We will soon be bidding 2014 adieu. However, as this year was the Year of the Horse, we thought the end of this year was a good time to share the story of how the scent for our Horseman’s Therapy, and our sweet orange, lavender Avocado Dreamin lotions became developed. After testing, and trying various configurations of essential oils – the final approval, in fact, was granted by horses!
Equine olfactory senses are extraordinarily sensitive. They are far superior to that of humans. As a matter of fact, it has been speculated that horses find their way back home, in unfamiliar territory, or in a blizzard, by retracing the scent from their own hoof prints and manure. Their range is far, enabling them to pick up the faint scent of a predator. Through their acute sense of smell, horses are able to distinguish between many different odors.
Lavender oil is known for its calming effects, and use in stress relief. It is the safest of the essential oils, and is currently a popular use in helping to alleviate tension in horses, as well as people. This lovely oil also helps to boost stamina and energy. Orange essential oil lends a refreshing and sweet scent, in addition to its uplifting, and anti-cancer properties.
Our goal was to achieve the best mixture of these two oils to produce a heavenly scent , that would be appealing and sweetly aromatic in a subtle and pleasing way, while offering therapeutic benefits .
Founder and President, Vikki, went to her horses. She tested by rubbing her lotions on their hooves, and closely observing their reaction. They let her know when she hit the perfect combination. Vikki was right in trusting her instincts. The first comment people make, when testing our lotions, is on the sumptuous and refreshing fragrance!
Baked Avocado Fries
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 30 mins
Crispy oven-baked avocado fries with cilantro lime dipping sauce!
Author: Tiffany
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
• 4 avocados, pits removed and cut into slices
• ½ cup flour
• 3 eggs + 2 tablespoons water
• 1¼ cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce
• ⅓ cup mayo
• ⅓ cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt
• juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450 and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Add flour to a zip lock bag. Add avocado slices, seal, and shake to coat avocados in flour.
3. Remove avocados from the bag and discard the bag with excess flour.
4. In a small bowl whisk together eggs and water. In a separate bowl whisk together bread crumbs, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
5. Dip flour-coated avocado slices into the egg wash. Next, toss them into the crumb mixture being sure to coat well.
6. Place coated avocados in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and spray generously with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and browned.
7. While avocado fries and baking, blend all sauce ingredients together.
8. Serve avocado fries warm with dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
recipe inspired by Adventures in Cooking
South Coast Winery
Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula, California 92591
951.587.WINE (9463)
1.866.9.WINERY (946379)
And now… I get asked constantly if I have an avocado facial mask. The best ones are diy, so here’s a great one to try now that summer’s winding down and our skin needs replenishing.
Avocado Face Mask for Dry Skin
Exfoliates, smoothes, moisturizes, and fights those darn wrinkles.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp finely mashed fresh avocado
1Tbsp finely mashed banana
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp orange juice (fresh is best!)
Mix all ingredients into a fine, smooth paste. Apply to your face, carefully avoiding the eye area. Relax for 15 minutes. Rinse. Apply Natural Face Cream sparingly. Look good. Feel good. Go do good!
You can use this mask once a week. Enjoy!!
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): Find it in our Face Creams.
-Valued for its anti-inflammatory properties.
-Eases arthritis, headaches, dermatitis, inflamed skin, sprains, and muscle aches.
-Calming and soothing.
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia): Find it in Hands Down Lotion, Face Creams, and Massage Oil Candles.
-Cherished for thousands of years for its aroma and therapeutic properties.
-Calming and relaxing.
-Soothes skin irritations, insect bites, blisters, burns, cuts, dry skin and eczema.
-Helps skin recover more quickly.
-Eases muscle tension in the head and neck.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Find it in our Salt Glows.
-Purifies and tones skin.
-Treats acne and athlete’s foot.
-Eases muscle aches and stress.
-Supports digestion.
-Repels insects.
Orange (Citrus sinensis): Find it in Hands Down Lotion, Lip Balms,
and Massage Oil Candles.
-Wonderfully uplifting and cheerful aroma.
-Energizing and revitalizing.
-Brightens dull skin.
-Powerful cleanser and purifier.
-Eases colds and flu symptoms.
-Aids digestion.
-Eases stress.
-Improves stale or smoky air.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Find it in our Foot Soak and HoofinIt.
-Refreshing, cooling, and uplifting.
-Supports respiratory function.
-Eases asthma and colic symptoms.
-Eases headache, nausea, amd muscle ache.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Find it in our Foot Soak and HoofinIt
-Invigorating and refreshing.
-Excellent for skin, acne, scalp, and hair.
-Improves circulation.
-Soothes muscle aches and arthritis.
-Helps relieve exhaustion.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Find it in our Salt Glows.
-Fresh, herbaceous aroma.
-Mood lifting.
-Helps balance hormones.
-Helps ease muscle cramps.
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata): Find it in Hands Down Lotion, LipsFixed Lip Balm, and Massage oil Candles.
-Fresh, sweet, and bright aroma.
-Uplifting.
-Cleansing.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): Find it in Hands Down Lotion and Massage Oil Candles.
-Rich, warm, and sweet aroma.
-Calming and relaxing.
-Anti-oxidant and anti-depressant.
…And don’t forget to eat avocado!! Look good. Feel good. Do good.
The post Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Try these… first appeared on Avocado Dreamin.]]>And now for this week’s recipe… I know it sounds weird, and I haven’t tried it yet, but I have made the Key Lime version, and it is delicious!! So here you go….
CALIFORNIA SUMMER AVOCADO PIE
• Preparation: 3 hrs 10 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 3 hrs 10 min
Author: California Avocado Grower John Scudder Recipe Provided By the California Avocado Commission
California Avocado grower John Scudder has been making this creamy pie for over 25 years. California Avocado and lemon juice, rather than lime juice, create its pretty color and tropical taste.
Ingredients
• 1 ripe, Fresh California Avocado, seeded, peeled and mashed
• ½ cup lemon juice
• Lemon zest to taste
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker pie crust
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Sliced almonds, for garnish
Instructions
1. Blend avocado, lemon juice, lemon zest and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into prepared pie crust.
3. Top with whipped cream and sliced almonds, if desired.
4. Place pie in refrigerator for 3-4 hours and allow to set.
5. Slice and serve.
Serving Suggestion: Use a pastry bag to pipe the whipped cream onto the pie like a pro!
As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados.
Nutrition information per serving
Nutrition Information Per Serving, not including whipped cream or almonds: Calories 320; Total Fat 13 g (Sat 4.5 g, Trans 0 g, Poly 2 g, Mono 6 g); Cholesterol 20 mg; Sodium 210 mg; Potassium 320 mg; Total Carbohydrates 47 g; Dietary Fiber 2 g; Total Sugars 39 g; Protein 6 g; Vitamin A 368 (IU); Vitamin C 9 mg; Calcium 160 mg; Iron 1 mg; Vitamin D 0 (IU); Folate 29 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.2 g
% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 15%; Iron 4%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs
Here’s a fireworks worthy guacamole recipe for your Independence Day weekend celebrations….
FIRECRACKER GUACAMOLE
• Preparation 20 min
• Cook Time 0 min
• Total Time 20 min
Recipe Provided By the California Avocado Commission
This American Summer Holidays guacamole is perfect for your 4th of July celebration. Served in a PureHeart Mini watermelon bowl, this spicy Firecracker Guacamole is delicious, low in sodium and a good source of Vitamin C.
Ingredients
• Dulcinea PureHeart® Mini Seedless Watermelon
• 8 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, peeled, seeded and coarsely mashed
• ¼ cup minced green onions
• 2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 4 habanero chiles, stemmed, seeded and minced (or less, to taste)
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
Instructions
Roll the watermelon to find the flattest side; place that side on bottom. OR, slice a thin slice off of one narrow end of the watermelon so that it will stand flat. Slice the top third of the watermelon off. Wrap and set aside. Hollow out the red watermelon from the remaining watermelon section; reserve fruit for another use. A rice paddle works well for this task. Make sure all of the red part of the watermelon is removed. Pat dry with paper towels, then sprinkle with salt. Place upside down on a rimmed tray lined with paper towels and refrigerate overnight.
For the guacamole, gently combine all ingredients in a medium serving bowl. Let sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to blend. With paper towels, rub inside of watermelon bowl to remove salt and thoroughly dry. Fill with Firecracker Guacamole, serve and enjoy!
Time: 20 minutes plus watermelon chill time (8 hours)
Serving suggestion: Serve with fresh veggies or crisp chips.
Beverage Pairings: Goes great with a watermelon smoothie or watermelon margarita.
As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados.
Nutrition information per serving
Calories 140; Total Fat 11 g (Sat 1.5 g, Trans 0 g, Poly 1.5 g, Mono 8 g); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 20 mg; Potassium 450 mg; Total Carbohydrates 12 g; Dietary Fiber 3 g; Total Sugars 4 g; Protein 3 g; Vitamin A 388 (IU); Vitamin C 14 mg; Calcium 7 mg; Iron 1 mg; Vitamin D 0 (IU); Folate 72 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.09 g
% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 25%; Calcium 0%; Iron 6% 0;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Enjoy!! And stay safe….
The post Happy Birthday USA!!!!! first appeared on Avocado Dreamin.]]>First, I’d like to thank all of you who came out to see us at Inland Vet Supply’s Adoption Day… it was a beautiful day and lots of dogs and kittens got new families!! And what a treat to meet Blue Moon, a very talented miniature horse who came out with Wallen West Farm to greet and entertain us… thanks so much everyone!!
And now, here’s this week’s recipe:
AVOCADO DIJON PASTA SALAD
• Preparation 10 min
• Cook Time 10 min
• Total Time 20 min
Author: GERRY S. Recipe Provided By the California Avocado Commission from a consumer submission
2013 All American Recipe Contest – Healthy Summer Recipe Category First Place Winner!
Penne pasta is combined with Dijon mustard and honey. Creamy cubes of avocado are added at the last moment completing this fantastic and easy summer dish.
Ingredients
• For the dressing-
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp dry tarragon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• For the salad-
• 1 pound pasta penne, cooked
• 3 oz snow peas, cut in half
• 2 oz chopped green onion
• 2 oz red pepper, julienne style
• 2 oz yellow pepper, julienne style
• 2 large ripe avocados, cut into cubes
• 2 oz chopped parsley or cilantro
Serves: 10
Instructions
Cook the pasta as per instructions on the bag. Drain and cool. In small bowl, whisk together the oil, Dijon, honey, lemon juice, tarragon, salt and pepper. Set aside. In a larger bowl add the pasta, peas, both peppers, parsley and avocado. Add the dressing to this mixture and toss gently until well coated, Season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled on a large platter or bowl.
As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. For more great avocado recipes, please visit the California Avocado Commission at www.californiaavocado.com.
Now, for this week’s recipe…
CALIFORNIA AVOCADO-BUTTERMILK PANCAKES
Recipe Provided By Recipe created by Chris Scheuer, Café Sucre Farine for the California Avocado Commission
Tender, fluffy, low-fat pancakes made with a combination of whole grain and regular flours along with California Avocados. A breeze to throw together in the blender, they’re perfect for those mornings when time is short but you’re in the mood for something delicious and nutritious. And what happens when the most important meal of the day meets one of the most delicious fruits in the world? A better breakfast is born! Building your breakfast with the help of California Avocados is an easy way to enjoy a wholesome meal and provide you with energy to start the day. California Avocados are an excellent addition to a well-balanced breakfast. They contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Preparation: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 20 min
Serves: 6
Ingredients
• 2 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 ripe, Fresh California Avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
1. Combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, honey and vanilla in a blender container. Blend until well combined. Add avocado and blend until smooth.
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse several times, just until dry ingredients are incorporated. Be careful to not over mix.
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Scoop batter onto griddle using a 1/4-cup measuring cup. When bubbles appear on the surface of the pancakes flip to other side with a wide spatula. Cook on second side until golden brown. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious served with fresh fruit, syrup, preserves or a dusting of confectioner sugar.
*Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.
Copyright © 2013, California Avocado Commission
Nutrition information per serving
Calories 240; Total Fat 9 g (Sat 3 g, Trans 0 g, Poly 1 g, Mono 4 g); Cholesterol 70 mg; Sodium 590 mg; Potassium 340 mg; Total Carbohydrates 32 g; Dietary Fiber 3 g; Total Sugars 7 g; Protein 9 g; Vitamin A 225 (IU); Vitamin C 3 mg; Calcium 171 mg; Iron 2 mg; Vitamin D 16 (IU); Folate 77 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.07 g
% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
© 2013 California Avocado Commission
And now, here’s this week’s awesome avocado recipe (from California Avocado Commission):
Anytime Omelet
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix eggs and milk. Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium low heat. Pour egg mixture into the skillet. Cook eggs until top is almost set. Sprinkle with cheese and green onion. Cook until cheese melts about 2 minutes. Top with red bell pepper and avocado, fold over, and serve immediately. Yum.
The post Art & Cars in Fallbrook… first appeared on Avocado Dreamin.]]>