THE REED CANONBALL

This is what I've been living off of for the past week. I bought two at the farmer's market, and four days later these suckers are just starting to wane. Reed avocados, especially this massive cannonball varietal, have officially eclipsed Hass as mi aguacate numero uno. The flavor is nutty and, for a lack of a better word, avocado-y; the texture is firm and smooth, never mushy; and the best part: they don't oxidize. Well, I should say they don't oxidize quickly. Sure, they'll brown if you stick in hot direct sunlight for an hour, but there isn't the constant vigilance required with Hass avocados even after you've covered them in lemon juice. Easy to slice, perfect to snack on, and sturdy in salads, it's the perfect avocado.

Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast from Claire Thomas on Vimeo.

This is my everything. Breakfast, lunch, snack, I'm bored so I'll eat, dinner, whatever the reason, this tartine is instant gratification. The warm, crunchy wheat toast, which has just a hint of sweetness, is the perfect textural counterpoint to the avocado, while the Tapatio's punch of vinegar and spice brightens the whole thing up. Enjoy!

1/4 reed avocado, sliced

Tapatio (or tobasco)

Olive Oil

Wheat Bread

Toast the wheat bread, cover with avocado. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top, plus a little olive oil and hot sauce. Eat, enjoy, repeat.

Avocado Arugula Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Grilled White Corn

I just used what I had in my fridge, and the sweet summer flavors pop beautifully against the peppery bitterness of the arugula. A simple lime cilantro dressing brings it all together.

1/2 reed avocado, cubed

1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (I keep them whole)

2 ears of white corn

2 bunches arugula

For the dressing

2 tablespoons lime juice

6 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl. In a small container, combine the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cover and shake until combined. Pour as much as you like over the salad, and toss.