Avocado Crazy! #Recipes by @DonnaFaz

Who doesn't love avocados? Did you know that the avocado is a fruit and not a vegetable? It's also known as an alligator pear. Avocados have a distinctive yet subtle flavor and a smooth, almost creamy texture. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them.

Excellent Guacamole

3 large ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, chopped
3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced
¼ cup red onion, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 to 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, to taste

Mix ingredients together and serve immediately.

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Asparagus and Avocado Salad

2 pounds fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
2 medium avocados, peeled, pitted, diced
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
1 teaspoon fresh mint, minced

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil; add asparagus and cook until color just turns bright green, about 2 minutes. Rinse quickly under cold water, drain, and set aside. Combine avocados and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add asparagus and lemon zest; toss gently. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegars, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir in parsley, cilantro, and mint. Pour dressing over avocado mixture; toss gently and serve.

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Lemon Pepper Avocado Spread

2 avocados, peeled, seeded and mashed

1 teaspoon lemon pepper (or more, to your taste)

Stir the lemon pepper into the avocado until well combined. Spread on flat bread or flour tortillas, or use as a dip for fresh vegetables. This spread makes a great topper for baked potatoes.