Southern California Is Sizzling

Southern California meteorologists are giddy.

Lately they've been able to do something they usually only fantasize about: talk about actual weather. For most of the year, everyday is the same here: a sunny, 68 degree day in July looks and feels exactly the same as a sunny, 68 degree day in January.

For the last few days, however, its been more like New England style weather -- cold then hot then humid. Temperatures reached a fiery 112 degrees in parts of San Diego just a few days ago.

Used to saying, "It'll be another sunny day here in Southern California," meteorologists have been using words they haven't used since their days in school -- barometric pressure, cloudy skies, drizzle, and humidity.

That's why instead of my original idea to post a recipe for autumn-friendly belly-warming boozy chili or comforting mac 'n cheese, I'm posting on a cool Spicy Avocado and Orange Smoothie. Made with creamy avocado, frozen banana, and nutty almond milk, this smoothie is packed with health-boosting potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and complex carbs. But I'd better drink them quick; it'll be sunny and 68 again in no time.

Spicy Avocado and Orange Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Print recipe only here.

1/2 medium ripe avocado, squirted with lime juice
1/2 small frozen banana
2/3 cup orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed
1/2 cup almond milk (or milk product of your choice)
1 teaspoon honey
A pinch of cayenne pepper

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Add more orange juice of milk if you like it thinner.

Variations: Feel free to play around with ingredients. Instead of banana, try mango, fresh pineapple, ripe pear, or frozen raspberries. Like it sweeter? Skip the cayenne and add a little extra honey, or use agave nectar. Don't like orange juice? Replace it with apple or pomegranate juice or milk of your choice such as skim, soy, rice, or nut milk.

You might also like these recipes featuring avocados from Food Blogga:
Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole
Watercress, Avocado, and Orange Salad
Breakfast Egg Sandwich with Avocado and Chipotle-Mayo

You might also like these sweet avocado recipes:
Avocado Cake recipe from Accidental Hedonist
Banana Avocado Bread recipe from Tasty Kitchen
Avocado Coconut Milk Ice Cream from Peter via The Perfect Pantry