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By Jemma Howlett
From your uncle’s Super Bowl guac to day-old Duane Reade “delicacies,” avocados have been around the block. But don’t write this fruit off as another tired health food trend just yet — it’s even more versatile than you might realize.The avocado’s natural, creamy texture can substitute heavy cream, eggs, or milk in desserts, while its hydrating meat can moisturize your skin. Stocking up on avocados is an easy way to ensure you always have a delicious treat and a soothing face mask handy—essential for a happy homespace. Oh, and they make pretty cute accessories, too. There’s no better time than summer to experiment with new food, fashion, and DIY skin care, so let’s get more creative! We’re here to help you up your avo game.
Avocado Treats
These scrumptious fruits have insane health benefits. For one, they have 127mg more potassium per gram than bananas! Potassium not only helps fight cramps while working out, it is also important for fighting high blood pressure and kidney failure. Avocados also contain monounsaturated fatty acids (specifically oleic acid, which is important for heart health) and nutrients that can improve long-term eyesight. With all those perks, why not eat this foodie favorite in everything?
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
The avocado mimics the traditional, creamy texture of this chocolate indulgence while packing a nutritious punch. Even your most health-food-wary friends will eat this up. I made this Avocado Chocolate Mousse for my funky-food-phobic sister and neglected to tell her about the secret ingredient. Though she doubted that it actually contained avocado, she loved it.
Avocado Crème Brûlée
At first, I was skeptical of this weird take on a classic, but the mouthwatering results pleasantly surprised me. This crème brule is everything a crème brule should be, creamy on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and… green? Well, the green coloring is a bit unusual but don’t be thrown — it reminds you that you’re eating guilt-free, and could be perfect for a themed party or St. Patrick’s Day. This vegan, gluten-free treat is also a good option for a dinner party with your health-nut friend.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocado Pudding
Chocolate, peanut butter, and avocado… What’s not to like? We all know that chocolate and peanut butter are soulmates, but rest assured: adding avo to the mix won’t threaten the perfect duo. Three’s a party and this will be a party in your mouth. The avocado’s subtle taste and natural creaminess allows the chocolate and peanut flavors to soar.
Avocado Ricotta Olive Oil Cake
Impress your friends with this easy-to-bake cake that looks lifted from the pages of Food & Wine. This cake almost has too many mouthwatering qualities to list. Did we mention the vanilla-bean, lemon-cream-cheese frosting? With so many delicious ingredients you’d think the avocado would take a back seat, but don’t be so quick to count our green friend out; the avocado gives the cake the richness and density that makes it so dangerously decadent.
Avocado Skin Care
Those monounsaturated fats I mentioned are also great for maintaining moisture. Try this all-natural facial exfoliant and for soft, healthy skin. The fats can also help reduce irritation and redness — perfect for a relaxing face mask.
Avocado Honey Face Mask
A trip to the spa is far out of a lot of price ranges, but we all need to relax and revitalize every once in a while. Why not spend $3 instead of $300? All you need to do is grab some oats, avocado, and honey to whip up an inexpensive face mask good enough for any five-star resort.
Avocado Fashion
If you really want to take your obsession to the next level, try out these fruity fashions:
Avo Shirt ($24): Avo Bucket Hat ($26.81):
