I’ve always found big storms exciting. There’s something about being tucked up safely inside with the wind and the rain lashing at the windows, that’s comforting and exhilarating at the same time. But there are storms and then there are hurricanes — and two in one week was hard to take. I know Fay wasn’t “technically” a hurricane, but as I watched her lift the swing set out of the ground — along with the two-foot-long cast-iron hooks, I found that hard to believe. Sunken boats, felled trees, roofs and walls demolished…. it was an awe-inspiring, sickening sight. Then came Gonzalo and by the time he was done there were some hopes and dreams among the rubble too. A swift reminder of how fierce Mother Nature can be.

But it wasn’t all bad. As everyone emerged from their houses, our neighbourhoods came alive. While the kids played, the adults cleared up, patched up and worked together to dust everything off. It seems that hurricanes have a wartime feel about them — right down to the shared resources and the bunkers. I had cleared out the dreaded closet under the stairs to make a safe-room I never really believed we’d need. But as the second half of Gonzalo passed — and just as we thought our windows would blow in — you bet we used it. We had a cosy family huddle for about 20 minutes, until Belle yelled “I AM MAD AT THIS CUPBOARD!” and the LH got cramp. Then it became a safe room for two and I curled up with my littlest behind an inflatable mattress. Best laid plans and all that…..

Still, the perks kept coming. Simple pleasures like roasting marshmallows over tea-lights, hot showers and hospitality from friends and the long-awaited, ultimate miracle from Belco. Once you’ve been without power for days, do you ever really take it for granted again? Oh and the avocados — my favourite food ON THE PLANET and it was literally raining green globes of joy!

Now, avocados always taste better when they have ripened on the tree but they are still delicious when they have been coaxed to near-perfection in a brown paper bag (don’t forget the banana). I had panic-bought a lot of tinned food, but we didn’t really need it. Partly because going from fridge to freezer to cooler lasted a few days and partly because I will never get tired of avocado on toast. Probably one of the simplest meals around with practically zero prep and washing up. Perfect post-hurricane!

Avocados may be high in calories, but they are good calories — rich in plant-based saturated fats and micronutrients. Yes, if you have avocado with burgers, chips, ice-cream and fries then you will be taking in way more energy than you could ever expend. But if avocados are included in a healthy diet, then you don’t need to worry about the calories. So, if you or a friend have a bumper crop right now, here are my five favourite ways to help you get through them — including some sneaky ways to get them past the kids:

Avocado overload? Five ideas for using them up!

1. On toast

So simple and easy to do power-free so long as you have a BBQ for a toaster! If not then some healthy crackers will do. Just mash avocado with lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Layer it onto toast and away you go. Note that you can freeze mashed avocado (mash with 1 tbs lemon juice per avocado) in single portions if you have more than you can possibly use. I freeze mine in tiny glass mason jars but anything airtight will do. Keeps frozen for up to one year.

2. Guacamole

Everyone has their own favourite recipe — but so long as you have some garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, onion and lime juice, you can’t go far wrong. Dip with veggie sticks, lentil chips, non-GMO corn chips or whole-grain crackers for a healthy snack.

3. Salsa

I love fruity avocado salsa — see below for my favourite recipe. This is delicious with grilled chicken or fish. You can switch out mango for peach, depending on what’s ripe!

4. In smoothies

What? Yep, I know it sounds weird. But adding avocado is a great way of adding healthy fats to a smoothie, which means you get a more sustained energy release than with fruit alone. Try banana, avocado and peach with any type of milk — delicious!

5. In chocolate pudding

One of my favourite recipes so far this year (see below). This is so quick and easy and a pretty sure thing when it comes to the kids. You may need to up the syrup for more reluctant eaters, but it’s pretty sweet as it is. Great for a healthy dessert, or for nipping a chocolate craving in the bud.

Avocado and Mango Salsa

(makes approximately 3 cups)

Ingredients:

1.5 cups diced fresh mango (peach works fine too)

1 cup diced red pepper

1 large avocado, ripe, peeled and diced

½ cup chopped cilantro

¼ cup finely chopped red onion

3 tbs finely chopped jalapeño pepper, stemmed and seeded (optional)

1 clove garlic, minced

Juice of 1 large lime

Salt, to taste

Method: In a medium bowl, combine mango, red pepper, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño (optional), garlic and lime juice. Stir until well combined. Then add the avocado and stir gently. Season with salt, to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Note: You can make this in advance, just prepare and stir through the avocado at the last minute!

Avocado chocolate pudding

Ingredients:

1 very ripe, large avocado

¼ cup cocoa powder

¼ cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup

¼ cup unsweetened milk (dairy, coconut, almond or organic soy)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method: Chill the avocado and milk.

Pop all ingredients in a blender and whizz until completely smooth.

Serve immediately and enjoy! It’s that easy.

•The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details, please go to www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda