While native to South Central Mexico, Avocado’s have become increasingly popular around the world. The texture of an Avocado is generally very oily and has a consistency relatable to peanut butter. In the past 15 years, the percentage of avocados consumed has gone from 2 pounds per person, to 7 pounds per person. Their popularity in American cuisine has also skyrocketed.

Avocados can be used in almost anything; here are 5 unique ways to use them from thehealthymaven.com:

Pudding (mini mousses)-  I picked this recipe because I love mousse, and thought this would be a great recipe to serve to guests at a party.

Ingredients

40g Mint chocolate

2 Avocados

1 Cup coconut milk

4tbsp cacao

3tbsp sweetener (for ex: maple syrup, cane sugar)

1tsp vanilla essence

To serve (optional): some grated chocolate and the fruit of your choosing

Steps:

Set the chocolate to melt.

While the chocolate is melting: add the avocado meat, coconut milk, cacao, sweetener and vanilla essence. Blend the ingredients until they are smoothly blending together.

Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in the avocado mixture and beat them together with a mixer or by hand. Pour into tall glasses with a spoon and put in the fridge for at least two hours.

Balsamic avocado salad dressing: I chose this recipe because I love salads and I’m always looking for different ways to “spice” them up.

Ingredients:

¼ Cup balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon fresh parsley

2 Teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 Clove of garlic

1 Teaspoon brown mustard

2 Teaspoons pure maple syrup

¼-1/2 Teaspoon sea salt (to your preference)

½ Teaspoon ground pepper

3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided up so 1 Tablespoon can be used for sautéing with the garlic

½ avocado

2-4 Tablespoons water (to your preference for the kind of texture you want)

Steps:

Sauté 1 Tablespoon of the olive oil with the garlic clove until it is fragrant. Turn off the heat to let it cool off. This is not a necessary step but it adds a more garlic flavor.

Add sautéed garlic along with all of the ingredients (except the water) into a blender that is put on the highest setting. Parsley should be chopped up completely; the dressing should be pretty thick at this point in the process. Add in water to thin the dressing out a bit. Start with 2 Tablespoons and add to your preference.

Avocado Hair Mask: I picked this because, personally, my hair is very damaged from continuously dying and straightening the strands. I love the idea of using natural remedies to regurgitate my damaged locks.

Ingredients:

1 Ripe avocado, smashed and scooped out

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons honey

2-3 Drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Steps:

Start at the root of your hair and massage throughout it and towards the ends. (if you have split ends, you will want to put a little extra on the ends that are the worst)

After it is massaged through your hair, let it sit for 15-30 minutes.

Wash and rinse thoroughly.

Fruit Roll Ups: I mainly chose this reciepe because it looked incredibly intriguing. Avocado fruit roll ups? Will they taste good? Who knows?!  (Disclaimer: This is one of the more time consuming recipes)

Ingredients:

2 Avocados  (peeled and scooped)

1 Large mango, ripe (peeled and scooped as well)

Lemon juice ( 4 tablespoon or to your preflerence)

Salt (to your preference)

Red chili powder (to your preference)

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 175F
mix all of the ingredients until it turns into a smooth sauce like texture.
you can change the lemon juice, salt and mangos to your taste preference for your fruit roll up.
put parchemnt on your baking sheet, making sure that it is covered completely . Using a spatula or spoon, spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture on the tray making sure it is spread over the whole pan.
Let it bake for 3-5 hours until the fruit leather is firm, dry and evenly done.
– Allow it to cool for little bit then using a knife or pizza cutter, cut them into strips, squares or any shape.