Beyond guacamole

If you’re tired of boring sandwiches, try jazzing them up with an avocado spread. Avocados are packed with “good fat,” nutrients and antioxidants, and they taste fabulous. The Mexican avocado board suggests mashing a ripe avocado with a fork, adding salt to taste and a little lime juice as a base. Then add chili powder or adobo, horseradish, cumin, oregano or lime zest for a flavorful, healthy spread that mimics the creaminess of mayonnaise. To make the pictured Avocado and Beef Torta, preheat your broiler. Mash the flesh of 1 ripe avocado with a fork, stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside. In a cup, combine 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Rub seasoning mixture over both sides of a 1-pound flank steak; place on rack in a broiler pan. Broil steak, 2 to 3 inches from heat source, until cooked as desired (about 5 minutes on each side for medium). Remove to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, and cut diagonally into thin slices. Split a loaf of Italian bread and spread avocado mixture on top half. Layer 1 cup torn salad greens, 1 thinly sliced tomato and beef on bottom of loaf. Cut crosswise into 4 pieces. For more recipes, send a business-size SASE to: Mexican Avocado Leaflet, c/o Lewis & Neale Inc. Box No. 636, New York, NY 10159-0636.

Spring cleaning

When was the last time you got excited about doing the dishes? Now you have a reason – Stonewall Kitchen’s line of cleaning products, including dish soap, and window and countertop cleanser, comes in delicious scents, including lavender mint, lemon parsley and grapefruit thyme. Each bottle costs between $8.95 and $9.95 and the whole line is available at www.stonewallkitchen.com or by calling (888) 326-5678.

Red alert

Looking for fine dining with a twist? Porte Rouge, a restaurant run by a 20-year-old, Cordon Bleu-trained chef and three of his classmates, has opened in Waterville. Since it opened in late March, Porte Rouge, which features meatless continental cuisine and decadent desserts, has attracted meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The restaurant, located at 144 College Ave, is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information or reservations call 872-7222.