I think I've always loved avocados. Though I don't really remember, I think they were one of the few foods I've liked since I was a kid (along with bacon and string beans). I do remember taking the pit of an avocado and trying to grow it...you know, sticking toothpicks in the pit, suspending it over some water in a plastic cup and setting it on the windowsill to grow.
Growing up, avocados were mainly found in two of my foods...salads and guacamole. My Grandma W. has been making an avocado and grapefruit salad for as long as I can remember...a salad that no family meal is complete without. Over the years I've learned to like avocados in pretty much anything...savory that is. I've posted many great recipes that have included avocados... Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad, Crab and Avocado Salad, Pan Seared Salmon with Avocado Remoulade, Nacho Cheese Soup, and of course a Classic Guacamole. One of my favorite snacks is to take half a pitted avocado, put a dollop of mayo where the pit was and fill with some Paul Newman Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing. Perfect snack (or even a lunch) on a hot day. You'll notice none of the recipes I've mentioned are even close to being a dessert.
My mom on the other hand, grew up with avocados being treated more like the fruit they are. Born and raised in the Philippines, my mom remembers Avocado Shakes, Avocado Pies, and Avocado Ice Cream. She said she used to eat avocados in a bowl with just sweetened condensed milk. During WWII they used the avocado leaves to make a tea-like drink. But me? Shudder. Avocados in sweet things? I don't think so.
A few weeks ago, my mom e-mailed me to take a look at my Blogging By Mail buddy Kai's blog. Kai writes the blog "Bucaio" from the Philippines. Kai had posted a recipe for an Avocado Shake. I had to admit, the photo and the description sounded good. In the comments, my mom mentioned that she loves avocados and also mentioned an avocado cream pie. Hmmm.....My brain started working....avocados in something sweet. Hmmmmm.....
Don't knock it until you have tried it. I want the avocado shake that Kai has.
Posted by: Mom | April 16, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Small correction. I was not raised in the Islands. I lived there the first 10-1/2 years of my life (during WWII). I am part Filipina. I love Filipino food. Can't speak the language. And as I get older (75 this year) the memory banks are slowly going. I do remember the avocados. When I first came to the US (I am an American by birth) and saw avocados in salads I said ugh. I still am not a fan of avocados in salad. I love guacamole. So there it is.
Posted by: Mom | April 16, 2009 at 09:16 PM
That's right, growing up in the Philippines you get used to avocados as a fruit. I get disoriented seeing avocados in savory dishes, and it's my turn to say ugh. Avocado shakes rock, and avocado ice cream is an earthquake.
Posted by: Kai | April 16, 2009 at 09:55 PM
i love me some avocado! sweet or savory!
Posted by: chef barbie | April 17, 2009 at 09:22 AM
What a crazy cool pie! Really amazing. I might have to try my hand at avocado shake sometime soon!
Posted by: Joy the Baker | April 17, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Mom - just you wait, I'll make that shake for yah!
Kai - Mom has called me several times and mentioned your shake so I'll have to make it son.
Chef Barbie - Avocados rock, I had one yesterday for a snack.
Joy the Baker - You would probably make a most excellent pie.
Posted by: Mrs. L | April 18, 2009 at 09:49 PM