Cooking with snow!

We've had some lovely spring weather here in northern Colorado these past few days! Temperatures soaring into the upper 40s, birds are returning, and...the snow is melting!!

And that snow melt got me thinking. As human animals we have the luxury of buying organic water from locally-owned co-ops, or, sometimes, turning on the tap. However, I think of the animals that rely solely on snow melt for their water needs. On one hand snow is Gaia's frozen tears of joy, but on the other hand--as Brent and I found out--it is also her polluted dandruff of wrath.

You see, if the neighbor cats and prairie dogs must rely on snow for water, then we must as well. It is the most greenatarian idea I've come up with yet!

However, I was met with adversity as I melted down out first Le Creuset 13 1/4 quart Round French Oven full of snow. Brown leaves, twigs, animal feces, and small rocks didn't particularly bother me--it was the cigarette butt and wad of chewed gum that caused concern. But, since the all of the animals have to drink Gaia's tears of pain, then Brent and I would too. No, we did not run the melted snow through any sort of sieve. Raccoons and elk do not have such luxuries.

Anyway! Here is my recipe for Icy Avocado Soup! Once you get past the chunks of nature and/or human filth it's pretty tasty! Brent, however, got a little sick and has been vomiting every day since I made this on Monday, however, when he complains I just point out that Hemp Knot IV vomits everyday too. We are, after all, animals too!

• 3 ripe organic locally-grown ethically-sound avocados
• 2 tablespoons organic locally-grown ethically-sound lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon raw brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon organic seasalt
• 1/8 teaspoon white organic freshly-ground pepper
• 1/2 organic locally-grown ethically-sound jalapeno pepper, minced
• 1 organic locally-grown ethically-sound shallot, minced
• 2 cups snow melt, unfiltered
  
• 1 cup organic locally-produced ethically-sound hormone-free cruelty-free heavy cream

Preparation:

Peel avocado, remove pit, and cut into chunks. Place in food processor or blender with lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, jalapeno, and shallot; add 1 cup snow melt and puree until smooth.

Pour soup into medium bowl and add remaining snow melt and cream; stir with wire whisk until blended. Cover by placing plastic wrap directly on the soup's surface; chill for 2-3 hours before serving.

Garnish with avocado slices, some salted whipped cream, and a sprinkle of fresh mint. Serves 4