AVOCADO CREAM CHEESE DIP





AVOCADO CREAM CHEESE DIP
A bit different from the usual dips. creamy and tasty - add a little bite with hot sauce or the suggestion given. Avocados are also called alligator pears and are a fruit, not a vegetable.  Avocados are great in milkshakes, puddings and ice creams and especially lend themselves well to applications with cocoa or chocolate in the mix.  They are probably one of the healthiest fruits you can eat as they contain 25 essential nutrients and as much potassium as contained in 3 bananas!  Avocados also contain B6 and folic acid which reduce homocysteine levels associated with increased heart disease risk.  It also lowers blood cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation.  It is an excellent source of lutein which protects eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts.  It has anti-cancer properties as well.  Avocados are high in calories and monounsaturated fats (mostly), so do keep that in mind when dieting.  However, avocados are so good for our health that they are well worth incorporating into our diet for their amazing health benefits.

8 oz cream cheese, softened (250 g)
2 large avocados, peeled, pitted & chopped
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (30 mL)
1 tbsp onion, minced (15 mL)
2 tbsp heavy cream, OR jalapeno juice (from can) (30 mL)
1/2 tsp crushed garlic, optional (2 mL)
1/8 tsp salt (0.5 mL)
1/8 tsp white pepper (0.5 mL)
Paprika sprinkle for garnish

In food processor, process cream cheese.  Add avocados, lemon juice onion, cream, OR jalapeno juice, garlic (if using), salt and pepper.  Process until smooth.  Pour into serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with veggies such as sliced English cucumbers or with low-carb crackers.  

Yield:  8 serv. (11/4 cups)
1 serving
188.2 calories
3.9 g protein
17.8 g fat
3.9 g carbs