Banana Avocado Mousse With Caramelized Red Onion Puree Recipes

AVOCADO, CARAMELIZED BANANA CUPCAKE

Steps:

• For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 cupcake baking pans with paper liners.
• Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl; set aside. Beat the sugar, butter and pureed avocado until completely combined in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat in the vanilla, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Beat in the buttermilk with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Add the flour mixture. Once all the flour is incorporated, increase the mixing speed to medium and beat for 20 seconds longer. Be careful not to over-mix.
• Divide the batter among the pans and bake until golden on top and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes before inverting, removing papers and cooling completely.
• For the buttercream frosting: Beat the powdered sugar and egg whites for about 5 minutes on medium-high speed using an electric mixer. Puree the avocado and lime juice in a food processor. Add the butter to the whites mixture and beat until very creamy, about 10 minutes, then add the avocado and lime juice and mix well.
• For the streusel: Cream together the butter, sugar and almond paste using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla and cinnamon and mix well. Add the flour and toasted oats in batches until large crumbs start forming.
• For the caramelized bananas: Make a dry caramel by pouring the sugar in an even layer into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the caramel starts to melt, gently pushing the sugar towards the center. Continue cooking, stirring only very occasionally, until the caramel turns a dark copper, taking care that the caramel doesn't burn. Transfer to a bowl, stir in the bananas until coated and caramelized, and then stir in the butter, cream and cinnamon.
• For assembly: Remove the centers of the cupcakes using a melon baller and fill with the caramelized bananas. Pipe the avocado-lime frosting on top, sprinkle with the oats streusel and garnish with lime zest on top.

RED QUINOA-CRUSTED TUNA WITH SMOKED TOMATO PUREE

Steps:

• Shape a large piece of aluminum foil into a bowl shape. Submerge the wood chips in water for at least 15 minutes, then drain them and put them in the foil 'bowl'. If you are using a gas grill turn 1 side to high and leave the other side off.
• Put the tomatoes on the side of the grill that is off and put the foil bowl full of wood chips on the heated side. Close the lid and smoke for 45 minutes.
• Indoor method: Put the soaked wood chips in the bottom tray of a stovetop smoker. Heat over medium-high heat until the chips begin to smoke. Put the tomatoes, over the wood chips in the smoking tray, and then cover the smoker. Reduce the heat to medium-low and smoke for 15 minutes.
• When the tomatoes are done, put them in a large mixing bowl to cool slightly. Peel the skins from the tomatoes and discard.
• Add the tomatoes to a blender and blend on high until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic and shallots. Saute until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree and simmer until slightly thickened, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt, and pepper, to taste. Let the tomato mixture cool for about 5 minutes, then add it to a blender and mix until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl and set aside.
• In a coffee grinder, grind the chiles and quinoa into a powder. Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper, to taste, and then toss them in the chile dust.
• In a large heavy bottom skillet over high heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil and heat until smoking hot. Sear all 4 sides of the tuna steaks making sure cooking time is even for all sides, about 30 seconds per side. While the grill is still hot, coat the whole scallions with remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill for about 1 minute on each side.
• Indoor method: Char the scallions on a lightly oiled grill pan or under a broiler.
• To serve, spoon some tomato puree onto each serving plate. Slice the tuna and arrange on the plates, garnished with grilled scallions.

SWEET AVOCADO PUREE

Steps:

• With the back of a spoon, press the avocados through a sieve into a bowl. Add the lime juice and sweeten with sugar.
• Transfer the puree to 4 chilled wine glasses and garnish with raspberries, mint and/or pistachio nuts.