California Avocado Eye Opener

California Avocado Eye Opener Recipe - A Perfect Blend of Seafood and Cheese

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The California Avocado Eye Opener is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the savory flavors of shrimp, cheese, and onions. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner option.

History

The California Avocado Eye Opener recipe is a modern twist on the classic quiche, incorporating fresh avocado for a unique and flavorful dish. Avocados have been a staple in California cuisine for decades, and this recipe showcases the versatility of this beloved fruit.

Ingredients

1 peeled and pitted avocado
1 deep dish uncooked pie shell
1 cup cooked bay shrimp
1 cup cooked crab meat (avoid using canned if possible, but if canned is used, make sure all juice is drained)
1 cup grated edam cheese
1 cup grated gruyère cheese
1 cup fontina cheese
0.5 cup finely chopped white onions
5 slices of vine ripened tomatoes (no need to peel)
pepper to taste (white or black)
1 cup coarsely chopped ready-to-use spinach (use fresh, not frozen. If fresh is not available, you may substitute frozen spinach, but make sure it is well thawed and all water is squeezed out)
4 well beaten eggs

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, combine the seafood, cheeses, onions, and spinach. Mix well and set aside.
In another bowl, beat the eggs well and add pepper.
Combine all of the above ingredients and set aside.
Arrange sliced tomatoes on the bottom of the pie shell.
Pour the egg mixture on top of the tomatoes, then place avocado slices arranged like a fan on top of the egg mixture.
Bake until the filling is nice and firm, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Let the pie cool before cutting.

Variations

Substitute crab or lobster for the shrimp for a luxurious twist on this dish.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the cooked shrimp to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

- Use a deep dish pie shell to accommodate the generous amount of filling in this recipe.

- For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper to the egg mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the California Avocado Eye Opener with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to pre-cook the shrimp before adding it to the filling to ensure it is fully cooked through.

- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to ensure clean and neat slices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bay shrimp, you can use cooked chicken or tofu as a protein alternative.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the California Avocado Eye Opener with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy avocado and savory shrimp flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover California Avocado Eye Opener can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of California Avocado Eye Opener contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of California Avocado Eye Opener contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats, with each serving providing around 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

With a generous amount of shrimp and cheese, each serving of California Avocado Eye Opener contains about 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin K, and folate. This dish is a great way to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and shellfish (shrimp), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or shellfish allergies.

Summary

Overall, the California Avocado Eye Opener is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The California Avocado Eye Opener is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of avocados in a savory quiche-like pie. Packed with shrimp, cheese, and onions, this dish is perfect for any meal of the day and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for the California Avocado Eye Opener. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious cooking. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma – a combination of fresh avocados, tangy citrus, and spicy peppers.

Margaret had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a glass filled with a vibrant green liquid. "Try this," she said with a smile. I took a sip, and my taste buds were instantly awakened by the zesty flavors of avocado, lime, and jalapeno. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, and she chuckled as she handed me a tattered piece of paper with faded handwriting. "This is my secret recipe for the California Avocado Eye Opener," she said. "I learned it from a dear friend of mine who used to live in California. It's a refreshing and invigorating drink that will wake you up in the morning."

I thanked Margaret profusely and promised to make the Eye Opener for my family as soon as possible. As I drove home, I couldn't stop thinking about the unique flavors of the drink and how I could recreate it in my own kitchen. When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients – ripe avocados, fresh limes, fragrant cilantro, and fiery jalapenos.

I carefully followed Margaret's instructions, blending the avocados with lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, and a splash of vegetable broth until the mixture was smooth and creamy. I poured the vibrant green liquid into glasses and garnished each one with a slice of lime and a sprig of cilantro.

As I took my first sip of the California Avocado Eye Opener, I was transported back to Margaret's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of a dear friend. The drink was even better than I remembered – a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me feeling refreshed and invigorated.

I couldn't wait to share the Eye Opener with my family. When my husband took a sip, his eyes widened in surprise. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed. "I've never tasted anything like it before." My children were equally impressed, eagerly reaching for seconds and thirds.

From that day on, the California Avocado Eye Opener became a staple in our household. I would make a batch every morning, blending the creamy avocados with zesty lime, spicy jalapeno, and fragrant cilantro. The drink was a perfect way to start the day – refreshing, nourishing, and full of vibrant flavors.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for the California Avocado Eye Opener with friends and family, passing on Margaret's secret to a wider audience. Each time I made the drink, I would think of Margaret and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking and creativity.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with new recipes and ingredients, always seeking out new flavors and combinations to delight my taste buds. But the California Avocado Eye Opener remained a favorite, a comforting reminder of friendship, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.

And so, whenever I make the Eye Opener now, I can't help but smile as I remember the excitement that washed over me that warm summer day when I first saw the recipe. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.