As you might know, I’ve been on an ice cream making kick lately. I had every intention of making Martha’s Caramel Corn Ice Cream for the Me n’ Martha Project. But avocados were on sale at the market today. And not just any avocados — beautiful, perfectly ripe Haas avocados! I couldn’t resist bringing some home with me, especially at nearly half off their usual price. And so I was overcome with inspiration to deviate from my plans and do an amazing and exotic Avocado Ice Cream with a Maple Walnut Topping.
Here in the U.S. we tend to use avocados as a savory ingredient. But around the world, especially in Asia, they’re often used as a dessert. To many Americans avocados in sweet dishes sounds weird but it’s really not. Their creamy texture lends itself to treats like ice cream and milk shakes. I got the idea from my friend and culinary school classmate, Sarah Lynn, who is from the Philippines. She said that anyone who loves avocados would love avocado ice cream and boy was she ever right!
I added some spices to the custard like cinnamon and nutmeg. I also added a tablespoon of brandy to the mix. Then I smashed up an avocado and after I put it in my custard I used an immersion blender to make sure it was completely smooth and evenly distributed. One warning I have for this kind of dessert is to make sure your avocado is at the peak of ripeness but not overripe. You don’t want any bitterness or stringy pieces — it needs to be as smooth as butter.
I topped my ice cream with some walnuts I added to pure maple syrup. I didn’t tell Jeff what he was eating until I had him taste a spoonful. “Wow! This is delicious! What is it?” he asked. And when I told him it was avocado ice cream he didn’t react with horror. This is because he already had tasted it and loved it, and also because he’s come to expect strange kitchen experiments from me!
When it comes to cuisine, I always consider it best to be open minded to different cultures and new ways of enjoying our favorite foods. You never know when you might find yourself loving something you never even thought about trying. Eat outside the box!
