Snack Pack: Homemade Guacamole (& Cucumber Chips!)

I never liked avocados growing up. I don't know if it was the color, the taste, or maybe a mixture of the two, but I just didn't like them. Of course, that also meant that, to me, guacamole was "ewww, gross!" and I just didn't touch the stuff.

Fast forward 15 years and, like most of the foods I didn't like as a kid (asparagus and any kind of seafood, for instance), I'm suddenly obsessed with everything the avocado has to offer. It's so unbelievably yummy...and good for you, too!  One of my favorite things about it is that it's best when simply prepared, in a recipe that allows it to shine. And you know how I feel about simple and easy. It's kind of my thing. Ok, it's REALLY my thing.

The forecast for this weekend (for my fellow Atlantans) is sunny and warm, and I'm planning on spending some quality time out on my deck soaking up some rays, hanging out with my favorite boys (the hubs and our two dogs, of course), and snacking on some of my fine-weather-favorites...today's recipe included.

The cucumber chips are a great option for  GF-er's, though you can also grab a bag of Tostitos corn chips as well if gluten's a no-no for you. If not, feel free to pair this great guac with any chip or dipper you like!

Homemade Guacamole (& Cucumber Chips)

1/2 tsp kosher salt

2 avocados, halved and pitted

1 1/2 tbs red onion, finely chopped

1 lime

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 small serrano chile, finely chopped

1 medium cucumber, sliced into rounds or chips for dipping

Scoop the flesh from the avocado halves into a small bowl and mash with a fork. Add onion, cilantro, juice of lime, chile and salt. Stir to mix ingredients. Serve in a bowl with cucumber slices. If desired, lightly salt and pepper cucumber.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @Cocktail_Cutie!

Until next time...

Cheers!

Taco Night: The Lighter Side

Alright, everyone...who loves taco night? I know I do! Normally, I stick to the typical: ground beef with taco seasoning, soft or hard taco shells, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, cheese...all of the fun toppings that make tacos complete. However, I changed up my usual routine the other night, and the results were so yummy that I just have to share the recipe with you!

To preface, I'll say that I've been obsessed with raw (or, in this case, lightly seared) tuna since my husband and I got back from our honeymoon. While we were there, I had an absolutely fabulous entree salad with raw tuna and mixed greens, topped with a super delish teriyaki dressing. Because I loved it so much, these days I'm pretty much willing to try any recipe that uses raw or seared tuna as an ingredient. Truthfully, I seek those recipes out...I just can't help it! This particular gem comes from the March 2012 edition of Cooking Light magazine (one of my favorite reads), and combines  my new favorite food with a classic taco night ingredient for a combination that is light, delicious and - importantly - easy to make. You'll love the simple guacamole used in this recipe, so much so that you may even want to use it on its own as a dip for tortilla chips!

And I know, I said I was working on pictures, and I really will get some better images up here eventually...but I promise these look (and taste, of coures) awesome in real life!

Tuna Tacos with Guacamole

1/2 cup chopped red onion*

1 tbs fresh lime juice 

3/4 tsp kosher salt

2 peeled and mashed avocados

Cooking spray

1 10 oz Yellowfin tuna steak

Flour tortillas

*Want to save time here? Purchase previously chopped red onions.

Guacamole: Mix onion, lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt and avocados in a small bowl. Cover and place in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, coating pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle tuna filet with 1/2 tsp salt. Add tuna to skillet and cook 4 minutes each side. Allow tuna to sit for 3-4 minutes before slicing. Warm tortillas if desired (as shown on package). Serve immediately with guacamole and extra slices of lime (squeeze a little over your taco for an extra kick!).

Easy, right?! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did! Happy Taco Night! :)

Cheers!

Super Bowl Sips and Dips!

The big day is approaching! Are you ready for the Super Bowl?

If there's one thing people love more than watching those crazy commercials, it's digging in to some great food during the game. Whether you're having a big party or just enjoying the game at home by yourself, I've got two fabulous and easy dips for you to enjoy!

Guacamole Dip

3 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tbs sour cream

2 (3 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

2 tbs salsa (I use Tostitos Chunky Salsa)

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp onion powder

In a small bowl, mix the avocados, sour cream, cream cheese and salsa. Mix to desired consistency, then add salt, pepper, garlic salt and onion powder, stirring to blend completely. Cover and chill in your refrigerator for 1/2 hour before serving. 

*Serving tip: I love this dip with Tostitos "Hint of Lime" chips. While I don't particularly like these chips on their own, they go really well with this cool, creamy guacamole variation!

Artichoke Dip

1 can (8 oz) artichoke hearts, chopped

1 cup olive oil mayo

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tbs garlic powder, or to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a baking dish until blended, and place in preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until bubbly. 

*Serving tip: This dip goes well with pita chips or tortilla chips, but you can also use Ruffles or Wavy Lays.

Now that you've got some food ideas, you'll need some great drinks! For an easy, pre-made margarita (but very tasty - this is my favorite pre-made mix!) to go with your mexican-inspired guacamole dip, try Jose Cuervo's Golden Margarita mix (http://www.cuervo.com/products/golden-margaritas.aspx). 

If you're not a margarita person or you simply prefer beer on Superbowl Sunday, change it up with a Blue Moon Winter Sampler. You'll get 3 each of the original Blue Moon, Pale Moon, Winter Abbey Ale and, my personal favorite, the Spiced Amber Ale. Yum!

 

Check back in with me on Thursday, where I'll give you a recipe for Taco Sliders that are perfect for entertaining - and ridiculously delicious!

Cheers!