We go to a lot of fun cocktail / hors d’oeuvre gatherings in the summer. Â My food repertoire is pretty small, so my contribution is usually the hummus and baby carrot plate. Â Store bought hummus, but recycled into my own dish for authenticity. Â Lazy, I know…
When the last hostess relegated my dish to the kids’ table, I realized it was time to mix things up.
I have been making guacamole for years, but this summer it became my go-to hors d’oeuvre. Â Here’s how I make it:
For a cocktail party, I usually buy 5-6 ripe avocados.
I use little, cherry tomatoes. Â In the summer, there are lots of different varieties that make the guacamole colorful.
One lime. Â Sometimes two depending on how much I am making, but lime can overwhelm the dish.
Red onion.
My secret ingredient, Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt.
Cilantro. Â This ingredient is optional. Â I love Cilantro, but a lot of people don’t. Â I sprinkle it on top of the guacamole, but you can leave it off too.
Scoop out the ripe avocado flesh with a spoon and pile them all in a big bowl, leaving room to mix everything up.
Get the lime on the avocado right away so the citrus juice keeps it from going brown.
I don’t mash the avocado. Â Instead, I cut it into little pieces. Â Keeps it nice and chunky.
Chop up the cherry tomatoes and add them on top of the avocado.
Red onion to taste. Â I use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, but it’s a personal preference.
Salt and pepper is next WITH the Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt.
I have my chopped Cilantro as a garnish or I will bring it along in a separate dish if the hostess wants to sprinkle on top.
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Mix everything up gently, almost fold the ingredients together. Â The avocado will break up if mixed too much.
Voila! Â Keep the guacamole tightly wrapped and refrigerated until you are ready to serve. Â So far, my new strategy seems to be working.
For real homemade hummus, my friend Susan makes an unbelievable one. Â I have had the recipe on my refrigerator for 6 years, but have never made it. Â Shocking. Â Here is the recipe (above) and it is delicious.
Happy Summer!
the wry home