Avocados are a prime example of an underutilized fruit in many dishes.Cooking is all about pushing your limits. Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen. Mistakes are only learning curves to a better dish. With that said, I substituted oil for avocado to make a few recipes even tastier. Don't hesitate to let me know what you think!

  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    1

    Chick Pea Salad

    Ingredients

    • 1 can chick peas, rinsed
    • 1 can tuna in spring water, drained
    • 1 avocado, sliced then cubed
    • Pinch of salt and pepper
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
    • 2 tablespoons feta cheese
    • 1/2 a white onion, finely diced
    • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped

    Directions

    1. Put all ingredients in a bowl then stir and serve.
  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    2

    Avocado Salad Dressing

    Ingredients

    • 2 ripe avocados, sliced then mashed
    • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
    • 1 to 2 tablespoons low fat milk
    • 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions

    1. Mix avocado with yogurt until smooth. Add cilantro, combine.
    2. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until desired thickness is achieved, then add salt and pepper to taste.
    3. Pour dressing over your favorite salad and enjoy!
  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    3

    Tuna Salad

    Ingredients

    • 2 slices of bread, toasted
    • 1 can tuna in spring water, drained
    • 1 ripe avocado, mashed
    • 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
    • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions

    1. Mix the avocado with the Greek yogurt until smooth. Add tuna and stir. Add celery, salt and pepper to taste, combine. Place tuna salad on toasted bread and serve.
  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    4

    Fudge Brownies

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 ripe avocados at room temperature, smashed
    • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
    • 1 1/4 cups sugar
    • 3/4 teaspoon salt
    • 3 large eggs
    • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with foil; butter foil. Set aside.
    2. Place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, stir frequently, until almost melted. Stir smashed avocados into chocolate mixture.
    3. Whisk in sugar and salt until smooth; whisk in eggs, flour until just smooth. Fold in nuts if using.
    4. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes our with a few moist crumbs attached, about 45 to 50 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
    5. Use foil to life from pan; peel off and discard. Cut into 16 squares.
  • iStock
    iStock
    loading...
    5

    Simply Chocolate Cake

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/2 cup smashed avocados, about one ripe avocado
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
    • 1 cup cold water
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350F. Liberally butter an 8-inch round or square cake pan, set aside.
    2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, white vinegar and cold water. Whisk until well combined.
    3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107