The Awesome
Avocado THIS VERSATILE, POPULAR INGREDIENT SHINES
Flatbread with Arugula, Bacon and Avocado
NO MATTER HOW YOU SLICE THEM, Florida avocados pack a powerful nutritional punch – they’re a great source of potassium, fiber and folate, plus, avocados are loaded with heart-healthy fats. Eating avocados has even been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and help with weight loss because they help you feel satisfied and are low in carbohydrates. Plus, Florida avocados – which have fewer calories and fat grams per cup than Hass avocados – are in season for several months, from June through January. Thankfully, not only are they healthy, avocados taste delicious, too. Add them to salads, whip up some guacamole or puree them into a healthy substitute for butter or mayo. Avocados mix well with other ingredients, so they’re an ideal way 26
to add flavor and nutrition to recipes such as our Avocado Lime Smoothie, which gets its sweetness from pineapple and banana. Sliced avocado makes an attractive and tasty topping for our Flatbread with Arugula, Bacon and Avocado. If you’re looking for a proteinpacked lunch, try our Avocado Chicken Salad – serve it on bread or atop lettuce for a satisfying low-carb meal. Last, but not least, did you know avocados can even be incorporated into desserts? Try our Avocado Chocolate Truffles for a luscious treat you can feel good about eating.
FLORIDAGRICULTURE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES RISE TIME: 30-45 MINUTES COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES MAKES: 2 FLATBREADS INGREDIENTS Flatbread Dough
2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 cup warm water
2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons olive oil Flatbread Toppings
6 slices thick-cut bacon 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced
1½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated 4 cups arugula ¼ cup ranch dressing 1 ripe Florida avocado, sliced 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/FCAFOTODIGITAL
Recipes, styling and photography by Jessi Heggan
