In Vietnam they make an array of refreshing slushie-like drinks using local fruits that are mixed with crushed ice and often sweetened with condensed milk. Avocados are a popular ingredient for the drinks.  This adaption is the consistency of a soft gelato and can be enjoyed as a dessert. Instead of using crushed ice, the avocado is frozen first and the rich condensed milk can be replaced with coconut milk, or soy or yoghurt.  Here are two flavour options. For the younger folk, divide the mixture into icy-pole moulds to make homemade frozen summer treats.

When there is glut of avocados, make the most of cheaper prices and buy a few at time. Freezing is a great way to store ripe avocados successfully, especially if you’re wanting to make guacamole, dips or create this dessert-drink in the week ahead.

makes 1-2 servings (about 300ml)

AVOVCADO, MINT AND COCONUT MILK

1 ripe avocado

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon)

¼ cup loosely packed mint leaves

1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus extra to taste

½ cup coconut milk

AVOCADO, CINNAMON AND SOY

1 ripe avocado

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra to garnish

1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus extra to taste

½ cup soy milk

Cut the avocado in half lengthways and remove pit. Scoop out the flesh, cut into chunks and place on a baking paper lined plate. Transfer to the freezer for minimum of an hour to freeze completely.

Place the frozen avocado in a food processor or blender, with mint leaves, maple syrup and coconut milk. Blend until smooth. Spoon into a 250ml capacity glass tumbler or small bowl and serve straight away with a spoon.

For the soy and cinnamon option, place the pieces of frozen avocado in a food processor or blender, with the cinnamon, maple syrup and soy milk. Blend until smooth. Spoon into a 250ml capacity glass tumbler, dust with cinnamon to garnish, serve straight away with a spoon.

To make icypoles. double the recipe ingredients and follow method, then divide the mixture into moulds. Tap the mould several times to remove air pockets, then position icy pole sticks (or wooden craft sticks) in centre of mould. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours or until frozen. Run warm water over outside of the moulds to loosen and remove the icypoles.

Recipe by Fionna Hammond, November 2024