Advice from a friend: 'Write a cookbook, everybody buys cookbooks.

You could insert your little verses in the margins.  That way, they could

be read while the soufflé was rising or the béchamel sauce reducing -

or... whatever. 

But don't make them too long, or the parmesan might burn.'

                                                                                                                                          Avocado Stone

                                                                                                                                          Alligator pear

                                                                                                                                          with your buttery flesh

                                                                                                                                          and lime verge -

                                                                                                                                          you describe an alien eclipse.

                                                                                                                                          Extract the stone

                                                                                                                                          and reveal:

                                                                                                                                          the womb-like wound

                                                                                                                                          the aching explication.

                                                                                                                                                                         Eject pod

                                                                                                                                                                                               and

                                                                                                                                                                                   abort

                                                                                                                                          next generation.

Avocado Soup

Heat chicken stock (made up with 4 cubes if necessary) in a saucepan to boiling point.

Cut open avocados and lift out stones.  If intending to serve soup cold, cut eight very thin slices, sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration and set aside. 

Scoop out remaining avocado flesh, place in a bowl and mash well with the egg yolk and cream.

Remove stock from heat.  Gradually add the avocado mixture, whisking vigorously. 

Add salt and pepper to taste.  Do not reheat.

Serve hot with fried croutons.  If serving cold, chill the soup for at least 1 hour, then serve garnished with reserved avocado slices.