Guacamole

Yum

We all have that one recipe we cling  to; the one we know like the back of our hand and can make with our eyes closed. For me, it is guacamole. For as long as I can remember, guacamole has been "my thing". Growing up, I was always in charge of making the guacamole. I took pride in teaching my younger sister how to make guacamole. I love making guacamole so much that at the age of 10, I asked for a molcajete (volcanic rock mortar and pestle). 

One of my staple snacks to enjoy while watching football is guacamole. Its so delicious, easy to make and a huge crowd pleaser. 

Everyone has their own preference on how they enjoy their guacamole. Chunky or creamy? Spicy or mild? Simple or complex? 

I believe my guac is the perfect balance of all these qualities, making it the best you'll ever taste! Also, my secret touch: cumin.

Consistency is number one on my list for making the best guacamole. I have my method of scoring and then scooping the avocado in chunks to preserve a nice consistency. I love texture in my guac!

Usually guacamole is served with tortilla chips - not the healthiest option! Instead, try serving yours up with carrots, broccoli and peppers. You still get a nice crunch but without the added fat.

Guacamole

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados (roughly 10 oz of avocado)
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 roma tomato
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1-2 tbsp jalapeno, chopped (optional - depends on how spicy you want this!)

Directions:

1. Start by preparing your avocados. I do this by cutting them in half and removed my pit. Next, I score the halves length-wise and width-wise which creates small cubes. Scoop avocado from skin, which will leave you with many small pre-cut cubes of avocado, into a medium mix big bowl. 
2. Add remaining ingredients to mixing bowl and mash all ingredients together. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated, but chunky consistency is still kept. Serve with fresh vegetables or tortilla chips.

Nutritional Information (1 serving)

70 calories - 1 g Protein, 4 g Carbohydrates, 5.5 g Fat

Avocado Lime Dressing

Don't be fooled - this isn't just a salad dressing. Oh no, this is so much more. Sure, it is a delicious tangy and creamy dressing for your salad, but it is also fantastic as a dip to accompany your crudités. Don't stop there, I also smothered this on my slow cooker carnitas for a sauce (the best). And with no shame, I even just ate a spoonful of this on its own...it is that good. 

I recently brought my fabulous picnic basket back from my home in Ohio with me to San Francisco. I was dying to use it so I broke it out this past weekend with an inaugural picnic in Golden Gate Park. I was scrambling for something to whip up to actually take in said picnic basket. I was craving salad and veggies but wanted something tastier and more exciting than a simple vinaigrette (my go-to dressing).

The "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking is onion, bell peppers, celery and garlic. I like to think my holy trinity is cilantro, lime, garlic and avocado - very rarely do I not have all of these ingredients on hand. I started throwing things in my blender and before I knew it I created the most versatile summer spread! This will without a doubt be my go-to for the remainder of these warm summer months. Please do yourself a favor and make a batch of this - if it is the one recipe you actually make from my blog! ;)

Avocado Lime Dressing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 (1 serving = 2 tbsp, 1/2 cup of dressing total)

Ingredients

• 1/2 avocado (3 oz)
• Juice of 2 limes (2.5 oz)
• 1 cup cilantro, loosely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Throw everything into a blender and blend until fully pureed - that's it! I found that this works best with a single serve blender attachment or Magic Bullet type blender. 

Nutritional info (1 serving = 2 tbsp dressing)

55 Calories - 0.5 g Protein, 3 g Carbs, 4.5 g Fat