Avocado Astonishment

I've experienced more change in the last eighteen months of my life than in all the previous *ahem* decades.  Not one was a chosen change, they were thrust upon me by my health, the health of a family member, the death of a young child I loved and an ineludible resignation from a job that was my whole heart.  I am extremely grateful to be healthy, but have wandered a bit in this season of my life without employment and with a profound sense of loss.  With plenty of time to experiment, feeling coziest when in the kitchen, and with a burst of imaginative energy, one result was developing a passion for paletas.

My introduction to paletas was at Las Paletas in Nashville, TN, where my younger son attends college.  A friend, who had formerly lived in Nashville, recommended purchasing paletas as frequently as possible, and after tasting their delights, I have happily complied!  It is 600 miles to Nashville from my house, so a plan began to formulate. 

This summer with succulent fruit available and the Texas heat at an all-time high, it seemed that creating homemade paletas was in order.  I do not speak Spanish and have never visited Latin America.  For now, this will do!

One of the fascinating aspects of concocting paletas is imagining interesting ingredients. When most people think of ice pops, fruity sweet syrups and artificial flavors are expected.  The only common ground between purchased popsicles and paletas is the fact that both are frozen treats.

When asked to name a favorite flavor amongst the paletas I've made, I often answer "avocado." This  usually surprises and confounds the questioner.  Avocados typically bring to mind savory guacamole and trips to a Tex-Mex restaurant. A green fruit which is normally used as a garnish is a startling base for a popsicle.  But add a little sugar, lime juice, some zest and it is oh-so-delicious!

I've recently found that exploring the unexpected is rewarding.  Instead of dreading disorientation, I  found creativity clamoring in a time of disquiet.  On tasting an avocado paleta for the first time, a friend remarked that her taste buds were confusing her mind. In a good way. Exactly!

Avocado Lime Paletas Recipe

4 avocados, peeled and pitted

2 small limes juiced plus zest of 1 lime

1/4 cup sugar or more to taste

1/4-1/2 cup water optional*

Place green flesh of avocado, juice of 2 limes and zest of 1 lime and sugar in Cuisinart.  Pulse until completely smooth.  Add water and pulse again if a less dense, more icy paleta is desired.*  Spoon into either traditional popsicle molds or small plastic cups, freeze 1 hour and add sticks.  Freeze 4-6 hours total.   

Brooke <3's Her "Green Ice Cream"