Get on avocado’s sweet side
We think of avocados as savoury, but they’re creamy and delicious in sweet treats, writes Kristen Hartke. A tablespoon of avocado has 25 calories, compared to 100 calories in the same amount of butter. So eat away!
AVOCADO KEY LIME PIE
You can substitute regular limes or even use bottled key lime juice — just don’t forget the fresh lime zest. Serves: 6 to 8
Make ahead: The baked, cooled crust needs to be refrigerated for 1 hour before using. It can be tightly wrapped in its dish and frozen for up to 2 weeks. The assembled pie needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, and preferably overnight.
For the crust:
2 cups (500 mL) finely ground graham cracker crumbs ( from about 10 squares)
1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar Scant
1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
2/3 cup (160 mL) coconut oil ( liquefied) or unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
2 ripe Hass avocados, smashed (2 cups/500 mL; may use fresh or frozen/defrosted) 4 tsp (20 mL) finely grated zest 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp (155 mL) fresh juice ( from about 5 key limes) 1/2 cup (125 mL) sweetened condensed coconut milk 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract Pinch kosher salt Whipped cream, for garnish (optional) Finely grated lime zest and/or thin lime wheels, for garnish (optional)
1. For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Add oil or melted butter and stir until crumbs are evenly coated with the consistency of wet sand.
3. Use a spoon or underside of a measuring cup to press evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch (22.5-cm) pie plate.
4. Bake (middle rack) for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour or until well chilled.
5. For the filling: Combine avocado, lime zest and juice, condensed milk, vanilla extract and salt in a blender. Purée until smooth and silky. Transfer to the chilled crust, then use an offset spatula to spread it smooth and evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and preferably overnight.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and lime zest and thin lime wheels, if using.