Blood Orange versus Orange-Orange

I love all types of oranges in general but blood oranges especially. They're distict color and bitter fruity taste are unique from an "orange" orange, so they really only share a smillar texture.(At least I think so) They aren't available year round so look out for them at your farmers markets and grab them while they are in season!

There are three types of Blood Oranges that are popular from where they are grown. The Tarocco is grown throughout Europe but mostly used in Italy. The Sanguinello is from Spain, and the Moro is what is grown in the US. These three types vary by rind color, seeds, size, and taste. MMM I just got sidetracked. "blood orange-cello"

Anyway, blood oranges like most citrus have a good amount of Vitamin C, fiber, iron and calcium. Because blood oranges are a dark fruit, they are an antioxidant. They also reduce risk of heart disease, some cancers, and lower high cholesterol.

When I think of blood oranges I think of Di Dio's Italian Ice in Santa Monica. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/di-dios-italian-ice-santa-monica) They're Blood Orange ice is incredible. I don't know much how they make it, but its worth a try if your in the neighborhood. Really! I haven't tried anything like it.
I also don't really have a recipe of my own for this ingredient because I like it all by itself! It is a perfect treat!
I did grab this recipe when doing some research though

Blood Orange Fennel Salad
1-2 blood oranges cut
1 "orange" orange also cut
1 fennel bulb chopped
olive oil
salt

Toss this salad together for a light (on the oliveoil) spring salad! If you want more Blood Orange to this, try juicing it instead of "orange" orange juice for a Mimosa! YUM!

(this entry might sound crazy-I'm tired so goodnight!)

Avocados la di di da da

First, I apologize, its been a while.

So, one of my all time favorite ingredients is avocado. I enjoy this buttery fruit alone. Kind of crazy and I know this isn't normal because i've seen the filthy looks when I eat avocado halves plain. Oh well! Anyway, avocados are so diverse, I just don't know where to begin!

Avocados are in fact FRUIT! That seed cant hide! It grows in trees from the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, Central America, and good for me, also plenty in California!
There are many types of avocados including the most popular, Hass which is grown year round and become medium sized with a nutty butter flavor. The Gwen, Pinkerton, and Reed are some other less popular but delicious type of avocados.

Avocados were known as the fertility fruit by Aztecs. It also can be used to clear skin as a natural facial masque.

For me, avocados are a big part of my diet as a vegetarian and is a great meat or cheese alternative. I especially like it in salads for great texture and heartiness. For any vegetarian, avocado sushi is the easiest way to enjoy the sushi experience without being left with a unsatisfying salad. Check out Shojin Restaurant, their sushi is vegan and worth a drive to Little Tokyo!
So we are missing THE avocado dish.

Guacamole
for 2 people
1-2 large avocados
1/2 onion chopped (sauté these if you want to try your guacamole differently)
1/2 cup fresh cut cilantro
1/2 or 1 jalapeno, cut in half with seeds removed and chopped (keep some seeds if you like it hot!)(but don't touch your face after handling!)
Lime juice to taste (you can use lemon whatever just remove the seeds)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Remove the avocado meat from the skin and seed. Put avocados in a bowl and start to mash to your texture preference. Add the onions, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt and pepper. Enjoy with some chips, carrots and celery, or to top your burger, salad, quesadilla, the options are unlimited!

http://theshojin.com/ - summer took me here and we cant wait to go back. take us. we will love you a little.