Monday, May 30, 2011

Beer-Battered Fried Avocado Wedges with Mango Salsa


Don’t you love when a particular gift keeps on giving? It is magical how something so small can bring so much happiness. Living in the foodie world, is a gift amongst itself. It brings much joy to make something and share with others. The moment that bite is taken, the sparkle brought into their eyes, the smile on their face and the gentle exclamation they share about how tasty it is. This just lights up my heart.


With the iconic Oprah Show bidding farewell last week, it was bittersweet. After 25 years on the air bringing much inspiration to folks around the world, Oprah decided to end on a high note and begin a new journey. With her new OWN network being launched and I am positive that we, as loyal viewers now have a new platform to engage and participate in the next step of her journey. I believe her show was a gift to all of her viewers.  Thank you Oprah for such an amazing gift.


While shopping yesterday at Anthropologie, I came across a magnificent little inspirational book titled – “Words That Matter”. It is a powerful little book of life lessons and ever day truths that guide and inspire. It is a book to keep nearby, so you can be inspired to find new ways to think about life each time you read it. It is published by the editors of O, The Oprah Magazine.


Thought I would share few quotes that resonate with me about giving from the book:

“The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.”Walt Whitman

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”Marlilynne Robinson

“I know for sure that when you shift your paradigm to what you can do for others, you begin to celebrate you own evolution and trigger a bounty of blessings.”Oprah

“How we treasure (and admire) the people who acknowledge us! A simple gesture goes such a long way.” – Julie Morgenstern

“If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way. “ – Buddha


The gift from the California Avocado Commission along with Foodbuzz is one of those foodie gifts that keep on giving. While pursuing the website, I clicked on the recipe section and saw Beer Battered Avocados. My eyes lit up. Typically, I don’t do much frying in our household, primarily to keep us healthy, however it is quite a treat every now and then.



To add a bit of creativity, flair and flavor I whipped up a bit of spicy mango salsa. The combination of the deep fried crunchy outside and creamy green avocado inside, with the side of spicy mango salsa, created a flavor explosion.

In honor of Memorial Day, I want to thank all the men and women who have given their lives, time and dedication to keeping our wonderful country safe.

Beer- Battered Fried Avocado Wedges with Mango Salsa

1 C. Beer
1 C. Flour
2 t. Paprika
2 Garlic cloves, minced fine
½ t. Salt
8 grinds fresh ground pepper
Juice of one lemon

Vegetable oil for frying

To make the beer batter, whisk together beer, flour, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic. Let sit for a couple hours.

To make per order. Peel and cut half avocado into 6 wedges. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Dredge each wedge in the beer batter. Deep fry in 350 degree oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain well and season with salt. Serve with mango salsa.

Note: you can double or triple the batter recipe based on how many you plan to serve. This recipe should process 4 to 5 avocados.

Mango Salsa

1 large mango, cut into small cubes
½ Red onion, finely diced
1 Jalapeno, seeded and diced fine
3 T. Cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 T. Lime juice, fresh
1 t. Honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let sit at least 30 minutes to help the flavors develop.



19 comments:

  1. Oh. My. Lord. Be still my heart...I love avocado and can only imagine that a crunchy coating would up it to the next level! Saving this one for when I need another splurge!!

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  2. Amen to those people! Lovely quotes, uplifting post and delish meal!

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  3. The beer batter looks so light, it can't be bad! You're doing wonderful things with that box of avocados! Keep those recipes coming :)

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  4. OMG. OMG. OMG. that is all i have to say.

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  5. Wow...this sounds amazing! The buttery avocado inside the crispy skin with that delicious flavorful salsa! Awesome idea, great for summer!

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  6. Wow Lisa, was this as good as it sounds?? It must have been melt in your mouth out of this world! I'm so glad you tried this recipe and paired with the mango salsa- it sounds heavenly;-)
    I enjoyed meeting and speaking with you on Sunday, I've been a big fan of your blog for quite a while! Hope to see you again soon, maybe a wine and food event????

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  7. That's it. I've just got to try this!!! I am in deep fried heaven :)

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  8. I am not at ALL afraid of fried foods and since avocados are one of my favorites...why not! The possibilities with this are endless!

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  9. For some reason when I saw this post and pic I thought to myself...Oh no she didn't!! It is like an avocado french fry and I cannot wait to try them! I love avocado, thanks!

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  10. Beer-battered fried avocado? What?! That is amazing!! And the mango salsa looks to die for. I love this recipe. And your blog is beautiful! So glad I found it! (through foodbuzz)

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  11. Oh, those are two of my favorite fruits! That is one delightful meal. I really have to try cooking with avocado (I've only eaten it raw).

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  12. Oh, I'm sorry...I don't think I heard you correctly. Did you just say that you FRIED AVOCADO? I have no idea what your IQ is, but I'm pegging you as a genius. You just done stole my heart.

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  13. Fried avocado sounds awesome!! I'd love to give this recipe a try this summer. Yum!

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  14. This is a new one for me. Interesting and I am really going to try.

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  15. Love where you went with this, the quotes and thoughts you shared are words I love to live by. Great reminders for us all. I see fried avocado in my near future. I can't wait for our macaron bash. Hope you have a great week.
    -Gina-

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  16. I didn't realize I'd be so saddened by the last Oprah show, but I was. She's just always been there and although I didn't watch the show religiously, I knew it was something I could always count on. I will look for that book, thanks for mentioning about it.

    Your avocado images are beautiful. Looks like you rcvd some beauties. I still need to share my feature on my prized package too :)

    I can only imagine how tasty these beer battered avocado wedges are with the Mango Salsa. Mmmm the contrast of the sweet mango and tang of lime...sounds so good!

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  17. I would have never thought to fry avocados before, and I am not a big person to fry things either or crave fried food, but this sounds fantastic! Definitely different and creative :)

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  18. Fried avocado wedges?! WOW! That's HOT! :) And the mango salsa looks beautiful.

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  19. I think I'm one of the few people who wasn't an Oprah regular. Work always got in the way, and recording it never helped because there was no time to watch it. I did get to see many of the good episodes, though, and love the magazine. She's truly an amazing woman! I have 3 avocados on my counter right now and would never have thought of doing this with them. Something to skip dinner for :)

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