Mama Says…make a dip that will be the hit of the party

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Be honest. Don’t you love it when you bring a dish (or a dip) to a party and leave with multiple requests for the recipe? Who doesn’t! Here is a crowd-pleasing guacamole dip, which is perfect for parties or an afternoon at home watching the games.

Quick and Delicious Guacamole
Serves 4-6 Easy 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
1/3 cup salsa (your choice, I prefer Pace Picante mild or medium)
juice from ½ a lime
dash of cumin

Garnish with cilantro or parsley sprigs and a dash of chili powder. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables.

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, fold in all ingredients with a fork or spatula.

2. Guacamole is best made just prior to serving. Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap against the surface of the guacamole. Garnish and serve.

Notes

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• If the avocado is mashed rather than chopped into small cubes, the guacamole will brown faster. The lime juice not only adds flavor but also slows the reaction of the enzyme that causes browning.
• Spice up your “guac” by adding any of the following: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, dash of Tabasco, garlic, ½ medium onion (red, yellow or sweet).
• The secret to delicious guacamole is ripe avocados. To check for ripeness gently press the outside of the avocado. If there is no give, the avocado is not ripe and will not mash. If there is a little give, the avocado is ripe. If there is a lot of give, the avocado may be past ripe, taste test first before using.
• Ripen firm avocados at home by placing the avocados in a brown paper bag and storing the bag in a dry, dark cupboard for 2 – 4 days. Leave yourself a note as a reminder to check on them!
• To stretch your “guac” add sour cream or plain yogurt and additional salsa or minced tomatoes.

Photo credit: Copyright courtesy of California Avocado Commission. Click here for more avocado recipes.