Hot Summer Days and Cooling Foods

Today was the first real day that felt like summer. It was over 80 degrees out and sunny. After my morning run, all I was craving was something cooling and soothing. I also had the realization that I haven't been eating enough good fats lately, and so I wanted something with avocado. I quick search online revealed a recipe from Runner's World that I modified to meet with my culinary satisfaction. I call this my Creamy Avocado Gazpacho. This is wonderfully cool and rich, satisfying, with a little kick on the end. This rates A for nutrition, and makes 1 serving at 252 calories with 16.7g fat (3.4g saturated), 7mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 20.5g carbs, 7.1g dietary fiber, 10.3 g sugars, 9g protein, 7% vitamin A, 25% vitamin C, 25% calcium, and 5% iron.


Puree together the following in a food processor or blender:

1/2 medium hass avocado
5 inches of an english cucumber cut into cubes
1/2 cup 2% fat greek yogurt
juice of 1/4 lime
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp siracha or your favorite hot sauce
1 small clove of garlic, minced

Let it rest in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors mix, then garnish with cucumber slices (I stick in a fennel green just for the picture... so pretty... hahaha).