Sunday, March 22, 2009

Liquid Avocado II

After my visit to San Antonio last spring, I wrote a post about the dynamite avocado margaritas that we enjoyed at Aldaco's in Sunset Station (see photo above, and post, Liquid Avocado in San Antonio). Almost a year after tasting this unusual cocktail, I created my own version this afternoon. I looked at several recipes online (Aldaco's doesn't share theirs on the web site) and then headed for our kitchen.
Though not a duplicate of the creamy, smooth concoction from Aldaco's, this recipe is definitely worth making again. See what you think:


Lisa's Avocado Margarita
Makes approximately four, 5-ounce servings

2 cups crushed ice, after crushing
1/3 cup fresh lime juice; about 3-4 small limes
1 1/2 medium avocados
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec (or orange brandy)
3-4 teaspoons honey

1/4 lime juice - bottled is fine
1-2 tablespoons chile powder
lime slices, cut in half

Crush ice in food processor or sturdy blender. Juice limes and cut avocado into large chunks. Place all ingredients in blender and combine to create a milkshake consistency. Adjust honey and lime juice to taste.

Pour 1/4 cup lime juice in a wide bottom bowl and chile powder in another wide bottom bowl. Wet top edge of each glass in lime juice and then dip in chile powder so it surrounds the entire rim. Place slice of lime on each rim. ENJOY!















Midwest Luxury at Chateau Avalon

I had just finished lunch at a Kansas City, Kan. restaurant when I decided to visit an unusual hotel located nearby. My camera and I had a wonderful time touring the award-winning Chateau Avalon. Each room or suite has a distinctly different character, but all offer an escape from the everyday. And, with nearly two dozen themed rooms/suites, the hotel offers surroundings for every taste.

This area is part of the Roman Dynasty suite, with a 20-foot floor-to-ceiling mural, and a curtain-draped bed full of sumptuous linens located through an adjacent archway. As with every room at the Chateau Avalon, there is also a private bath. A stay in Seville means sleeping in a dark wood, four poster bed surrounded by classical Spanish art and furnishings. Visitors experience a whimsical escape when they stay in Pirate Cove, with murals of pirates and their ships, and a head- and foot-board decorated with skulls and crossbones.

Love Camelot? There's a suite for you at Chateau Avalon. Dream of living in a New York penthouse? Try it out here. Like the beach? Make a reservation for the Tahitian or the Tahitian Treehouse Suite. Enjoy fresh cider and cookies at check-in, breakfast in bed, and a complementary library of DVDs. You also can order beer and wine or a list of delectable 'evening indulgences.'

Chateau Avalon also lies within minutes of the Village West shopping, dining and entertainment district. A stay here is all about luxury, escape and romance.