July 16, 2019
Blackbutt will be holding its second annual Community Expo on Saturday … and this year, there’ll be something new to try.
The Blackbutt Community Expo allows the town’s community groups to get together once a year and show what they do.
This year the Blackbutt Avocado Festival Committee will be whipping up interest in their activities with an exotic range of avocado smoothies, shakes and cocktails.
The Expo will be held at the Blackbutt Memorial Hall in Bowman Road from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Between 11:00am and 1:00pm, the public can whip up their own avocado-inspired beverage for free at the festival’s stand.
“We want to find the public’s favourite avo-inspired smoothie or drink concoction is, and we’ll road test it,” festival chairman Jeff Connor said.
“We’ll supply the blender, the avos, mugs, sugar, honey, milk and other basic ingredients.
“All you have to do is bring a name for your creation and any secret ingredients you’d like to add.
“Our committee will have a few drink choices on offer, but what we’re really looking for is our next avo-themed cuisine star to roll out on festival day, September 14.”
* * *
For those new to avo-themed shakes and mocktails, Hazel Christie-Small has developed a few recipes visitors can try, along with technique tips.
Here’s her suggestions:
Very Vegan Avocado
• 1/2 Blackbutt avocado
• 1 ripe banana
• 4 tablespoons almond milk
• 1 handful fresh spinach leaves (optional)
• 1 handful ice cubes
Mint Cocoa Avocado Smoothie
• 1 Blackbutt avocado
• 1 frozen banana – (the riper the sweeter)
• 3 tablespoons chocolate almond milk
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Mikado Avocado
• 1 Blackbutt avocado
• 1 frozen banana (the riper the sweeter)
• 1/2 cup full cream milk
• A touch of honey or agave
Silky Smooth Avo Addiction
• 1 Blackbutt avocado
• 1/4 cup macadamia nut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
Whammo Avo
• 1 Blackbutt avocado
• 1/2 cup full cream milk
• 1 banana
• Dash cayenne pepper / black pepper
• 1.5 cm ginger, finely chopped.
• 150 ml milk.
• 5-6 ice cubes
Avocado Absolut (Adults Only)
• 1 Blackbutt avocado
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• Shot of vodka
• Squeeze of lime juice
• Mint leaf
Optional sweeteners:
Honey, agave, stevia, maple syrup
Tips when experimenting:
• Use 1/2 to one cup of liquid (nut or dairy milk, juice, coconut water, or water)
• Use Blackbutt avocados (they’re the best)
• Frozen fruit of your choice up to the top of the liquid (frozen makes it slushier)
• Use a handful of greens for added nutrients – you won’t really taste it: spinach, kale, mint, sorrel, even garlic to keep away the cold and ‘flu.
[Photo: The Flavor Blender]
