farm not only strengthens the kinder, more responsible care of our planet, but is amplified by the way you relish how real, seasonal food should look, taste and make your body feel. You complete the circle and make every day Earth Day.

As the word "reduce" encompasses many of our Earth Day activities, I'm aware of how important it is to also "increase" our connection with the natural world - to enjoy it even more than before.


John Muir's relationship to the natural world around him was one of preservation and appreciation - it was a part of his soul - a source of inspiration and meditation.

In wishing you a wonderful Earth Day and thanking you for your support of our organic farm, each year I return to this thought. Where do you like to go? Where in nature do you feel grounded in yourself and connected to the earth? Is it in the woods, at the beach, in the mountains, in your backyard, at your windowsill? 





 
Are there places you used to go but have been too busy to find once again? The answer for me is yes.  I've started thinking about how I can get there again.

This Earth Day, I’d love it if you’d leave a comment, share your story, your way of enjoying our earth.  At farm tours, these conversations are among my favorites as I get to hear a little more about your neck of the woods, your adventures.  Here, we can start a collection of inspiration and reminders that part of our planet-protecting efforts should be to get out and have more fun! Observe more carefully. Enjoy more deeply. I will too.  Happy Earth Day to you and your family from everyone here.