When I visited California last year, I was infinitely jealous you could buy 9 avocados for $1. Unfortunately, we’re a little less fortunate over here, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less delicious. Although they are high in fat, it’s the healthy kind of fat that your body needs. Like olive oil, avocadoes boost levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol). Avocadoes provide all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein. Unlike the protein in steak, which is difficult for most people to digest, avocado protein is readily absorbed by the body because avocadoes also contain fiber.

They also provide a combination of Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids which all help guard against inflammation. This means avocadoes can help prevent or mitigate against both osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. As if we needed more reasons to eat these delicious ingredients!

Pick avocados that are a dark green colour, and that gently give when you squeeze. They shouldn’t be overly soft (unless you plan on using them ASAP) and avocados that are lighter in colour and harder will take longer to ripen.

This week, we’ll be testing out the following recipes to add to our inventory of go-to recipes.

• Pineapple Avocado Salsa (Life’s Ambrosia)
• Chilled California Avocado Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe (Cookin’ Canuck)
• Baked Avocado Fries with Chipotle Mayo (Rachel Cook)

We’re always on the hunt for your favorite recipes, so make sure to drop us a line with your favorite uses for avocados.

Refreshing and delicious, mint does more than just freshen your breath. From plant to oil, it doesn’t take too much digging to find its benefits, like providing sinus relief when inhaled, or relaxing those tense muscles. Herbalists believe inhaling mint oil incense helps open the mind and calms the nerves. It has some antioxidant properties and can be used as an anti-itch relief for bug bites or other skin irritations.

Though you can buy mint by the handful at the grocery store, it’s just as easy to grow mint. But a word of caution: it spread like wildfire! To prevent it from taking over the garden, consider planting it in a clay pot, then sink that pot into your herb garden. You can also grow mint fairly easily indoors or bring it inside for the winter months.

Here are the recipes that Lisa and I are going to be giving a test-run this week. What will you be cooking?

• Silver Monk Cocktail (Food & Wine)
• Homemade Girl Scout Cookies: Thin Mints (Baking Bites)
• Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Mint and Feta (The Kitchn)

This week, join us in trying out these or other mint recipes and sharing your results. We are looking for tried-and-true mint recipes to add to our recipe book. Share your favourites below!

Almost everybody loves mango, but how often have you gotten creative with how you incorporate it into your meals? This week, that is going to change.

I remember the first time I tried mango was at my sister’s house when I was around 18 or 19 years old. We approached it with caution (fruit back then was basically apples and bananas) and didn’t know what to expect. When I tasted it, I couldn’t believe I had gone so long without it in my life.

Eating this sweet gift from nature also rewards you with significant amounts of dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A – a full cocktail of antioxidants.

Some people are daunted by the preparation of this fruit. You can’t let that deter you! If your mango is good and ripe – something you can assess by looking for a sweet fresh smell and some softness in the flesh – it is really not that difficult! Here’s a video of the technique I use (although I’m not this pro and definitely opt for the peeler vs. the knife).

So let’s get cooking! What are you going to make this week? Here’s the recipes Laura and I will be trying out:

• Thai Green Mango Salad {About.com}
• Mango Salsa {White on Rice Couple} – definitely going to try on burgers!
• Mango Lassi Pops {Babble.com}
• Grilled Mango with Coconut Ice Cream {Sinful Sundays}

We hope you’ll join us in sharing your favourite recipes below, and trying something new along with us! Please share in the comments section below!