Avocado Tartine… healthy, guilt-free, delicious!

Did you know that avocados can help lower belly fat?  Yup, it’s true, I didn't make that up!  Although avocados are fattening, they are primarily made up of monosaturated fats and very little saturated fat.  They also contain antioxidants and help your skin glow, anything that helps my skin, I'll eat! 

Today I made an Avocado Tartine.  I was first introduced to tartines by a well known chain in New York City named Le Pain Quotidien, a French bakery/restaurant with locations worldwide.  This establishment is famous for their pastries and their use of organic ingredients.  And that’s my little summary on how I came up with the idea of an Avocado Tartine.

But wait, before I give you the recipe, hope you guys all had a wonderful weekend.  My weekend involved a LOT of food.  Friday evening I came home and blasted my instrumental Italian CD and cooked some Italian food using white wine.  It was delicious!

I paired this meal with the succulent Pinot Grigio for my hubby and I to enjoy.

Saturday my husband and I headed to the movie theater to watch an Indian movie – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – which literally means You Only Live Once!  You guessed right, it was a movie which focused on living the present and not taking life for granted. 

The movie was filmed in Spain which gave me a little preview of what this gorgeous country will be like prior to my Europe Trip this Fall (keeping my fingers crossed).  I have to admit the movie got me super excited for my Spain trip mainly because Spanish Culture really appeals to me... I see it as vibrant and so fun.  Below is an image of Seville which I will hopefully see.

After the movie my hubby and I headed to Noodle Gourmet and met up with my friend, Anu, and her husband.  Noodle Gourmet is one of the best Chinese food shacks located in the heart of Rutgers University – where I spent 4 years of my life!!!  I enjoyed Shrimp with Garlic Sauce & Brown Rice, but I’d have to say their Vegetable Fried Rice is easily their best dish!

We then headed to Thomas Sweets which has some of the best ice cream in New Jersey.  I had a Blendin’ with Cake Batter & Coffee Ice Creams combined with bananas and walnuts – albeit that sounds lethal!  It was so so so delicious, but I split the ice cream with my husband – remember, all good things in moderation! 

I then headed to visit my parents for a couple hours before I headed home.  It was a great day and a lot of fun.

Sunday was all about hitting the gym and working off those excess calories, grocery shopping, and cooking for the week.  I made 4 dishes today for the week, one of which was an Avocado Tartine. 

This open-faced sandwich makes a healthy lunch or a great snack.  Enjoy!    

NUTRITION: Avocados are a good source of Vitamin K, Fiber, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C.  They are also an excellent source of Antioxidants.  Whole Wheat bread is a great source of Fiber and Protein.

INGREDIENTS (makes 2 servings):

• Whole Wheat Bread – 1 slice per person
• Avocado – 1 (chunky)
• Lime – Juice of ½ a lime
• Scallions – 1-2 tablespoon (chopped)
• salt to taste
• Paprika – ¼ to ½ tsp
• Fresh Cilantro – chopped

DIRECTIONS:
1. Toast a bread on both sides until golden brown.

2. Start with this.

3. Remove the avocado from the skin and place it in a bowl.

4. Juice half a lime over the avocado.

5. Add chopped scallions.

6. Add salt and paprika.

7. Mix all the ingredients and using a spoon mash the avocado so it is chunky, not smooth.

8. Check on the toast – should be done.

9. Spread half the avocado over the toast.

10. Top with fresh cilantro.

11. Serve!