Avocado Coffee Smoothie - Drink or Dessert

Sinh To Bo (Vietnamese avocado smoothie) - Luxuriously rich and creamy, sweet avocado shakes are a favorite Vietnamese dessert or mid-afternoon snack. Avocados, known as “butter fruit” in Vietnam, are used as a dessert ingredient throughout southeast Asia. The Indonesian version of the avocado shake, jus alpukat, adds coffee or chocolate syrup. Brazilians enjoy creme de abacate. These smoothies may pack a lot of calories, but the fat in avocados is the kind that’s good for you. So don’t feel so guilty -- indulge!

Salmon Tartare with Sesame Crackers in Blue Ice

Salmon is such a versatile fish and makes an expensive but impressive dish to prepare for family and friends. You can, of course, buy ready-made sashimi from local Japanese restaurant, but I think making salmon tartare yourself is what makes this dish special. You can serve it on a plate using a pastry ring, or serve in glasses on ice for more sophisticated look. I colored regular ice with blue food coloring for "blue ocean" effect.

Sautéed Eggplant with Garlic and Fried egg on the top and Strawberry Ice-water.

Eggplant, garlic, mushrooms, peas and onions are the primary ingredients of this easy side dish. Combine them with olive oil and herbs for a wonderful saute and serve with any type of meat or just like that with fried egg on the top.




Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant or 2 medium (about 1½ pounds), firm and shiny, ends trimmed, cut into ¾-inch chunks1 sm. onion, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press
• 1  fried egg

Direction:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and saute the eggplants  with onions and mushrooms for about 10 minutes, stir often, until vegetables are browned and soft.



Add peas and simmer for 5- 10 more minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, salt and pepper to the pan and stir. Let it simmer with the eggplants for about a minute or two.



To serve, top with parsley and fried egg.