With Saturday’s breakfast fast approaching I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite breakfast (or anytime) treats.

My friends from Chile call this Poor Man’s Butter- avocado mashed with a little salt and pepper and a dash lemon and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Avocado is called “Palta” in Chile, Bolivia and Peru. (Just a bit of extraneous information for your reading pleasure… )

We would often have this for “Onces” which translates to “elevenses” but is more like afternoon tea- usually small sandwiches, toast with Palta, fruit, small plates of cheese, tomatoes, meats and pastries. Delicious and a fine tradition I must say. In areas where avocados were plentiful but butter was dear they were substituted and spread liberally on toast and so that’s the origination of the name Poor Man’s Butter. Sadly avocados are quite spendy now as is butter, so what’s a girl to do? We have this now when Haas avocados are ripe and relatively affordable. Don’t bother with another variety for this

Luckily health-wise, avocados are high in monounsaturated fat (as is olive oil) which is better for your serum lipid levels. They are heart-healthy in other words so even though they are a fruit that is mostly fat- go ahead and enjoy them they’re good for you!

Nowadays, having introduced to Rick this delight- we have it mostly for breakfast. This on toast- a plate of scrambled eggs with ham and cheese- a latte, a game of “Upwords”, “Car Talk”  and “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” on  KCPW our local National Public Radio station and our weekend is off to the right start. Yes we’re like that.

Try it and I hope you enjoy!