Whether you’re bringing back board game night, toasting a newly engaged pal, or gathering the whole family for a backyard BBQ, nothing says good times like good food, good music, and good company. And while there are a thousand ways to throw a good party, some events stand a head above the others. We want to help your party get to that level.

So here they are: five simple party tips to turn your shindig into the event of the century.

1. Always have enough trash cans.

As any pro hostess will tell you, this is the No. 1 (and most forgotten) rule of party-throwing. Ever been to a cocktail party where you end up walking around trying to shake hands while holding a dirty plate because you can’t find the trash? Or a watch party where the one garbage you can find has been precariously stacked with a tower of cups, plates, and napkins just waiting to topple?

This party tip is completely practical. It helps with clean-up later and keeps used plates and sticky cups from piling up and making your perfectly planned event look, well … trashy. If you’re using disposable dishes and cutlery, this is especially important.

2. Come up with a good theme.

Some events are simply themed after what they’re celebrating, such as a big football game or “Congratulations Class of 2022!” Others need a bit of sprucing up and can benefit from the added layer of fun that comes with a theme. Some examples you’re welcome to steal:

• Turn "Nana's 90th Birthday" into an avocado birthday bash. (Yep, avocado piñatas exist!)
• A football watch party is a total touchdown when your guacamole sports your team's colors or comes served in the shape of a football field.
• With a few delicious dips, a run-of-the-mill bridal shower turns into "Get Her Some Guac, She's Tying the Knot!"

Whatever the occasion may be, knowing where the general idea for your event is headed will allow you to choose the best location, coordinate the food spread, begin to gather ideas for decor, and even allow you to search for a fitting playlist.

3. It's good to be extra.

As the old saying goes: "If you have more than enough, no one will know. If you don't have enough, everyone will know." Of course, try to not go way overboard, but having an extra round of guac stashed in the fridge or an extra bag of chips ready in case the snack bowls run low is always a good idea. It’s fine if the fare is simple; just have lots of it.

This party tip is especially important with drinks. While food may dwindle by the end of the event, if there's nothing left to sip on, your guests will depart. Something like this irresistible avocado margarita should do the trick.

4. Leave pleasant tasks for last.

Not all of us are great with time management. So, if you’re worried about being ready before people begin to arrive, leave until last any preparations you can do while spending time with guests. For example, it’s easy to hold a conversation while you finish assembling appetizers or wiping down the kitchen counters, but it’s no good to try and host while you scrub the bathroom.

And depending on your invite list, some guests may be interested in lending a hand by opening up chips or setting out toppings for those fabulous shrimp tacos that have the kitchen smelling oh so good. Make guests feel included — but don’t rely on them to do any heavy lifting. They’re here to party, not to do your laundry.

5. Cater to your crowd.

This party tip is kind of like knowing your audience when speaking in public. Two things to consider:

• Allergies/Diets: Be sure to provide some options for guests who are on specific diets or who have known food allergies. Is someone at your taco night gluten-free? Offer corn tortillas in addition to flour or opt for pan-seared fish in these Baja-style lettuce fish tacos and you’re good to go.
• Kids: If there are children on the guest list, they’ll be hungry — and probably for fun, kid-friendly snacks rather than a spinach and artichoke dip (which, by the way, is delicious).

There are countless ways to make your guests feel welcome, but nothing goes further than a little thoughtfulness.

Let the Good Times Roll

Even with all these simple party tips, ultimately, the best thing about your event will be the good friends and good times you’ve made. The right crowd (and right snacks, of course) can make any get-together memorable. So bust out the guacamole, pour the drinks, and party on!

Looking for a delicious dish to serve at your next party? Take a stroll through avocado heaven and bookmark all kinds of good stuff on our recipe page.

The post Simple Party Tips for Awesome Parties appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

The holidays are a magical time, filled with traditions and good times with family, many of which take place in the kitchen. Like many families, our favorite tradition is Christmas Eve tamales — but we put a few spins on them. This year, make a new memory with the fam by adding creamy, festively green avocado to the mix!

Here are four fresh ideas for how to add avocado to Christmas Eve tamales.

1. Avocado Crema

   Spicy, savory tamales are a perfect match for cool, velvety avocado crema. Whip up a batch of avocado crema using soft, ripe avocados. (You’ll know your avocados are ripe when they’re dark green and yield to gentle pressure.) Allow guests to drizzle their own avocado crema over the tamales to their liking.

2. Vegetarian Avocado Tamales

   Making an inclusive holiday table for family and friends sometimes requires creativity. Allow your loved ones who are practicing a plant-based diet to join in on the family tradition by making a little modification to your tamales: Substitute any meat with thick slices of avocado and an assembly of your favorite proteins and veggies, such as beans, butternut squash, peppers, or poblano chiles.

   Are you hosting gluten-free relatives and friends over the holidays? Good news! Harissa masa and avocados are gluten free. As long as your tamale recipe contains no wheat products, your gluten-sensitive friends can enjoy your tamales to their heart’s content.

3. Avocado Masa

   One of the avocado’s finest qualities is its ability to bring people together. Likewise, avocado also brings and holds ingredients together, making it a great addition to your masa recipe. Add avocado to your masa in a 3-to-1 (masa-to-avocado) ratio or follow this avocado tamale masa dough recipe here. The resulting texture will be a little lighter and fluffier — and a little greener too!

   As a Christmas bonus, avocados are superfoods filled with all the good stuff: good fats, nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, and zero cholesterol. When you add avocado to the mix, you’re bringing nutritious essentials to the table such as fiber, folate, and Vitamin K.

Related: What is “good fat”? Get the skinny about monosaturated and poly saturated fats here.

4. Tomatillo Guacamole on the Side

   The best tamales are soft and juicy — and begging for a fresh zing! Enter: guacamole al tomatilla con queso fresco. Since tamales are made overnight, you have ample time before serving to whip up a fresh batch of guac. Serve with tortilla chips and leave a spoon in the bowl for family members to spoon straight onto their tamales. (And if this recipe isn’t quite your tempo, we’ve got plenty more.)

Make this year’s tradition of Christmas Eve tamales one for the books, and make the holidays even brighter with our library of avocado recipes to find crowd-pleading appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

The post 4 Ways to Add Avocado to Christmas Eve Tamales appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for avocado appetizer lovers. Show off your holiday spirit with spreads that look as festive as they taste. The following holiday avocado appetizer recipes will fill your friends and family with goodness and cheer — and the sleigh-load of vitamins and minerals found in avocados to boot!

Related: Got a holiday sweet tooth? These avocado desserts are perfect for the season.

1. Guacamole Wreath

   Welcome guests to your holiday table with a festive guacamole wreath (no fancy glassware required). Simply place a small bowl upside down on top of a large plate. Scoop guacamole onto the plate surrounding the bowl and swirl smooth with the bottom of a spoon. Remove the bowl and voila! You’ve built your wreath’s base.

   Avocado’s gorgeous green hue is a great start for a holiday color palette. To complete the aesthetic, choose a guacamole recipe with hints of red — like tomatoes, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds — and maybe some dark greens, like chopped jalapeño, kale, or mint.

   Take it over the top with garnishes that resemble holly. All you need are a few cherry tomatoes (three per grouping is most aesthetically pleasing) surrounded by an herb that complements the flavor of your guacamole. Cilantro, mint, or rosemary work great!

2. Avocado Pita Christmas Trees

   O Guacamole Tree, O Guacamole Tree, how delicious are thy branches! Do your kiddos love helping you in the kitchen around the holidays? Avocado pita Christmas trees are an easy and fun holiday appetizer the whole family can enjoy crafting together.

   All you need to do is cut pita bread into triangles and smear mashed avocado over the top. Insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of the pita slice for the trunk, and string “garlands” of finely chopped red bell peppers in a zigzag pattern across each tree. For the finishing touch, place a single, large-diced piece of yellow bell pepper as the tree topper.

Pro tip: This recipe works best with fully ripe avocados. Are they feeling a little hard? Use this hack to ripen avocados overnight!

3. Holly Jolly Avocado Deviled Eggs

   Time is a precious commodity during the holidays. Avocado appetizers you can make ahead of time are a lifesaver. This recipe is a festive twist on one of the most famous finger foods of all time: deviled eggs, made festive with avocado. This recipe is also gluten-free!

   Follow this recipe for avocado deviled eggs. Then, choose your holly garnish materials: something red for the “holly berries” (diced red pepper or tomato, pomegranate seeds), and something green for the “holly leaves” (cilantro, mint, rosemary). Store in the fridge until party time.

Have a holly, jolly, healthful holiday season with the goodness of avocado. Learn more about avocado nutrition here.

The post 3 Holiday Avocado Appetizers Bursting With Good Cheer appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Game day snacks and sides made with Avocados From Mexico are a sure way to score a touchdown at your watch party, and nothing says game time like a guacamole football stadium. Just look out: With such a fun snack, it may be hard to keep people from playing with their food!

Related: Here’s how to show off your team pride with guacamole ingredients.

Ingredients:

Guacamole

• 6 Avocados From Mexico
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• Lime juice to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

Decorations

• Yellow bell pepper, sliced
• Baby carrots
• Cauliflower florets
• Broccoli florets
• Cherry tomatoes
• Beef jerky bites or pretzel nuggets
• Plastic resealable bag

Got your game day shopping done early? Be sure you know how to slow down ripening so you can have your avocados at the top of their game when the big day arrives.

Making the Guacamole:

1. Any great game day snack starts with Avocados From Mexico. Halve, pit and skin your avocados. Place in a large bowl and mash until smooth (or desired consistency).
2. Add diced onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. Flavor with salt and lime juice, taste testing between additions. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Decorating:

It’s time to bring out your inner artist. Let the masterpiece begin!

1. Grass: Start by spreading your guacamole into a large, rectangular serving dish (a 13-by-9-by-2 or bigger). Be sure the top of the guacamole is smooth.
2. Field lines: Next, create yard lines, end zones, and sidelines. Spoon sour cream into a resealable plastic bag. Cut one corner off of the bag to create a small hole and pipe your lines onto the guacamole. You may want to use a straight edge or a ruler to create smooth, evenly spaced lines.
3. Uprights: Place two thick slices of yellow bell pepper into the guacamole at either side of the field. Pipe two small dots of sour cream on the ends of a third slice and place it across the top of each of the goal posts.
4. Players: Of course, you’ll need two teams to play on your guacamole field! Is tonight’s game the Blue Corn Chips vs. Tortilla Chips? The Green vs. Black Olives? Red vs. Yellow Cherry Tomatoes? You decide.
5. Grandstands: Line the field with broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes. If possible,match your grandstand veggies with your team’s colors!
6. The Football: Last but not least, you can’t have a guacamole football stadium without the ol’ pigskin itself. To make this recipe perfect for a gluten-free diet, place a beef jerky bite on the field as a football. Or, if you’d like to keep it vegetarian, reach for pretzel nuggets instead!

Serve your guacamole football field with extra sliced veggies, chips, or pretzels for dipping (that is, if you can bear to upset your masterpiece!). When the guests arrive, every member of your squad will agree: “It’s GOOOD!”

For more inspiration, head over to our guacamole recipe page.

The post How to Make a Guacamole Football Stadium for Game Day appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

A long time ago, before football loved guacamole and influencers loved avocado toast, giant ground sloths and avocados had a special relationship of their own.

We’re talking a long time ago, before humans even appeared on the scene — approximately 66 million years ago, during the early Cenozoic era.

In those days, wild avocado trees were already blossoming across the Americas, and enormous, prehistoric creatures roamed the ancient earth. Among these creatures was the original avo-holic: the giant ground sloth. These two-ton megafauna snacked on avocados for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which was an important part of keeping avocados around long enough for us to enjoy too.

The World’s First Avocado Farmers

Prehistoric avocados had a different pit-to-flesh ratio than today’s avocados. Thanks to years of modern agriculture, Avocados From Mexico are mostly the creamy green parts that we love and eat. Way back when, avocados were more … hardcore. That is to say, they were mostly seed and less creamy green flesh. As a consequence, smaller animals couldn’t swallow avocados whole. Giant ground sloths, on the other hand, nearly inhaled them.

Eating avocados whole meant the seed stayed intact throughout their digestive system. (This is the important part.) The giant ground sloths then traveled great distances, depositing the undigested avocado seeds behind them along the way. These seeds would grow into new plants many miles away from their origin, with plenty of space to grow without other competing avocado trees nearby. Now that’s an example of symbiosis your science teacher would be proud of.

In a sense, giant prehistoric ground sloths were the “Johnny Avo-seeds” of the Americas.

One Mystery Remains

Sadly, the giant ground sloth went extinct during the Ice Age around 10,000 years ago, along with 68% of the other megafauna species in North America. No avocado popsicles for them, unfortunately. But they left humanity with a precious gift: avocado trees!

This leaves scientists with an unsolved puzzle. Smaller animals could not eat avocados whole. In fact, there are no known animals that eat avocado today. (PSA: Don’t give avocados to your pets!) So how did our favorite fruit survive between the extinction of the giant ground sloth and when humans first discovered avocado 10,000 years ago? The truth is scientists haven’t the slightest idea.

It’s no mystery, however, that the legacy left behind (literally) by the giant prehistoric ground sloth has provided us with a fruit containing good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals that we can enjoy all year long in all kinds of delicious recipes.

So raise a toast to giant ground sloths and avocados for making guacamole possible today!

Learn more about the avocado’s fascinating history.

The post Giant Prehistoric Ground Sloths and Avocados: A Love Story appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

GIFs are essential communication tools for commenting on our friends’ posts, pinging our coworkers, and confusing our parents. Because we are Avocados From Mexico and this is our blog, you can probably tell where this is going. Yep — avocado GIFs. All the best ones, pulled together in one place, like a recipe box for 5-second animations you can text your friends.

When words won’t do a text justice, don’t worry. There’s an avocado GIF (and a corresponding avocado recipe) for every situation.

1. For gym day.

When you’re working hard and looking good, it’s OK to let the world know. Pair this avocado GIF with a Chocolate-Avocado Protein Smoothie, a frosty post-workout drink full of banana, yogurt, almond milk, and plenty of avocado. With that to look forward to after leg day, we’d be smiling just like this little guy:

2. For the expectant mother.

This GIF is perfect for announcing a new addition to the family tree. Who doesn’t love hearing they’re becoming grandparents over text?

The best part of this GIF: Pregnancy means eating avocado for two! And one serving of avocado provides folate, an essential vitamin that is especially important for people considering pregnancy. Avocados are a good source of folate, which is an essential vitamin required to make DNA and other genetic material. Avocados are a great (and yummy) place to start!

3. For emphasis that avocados are always good.

You tell ’em, Andy. Use this avocado GIF if someone isn’t getting the point: YOU LOVE AVOCADOS.

Further proof there’s nothing like an avocado: Avocados are essentially the only fruit with good fats. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends replacing bad fats with good fats as good fats offer benefits in the body without raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. You can’t argue with science. (Or this GIF.)

4. For the guest who says they’re bringing guac.

That puts anyone in such a good mood, all they can do is bust a move. Just remind them of the golden rule of making guacamole for a crowd: You need half an avocado per guest!

Source: 

5. For your other half.

This avocado GIF is the perfect way to send a little love to the person who completes you. Let them know life without them would be the pits. This GIF pairs nicely with a DIY date night, featuring three courses of romantic avocado recipes. Ooh la la.

6. For a shopping list reminder.

Roommate picking up the groceries? Send them a reminder to pick up something gooooood.

If avocados still don’t make it into your shopping cart, they can still make it into your kitchen. Just order them online right from your phone. What an age we live in — moving pictures AND avocados on demand!

7. For the friend who needs some avo-education.

Send them this avocado GIF and a link to our guide to slicing and dicing avocados.

8. For the busy days.

Take a deep breath and focus on your core. Go to your happy place. (No judgment if it’s a giant bowl of guac.) You can start by staring at this totally Zen avocado and breathing in and out slowly with him:

Then, pick any of these simple avocado recipes. They can be tossed together with only a few ingredients in a matter of minutes, so you don’t need to take any extra time out of your busy schedule to plan a meal. We told you avocados were totally Zen.

9. For when you’ve finally found the one.

Nothing says “love at first sight” like a flawless avocado. If it’s truly the perfect avocado, there’s no need for fanciness. Give it the classic treatment in a bowl of traditional guacamole or on top of these simple beef tacos. Of course, then you have to let everyone know your dinner plans with this GIF:

Gimme Dat GIF

Which of these avocado GIFs is your favorite? Personally, we think they’re all good, just like a bowl of fresh guac or a salad topped with sliced avocados. Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

The post An Avocado GIF for Every Occasion appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Avocado margaritas are the quintessential cocktail for Cinco de Mayo, beach days, or backyard BBQs — and for good reason! They’re creamy, cold, and refreshing, with the perfect blend of sour and sweet to get the party started. Classic avocado margaritas are easy enough for any novice mixologist to whip up in a blender, and once you’ve mastered the basics, you can shake things up (literally!) with complementary flavors.

While these avocado cocktails taste amazing, please fiesta responsibly. These recipes are for mixologists 21 years of age and older.

How to Make an Avocado Margarita

To make a classic avocado margarita, you’re first going to need ripe avocados to dice into chunks. In a blender, combine avocado chunks, sweet-and-sour margarita mix, tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, fresh lime juice, and ice. Blend into creamy goodness.

To rim serving glasses with chili-lime seasoning or salt, spread the seasoning in an even layer on a plate. Dampen the rim of your glasses with a wet paper towel and place the cups down into the salt. Twist back and forth and release.

Garnish with lime wheels and fresh avocado slices. All that’s left is to find a nearby beach, pool, or open window to sit by and sip.

Related: Keep the summer energy rocking by breaking out one of these tropical pineapple guacamoles.

Avocado Margarita Remixes

Half the fun of making margaritas is experimenting to create your own signature flavor. Shake it up!

• Avocado Beer-rita: Bottoms up! Pick up a mini, 7-oz. bottle of your favorite light cerveza and dump it neck down inside your margarita glass. The beer will drain into the margarita as you drink.
• Avocado Sangria Swirl: This overnight cocktail is worth the wait. The night before, stir together a fruity red wine, orange liqueur, and orange and lime juice. Poor into an ice cube tray and freeze. When it’s party time, blend the sangria ice cubes into your avocado margarita mix!
• Mango Jalapeño Avocado Margarita: Is it hot in here? Blend finely chopped jalapeños and mango chunks into your basic avocado margarita recipe for a spicy-sweet treat. Feeling more mild than wild? Remove the jalapeño seeds beforehand to lessen the heat.

More Avocado Cocktails

The party doesn’t stop at avocado margaritas. Avocado cocktails come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re feeling more sweet than sour, give this Sweet Chili Avo Cocktail a sip. Prefer a spicy, garden-fresh adult beverage? Go with the Maria Verde Cocktail, made with avocado, tomatillos, green chile sauce, and jalapeño! For something really different, dare to toss back the Bandera Cocktail, made with fresh oysters and tomato.

Have your avocado and drink it too. Discover more avocado cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, and more in our library of avocado beverage recipes.

The post Avocado Margarita (And More Avocado Cocktails) appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

The internet loves avocados. From celebrity tweets to holiday gift inspiration, people can’t get enough of our favorite green fruit. And we can’t blame them!

That’s why we figured it was about time we gathered up some of the best avocado memes around. This is to avocado lovers everywhere, with love and laughter.

Related: Guacamole is best with a dash of limelight. Here are five times pop culture referenced guac.

Our 10 Favorite Avocado Memes

1. Avocados From Mexico are a source of naturally good fats, which can help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients without raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a healthy diet. No wonder we love them!Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371195194288037547/
2. When you spend so much time making guacamole you develop feelings:Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BLMgh8EjGLV/?utm_source=ig_embed
3. If guacamole is allowed to be extra, you can be too. And that’s something to be proud of.Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/685391637038172703/
4. The perfect proposal doesn’t exi--Source: https://pin.it/pRLFM5y
5. OK, clever joke. But someone should let this guy know that avocado pits are awesome. With a little creativity, you can use leftover avocado pits to create all kinds of arts and crafts — or even to grow your own avocado tree!Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/694328467535523566/
6. We doubt we’re the only ones who relied on the comfort of guacamole to help us through 2020. Every avocado pit (even the rare big one) has a green lining!Source: https://pin.it/6bBeKkW
7. This dad is right on (and just our type when it comes to avocado dad jokes). Keep guacin’ out the haters, Dad.Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/ByyfZEhh1qT/
8. Looks cloudy with a chance of guac … the perfect storm of deliciousness. Someone grab the chips!Source: https://memeguy.com/photo/314072/yesterdays-louisville-weather-forecast-chance-of-avocado
9. Well, that’s one way to make an avocado burger.Source: https://ballmemes.com/i/waitress-do-you-want-avocado-in-your-burger-me-california-16489965
10. Find someone who looks at you the way you look at perfect avocados.Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/kristatorres/avocados-rule-your-life?utm_term=.appKVkP4lz&sub=4297079_9070352

Got more avocado memes we haven’t seen? Share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In the meantime, help yourself to our delicious archive of avocado recipes.

The post The Top Avocado Memes of All Time appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

For folks like us, avocado is a lifestyle. So when a birthday rolls around, what’s a more awesome way to celebrate than throwing an epic avocado birthday party? We’re talking avocado birthday cake, photo booths, piñatas, and desserts galore. Talk about a happy birthday.

Allow us to be your avocado birthday party planner with this guide to good times, and be sure to bookmark this page for later (and many happy returns 😉).

Avocado Birthday Cake 🎂

When it comes to birthday desserts, avocado takes the cake — literally. Imagine blowing out the candles on this made-from-scratch, ooey-gooey Chocolate, Cherry, and Avocado Fudge Cake. Don’t want to share? No judgment. Go for a single-serve option, such as Avocado Chocolate Cupcakes, to ensure everyone gets a piece. (Make them look extra adorbs with these avocado cupcake toppers.) Avo-chocoholics will also love rich, homemade Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies that bake in just 30 minutes.

Avocado Birthday Party Decorations 🎉

The first step to transforming your home into an avo-topia is by decking it out with avocado balloons. Serve up the birthday cake (or fresh guacamole) on these avocado-print plates, complete with matching cups and napkins. Lastly, string up this avocado bunting banner on the wall for extra flair.

Avocado Photo Booth 📸

Say, “Avocado!” Set up a photo booth for party guests to feel like they’re being followed by their own guacarazzi. These silly handheld props are a great place to start, but if you’re not a fan of special effects, we recommend just making a huge batch of guacamole. The finishing touch to your photo booth is having at least one of these avocado costumes — or, make your own!

Remember to tag us when you post on social so we can see how avo-mazing you look!

Avocado Birthday Snacks 🌮

It’s not a fiesta without finger foods. Load up the snack table with avocado appetizers such as bruschetta and shrimp guac-tails. You can also go for this avocado-spinach-artichoke dip that’s served up in a bread bowl so it looks as good as it tastes. Double-dipping is encouraged.

For something a little heartier, serve up a platter of these crispy beef tacos. For true finger food status (and extra cuteness), use miniature taco shells. These avocado chicken poppers are another delicious option for birthday party refreshments.

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the guac. Would it even be an avocado birthday party without a DIY guacamole bar? Pro party tip for all our guac stars out there: Buy more tortilla chips than you think you need!

Avocado Birthday Party Games 🪅

1. Hot Avocado

This birthday party classic gets a no-tato twist. When the music starts playing, players begin to pass an avocado around the circle of guests. If you’re the one holding the avocado when the music stops, you’re out! (Don’t worry — that just means you can get back to eating guac.) Last person remaining wins the game and (the real prize) the avocado.

2. Pin the Pit on the Avocado

If DIY crafts are the fun of party planning for you, create your own pin the pit on the avocado game using poster board, markers, and tape. Blindfold the partygoers, spin them around three times, and let them try to pin the cardboard “pit” on the avocado. Whoever is closest to the center wins!

3. Avocado Piñata

Anyone who loves guacamole can tell you that avocados were made to be smashed. Now everyone can try their hand by swinging at an avocado piñata! There are plenty of avocado piñatas for purchase online or in party stores, or you can follow our guide and create your own piñata. And while filling your piñata with guacamole might be the most delicious option, we’d recommend using candy instead to save you the mess.

Avocado Party Goodies 🎁

Bring the good times home! Avocado party favors like these avocado keychains are great knickknacks for guests to remember the most epic party of all time with. For something a little more practical, hand out these avocado-print blank recipe cards. If they need recipes to fill them out with, send them over to our recipe page. We’ve got plenty of good stuff to share.

You can’t have an avocado birthday party without guacamole, so check out all of our delicious guacamole recipes. No need to thank us — think of it as our birthday gift.

The post How to Throw an Avocado Birthday Party appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

It’s not a party without guacamole. So why choose only one recipe when you can offer your guests a smattering of your favorites?

Ring in the new year with a deliciously curated guacamole flight — a new dip for every hour! Gather some ripe avocados and wait for the ball to drop with these five delicious countdown dips.

Related: Start planning for your next themed gathering with this Mardi Gras guacamole.

Count Down to Midnight with Guacamole

• 8 p.m.: Bacon Guacamole
  Kick off the countdown with this unexpected, savory delight that will get your guests mixing and mingling. Serve this delicious dip with assorted crackers and add extra crumbled bacon bits for a more intense flavor and defined texture.
• 9 p.m.: Rich Roasted Garlic Guacamole
  For everyone planning on a New Year’s Eve kiss, we thought we’d get this garlicky guac out of the way early in the night. This potent dip packs the punch of 10 roasted garlic cloves — maybe have a toothbrush on hand?
• 10 p.m.: Hatch Chile Guacamole
  Spice up the night with this hot, salsa-like guacamole. Avocado’s creamy consistency blends well with the hatch chile’s bold flavor. Turn up the heat by adding more chiles to the guacamole. Place this at the tail end of a DIY taco bar or keep it simple with your favorite tortilla chips.
• 11 p.m.: Black-Eyed Pea Guacamole
  Almost there! Get a head start garnering good luck (and potential prosperity!) for the new year with this black-eyed-pea-packed iteration. This variation embraces a long-standing Southern tradition of serving black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
• 12 a.m.: Chocolate Guacamole
  Happy New Year! This guac is the perfect midnight snack: Bananas, peanut butter, and cocoa powder blend with smooth avocado to create an unforgettable sweet treat. Serve it as a dip with sliced apples and graham crackers or top the creamy mixture with sliced strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. And of course, this guacamole pairs nicely with crisp, chilled champagne.

Avocados From Mexico are the perfect base for any successful party. Expand your next guacamole flight with a peek into our extensive archive of guacamole recipes, where you’ll find something for every taste bud.

The post How to Create the Perfect Guacamole Flight for New Year’s Eve appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

To help you create a warm, fuzzy feeling of holiday spirit and appreciation in your loved ones, we’ve put together a holiday gift guide for the avocado lover in your life. There’s something for everyone here! The best part? These fantastic avocado gift ideas will have your loved ones saying, “It’s an avocado! Thanks!”

Related: Sometimes the best gifts are the handmade ones. Here are four avocado arts and crafts ideas.

Avocado Kitchen Gadgets

Have a chef in your life who just can’t get enough of delicious avocados? An avocado slicer is sure to make life easier and avocado prep quicker. And when there’s leftover guacamole, this guacamole keeper can be used to seal in the freshness — it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Lastly, don’t forget to wrap up this avocado apron, perfect for wearing while mashing avocados.

Avocado Stocking Stuffers

Stocking stuffers may be the little things on your list, but they can make a big impression. As the weather gets cooler, you can keep your loved one’s feet toasty with a pair of comfy avocado socks. An avocado case for wireless headphones or friendship key chain charms are both great ways to add fun to something that will be used every day.

Avocado Gifts for Him

If your husband or dad is an avo lover, they’ll love sporting this “Papacado” graphic tee (which can be paired with this “Mamacado” tee for some extra laughs). It will go great with this avocado dad hat and (of course) a healthy dose of dad jokes.

Avocado Gifts for Her

Pamper the woman in your life by providing her with everything she needs for a rejuvenating avocado spa day. If she’s more of a jewelry gal, these funky but tasteful avocado earrings are the perfect way to say, “I love you. And you love avocados.” Avocado stationery is an artistic and thoughtful gift — and if she’s a letter writer, you may get some mail after the holidays!

Avocado Gifts for Kids

Avocados are for everyone, and some kids can’t get enough of them. This avocado card game will get the whole family together for some holiday game-night fun. When game night’s over and it’s back to school, this avocado backpack will help them continue the fun! Take it to the next level by packing it with avocado-themed erasers, pens, pencils, and notebooks.

Turn your kid’s room into an avocado wonderland with avocado bedding and a plush avocado pal. With their favorite comfort food nestled all snug on their beds, visions of avocados will dance in their heads all night long.

Nothing creates smiles like uniquely irresistible avocados. Head to our avocado recipes pages for more delightful ideas to spark up your family’s holiday season.

The post Holiday-Themed Avocado Gifts for the Avo Lover in Your Life appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

While the turkey is in the oven and the game is on in the living room, tummies around your home are grumbling in anticipation. That’s why Thanksgiving appetizers are such an important tradition — but there’s always room for improvement.

Avocados are all about making life (and meals) more delicious, and for that we’re grateful. So this Thanksgiving, why not show your gratitude by adding these appetizers to your pre-dinner menu?

Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving appetizers with avocados that the whole family will be grateful for.

Related: Looking for something to do with all of that leftover turkey? Try our recipes for cold turkey and avocado sandwiches.

Thanksgiving Appetizers Featuring Avocados

• Pumpkin Cranberry Avocado Muffins

  To make these heartwarming delights, take all the best flavors of fall and just add avocado. Serve these muffins with pumpkin butter, whipped cream, and cinnamon sugar for an extra-cozy twist. They’re the perfect way to kick off your family’s Thanksgiving Day.

• Thanksgiving Guac

  You love Thanksgiving, and you love guacamole, but have you ever thought to combine the two? Featuring green apples, cranberries, and walnuts and served in half of a roasted acorn squash, this autumnal, rustic dip is a hearty way to pass the time until dinner. Serve with tortilla chips during a football game and prepare to be thanked. (Don’t worry; you can thank us later.)

• Spiced Turkey Burger Sliders with Avo-Feta Guac

  Nothing says Thanksgiving like turkey, but you know how we roll: Our recipe for turkey burger sliders comes with a heaping serving of guacamole. These flavor-packed morsels are a touchdown for the whole family, and they’re filling enough to keep the crew satisfied until dinner.

• Avocado & Spinach Stuffed Mushroom Bites

  Mushroom bites are classic Thanksgiving appetizers, but spinach and avocado offer a new perspective on these popular delicacies. Cilantro, lemon juice, and shallots round out this appetizer, creating a cornucopia of flavor. Your guests never knew they could be so thankful.

Looking to add some avocado flair to other holidays? Check out all the exciting ways to incorporate avocado to traditional holiday dishes, and peruse our avocado recipes archive for even more inspiration.

The post Thanksgiving Appetizers with Avocados appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Hello and welcome aboard the SS Nautilus! This is your captain speaking.

Aboard the SS Nautilus, you will find adventure. You will find your sea legs. You will find a true sailor’s heart. You will find depths of your soul you never knew existed. You will find Jimmy’s smelly socks in your bunk, because he always loses them. Don’t worry about them. Just throw them overboard!   

That reminds me: safety rules. You should never actually throw things overboard. Especially not people.  

 Now, if my charts are correct — which, of course, they are! — we’ll be arriving at our island destination on the best day of the year: Cinco de Mayo! 

 As you can see, we are currently going … east. Eastish. Sort of like a north, east-south direction. You don’t have to be too precise about it. The sea will take you where she pleases! 

The first thing you need to know about being lost at sea — not that we’re lost — is how to keep a happy crew. That’s why I decided to bring us ashore on May 5, so we can throw a proper Cinco de Mayo party. It’s that kind of attention to detail that makes me the best captain ever and allows me to ignore other details like the barometer and objects in our path, like that ship, which I’m sure will just go around us.  

Captain’s Log 

May 5, Cinco de Mayo party day: Day 144 on the SS Nautilus. Speed: 4 knots. Weather: Cloudyish. Probably fine. Sails: up. Crew is getting restive. Suspect mutiny. Some crew think we are lost. Definitely not lost. Definitely still going eastish.  

Plus, who cares if we are not technically on land yet? It’s the day everyone’s been waiting for. Where there’s guacamole made from Avocados From Mexico, there’s Cinco. 

And being the good captain that you are, you’ve got secret rations to get them back on your side. Here’s what you do:

• Pull out the secret rations. This is the real key to any successful boat venture of which there may possibly be no end. This is how you tell your crew, “I am your captain. I love you, you love me, and no one is mad at anyone else or in any way at fault for the current situation we’re in. Let’s have a Cinco de Mayo party and share some guacamole!”
• Point out that this is not just any guacamole. It is pineapple and cucumber guacamole. It is amazing. The avocados are ripe and no one has mutinied yet.
• Notice that you have been hiding the ingredients in a secret compartment in the bilge along with an SOS radio and flares. Toss them. Those probably won’t be useful. But the guacamole sure will be.
• Craft tiny Cinco de Mayoparty hats out of chart paper. These charts are garbage. Plus, those storm clouds are really looking nasty, so perhaps a hat will protect you from the elements while creating a festive atmosphere.
• Share the guacamole! For the crewmates with scurvy, this will be especially great because of the citrus fruits.
• Party! Look, even Ed is dancing! Sure, he is delirious, but he’s also made friends with that seagull who has been hitchhiking with us, and it really seems to have brought meaning back into his life. Everyone should try to be more like Ed.

Everyone will make it to land eventually. Until then, it’s a Cinco de Mayo party aboard the SS Nautilus. That’s not so bad, right?

Visit our recipe archive for more ideas for your Cinco de Mayo party.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post How to Throw a Cinco de Mayo Party While Lost at Sea appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

You're walking to a friend's Cinco de Mayo celebration and decide to take a shortcut through the woods. It's a lovely day, and you stroll along the path humming, enjoying the crisp scent of pine needles underfoot and the sound of birds singing. What could go wrong?, you think to yourself.

You reach a small clearing and notice two bear cubs frolicking among wildflowers. Adorable! You stop for a moment to watch them, crouching down to beckon them toward you. But then, you hear a rumbling growl from behind you.

Breathless from fear, you realize your mistake. You turn and see her no more than 10 feet away: the angry mother bear.

Here’s how to make it out alive so you can get to your Cinco de Mayo celebration:

• Though your urge is to run, you must keep still and explain the situation: “Hey, friend…I'm just on my way to a Cinco de Mayo celebration. I'll be on my way...” Take a slow step backward.
• The cubs may still approach you; after all, you have that nature-kid charm, plus a bag full of Avocados From Mexico guac. If so, remain calm. No sudden movements.
• If one of the cubs swats the bag you're holding, drop it and take another slow step back. The baby bears will be curious about what's in the bag, as it contains some nachos and your favorite party-pleaser, Elotes Guacamole.
• Try to catch a glance at the mother bear. She is watching her cubs, who have managed to open the bag of chips. One of them is happily munching while the other fumbles with the tub of guacamole.
• Reach down slowly, open the container, and present it to the cubs as a peace offering. The bear cubs will be thrilled with the chips and guac, and now, mama bear will likely want some too.
• When the mother bear’s enormous shadow engulfs you as she approaches, try not to scream. It’s always embarrassing when you do that.
• As the mama bear towers above you, offer her a chip dipped in guac. Keep speaking softly: “The secret to really tasty guacamole is nice, ripe avocados. If they're ripe before you need them, you can slow down ripening by popping them in the refrigerator. Which, I mean, you probably don’t have one, but you can borrow mine, you know, as long as I’m alive and stuff.”

She sniffs, samples, and smiles an enormous bear smile. She loves it! You knew your guac recipe had a transcendent kind of goodness. The bears roar in celebration, and although your bear-speak skills are only novice, you roughly translate it to, “Where there’s guac made with Avocados From Mexico, there’s Cinco de Mayo!”

You all plop down on your hind legs to enjoy your delicious Avocados From Mexico snack. This will definitely be a Cinco de Mayo party to remember!

Visit our recipe archive for more guac ideas that will help you take Cinco wherever Cinco takes you.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post Have a Great Cinco de Mayo Celebration Even Though You Just Made the Ultimate Mistake: Walking Directly Between a Mother Bear and Her Cubs appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

There’s nothing that makes getting to a Cinco de Mayo party harder than being very, very small — like one one-hundredth of the size of a normal human — because you’ve been shrunk by a mad scientist named Viktor.

As you know after having worked with him in his secret underground lair for many months now, Viktor can be a volatile person. He cares deeply about science, so you should never upset him — especially if he is at work on his shrink-ray, which he has been for some time now.

But Viktor has always been like this. Looking back, you probably should have realized he wasn’t one of those “good scientists” who works in a “real lab.” (It is a lair, after all.) Then, there is the fact that he is very jumpy when surprised and is prone to dropping beakerfuls of chemicals that explode and light everything on fire.

So, you really shouldn’t be surprised when he suddenly shrink-rays you right between the eyes after you completely by accident steal his “world domination” serum.

Everything shoots up into the air — Viktor, the shrink-ray, the table, the table legs. Suddenly, you are an inch from the ground. An avocado rolls past you and nearly squishes you flat as a tortilla.

Viktor picks you up in his hand. “How could you do this to me, Viktor?!” you squeak. But to Viktor, all you are is science. “Hold still!” he says excitedly. He wants to see if the cat is interested in you. Viktor is right. It is.

But you’ve got a Cinco de Mayo party to make it to, and with or without Viktor’s help, you’re determined to make it, even though you are far, far too small to get in the door or even be noticed when you get there. Here’s what to do:

• Make the most of the cat situation. Jump on its back and hold on tight as it takes you up to its favorite spot on the counter, between the Bunsen burner and the bowl of Avocados From Mexico.
• Make guacamole. Once you’ve climbed into the bowl and stepped on some avocados to make sure they are ripe, you assemble your amazing guacamole with lime and queso fresco. Yum. It is almost so good that you forget about the sadness of being small, except that tortilla chips are now like canoes to you, so that is a harsh reminder.
• Find a way to carry your guac to the party. OK, this is going to be way more difficult than you imagined.

Suddenly, Viktor stalks in from the lab. He sees you — sad, perched on the edge of the guacamole bowl — and his face softens.

“I am sorry you’re small now,” he says. He then turns the shrink-ray on himself, joining you on the edge of the avocado bowl and patting you on your tiny shoulder in a surprisingly fatherly way. “You know, where there’s guacamole made with Avocados From Mexico, there’s Cinco de Mayo. Plus, my shrink-ray worked! So let’s have a tiny party.”

Visit our recipe archive for more guacamole ideas that will help you take Cinco wherever Cinco takes you.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post So You’ve Been Cinco de Mayo Shrink-Rayed. What Next? appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

After months aboard the International Space Station, you are finally on your way back to Earth. You can’t wait to soak up the scenery — and the menu — you’ve so dearly missed back home before NASA sends you on another mission into the great beyond.

As you break the sound barrier, your mind wanders to the ingredients you have been storing in your spaceship’s Cryogenic Avocado Safekeeping Chamber to make guacamole as a celebratory snack en route to Earth. Your journey is perfectly timed: You will arrive just in time for the Cinco de Mayo party.

A blinding light shakes you from your daydreams. You are disoriented, but you realize that your ship has stopped. Are you dreaming, or are those gurgling voices you hear coming from tiny, one-eyed beings the shade of the Avocados From Mexico you’ve been craving? 

When you come to, you realize that the only thing you were dreaming about was the guacamole. You’ve been abducted by aliens and transported to planet Mars. Only one thought races through your mind: How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo if you can’t enjoy your guac?  

Luckily, you don't need gravity to think on your feet. Here’s how you bring a Cinco de Mayo party to the red planet:

• First things first: Escape captivity. Use your physical differences to your advantage and slip out of your confines. With 10 fingers instead of 16 and two legs instead of six, your bindings leave more than a little wiggle room.
• Before they become upset by your escape: Delight them with an earthly treat. It’s time to open the Cryogenic Avocado Safekeeping Chamber on your ship and break out the limes and delicious Avocados From Mexico. Show the aliens how to cut and eat avocados as you whip up your Bacon & Blue Cheese Guacamole to serve as a peace offering.
• Use the leftover avocado pits to start a game: Grab a nearby stick and channel your inner home run hitter. "Ooooooooh!" they coo. You've just invented the ultimate summer moon-time distraction: Avocado Spaceball. Play human vs. aliens, or take turns trying to hit the pit into nearby craters.

The aliens agree to free you on one condition: You promise to make more out-of-this-world-good guacamole for them when they finally make that visit to Earth they’ve been planning for supereons.  You run toward your ship, nearly tripping over a crater in the excitement of your escape. You fire up the engines and prepare to return to your own home planet. You feel the ship lift, and you leave the Martian air behind you before anyone could even think to say, “Blast off!”

Once you land, you will need to start planning the recipes you promised your green, gurgling friends. Visit our recipe archive for more dips to delight every species during your next mission.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post Have an Otherworldly Cinco de Mayo Party with Your Alien Captors appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, and thanks for celebrating with us on the Space-Time Continuity Disrupter! Please be careful when boarding.

Open your guide tablet to page 394 and observe the correct procedures for time travel. (Please note: Your insurance package does not cover prehistoric trips. Coverage for dismemberment, ancient disease, and “lost in time” disorder sold separately.)

When disembarking from this timecraft, be sure to take all your supplies. Suggested supplies include: tent, stove, lighter, sword (if traveling back more than 200 years), food rations, a magic wand (if traveling back to times when people believed in magic), and bug spray. Now, select your journey.

You have selected: The Cretaceous Period!

Here’s how to survive your epic journey and still celebrate Cinco de Mayo:

• As you step off the timecraft, you notice the florid ancient megafauna, the screaming cries of the majestic Tyrannosaurus rex, and the hot sun baking the surface of the earth. What an exciting time to be alive. Still, you want to find shelter — and fast — before the dinosaurs eat you.
• Take your compass — you have a compass, right? — and head for shade. You recall that the herbivorous dinosaurs such as the Brontosaurus tend to hang around trees, and they will not eat you unless you are hiding so well that they gobble you up while grabbing for leaves.
• Once you have selected your shelter — remember, good enough so that the carnivores won’t find you, but not so good that a Brontosaurus might accidentally eat you — take stock of your supplies. You have:
  • Your tent
  • Your sword (not that that will really make much of a difference in a dinosaur fight)
  • Your magic wand (yeah, good luck that)
  • Two Avocados From Mexico, a Roma tomato, a red onion, lime, tequila …

That’s right: You have decided to bring, instead of the lifesaving survival tools outlined in your guide tablet, the recipe for Tequila Guacamole. It is almost Cinco de Mayo, after all, and guac made from Avocados From Mexico is always worth it, no matter the peril around you.

• See that Tyrannosaurus rex poking his head through your makeshift shelter of leaves? Try befriending him with an offer of guacamole and an invitation to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at your party.

Unfortunately, the concept of Cinco de Mayo will probably be lost on this vicious predator, who is living approximately 66 million years before the holiday was invented and before the battle between Mexico and France that it commemorates even happened and before such concepts of “Mexico” and “France” were even conceivable. But as long as you have guacamole made with Avocados From Mexico, you have Cinco de Mayo.

Yeah … that was a long shot. You should probably run back to your timecraft. Don’t forget to rate your experience flying with TimeAir! ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Visit our recipe archive to whip up another batch that will help you take Cinco wherever Cinco takes you.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post How to Make Friends With Dinosaurs (With Avocados!) appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Rays of early-morning sun stream across the horizon as you step into the basket. A kaleidoscope of color balloons above you, preparing to lift you high above this quiet field outside Albuquerque. The pilot reports calm, clear skies for the journey ahead — your first hot air balloon ride. A flame roars and ropes drop to the ground below you. You have liftoff!

You spend the morning waving to the pinprick pedestrians below, reveling in the tranquility that comes from being high above it all. This feels poetic, so you mention it to your pilot, who probably just doesn’t hear you. Now that you think of it, it is pretty windy…

Your basket sways, thunder claps, and it becomes clear that his weather predictions were sorely mistaken. He fights to steer you back on track, but the swirling winds are clearly in charge here. The sky turns gray, and you brace yourself for a wild ride.

As you soar off course over the petroglyphs and into the desert, you think of Maria’s party tonight. Will you and your precious tub of Avocados From Mexico guacamole make it in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Though you know next to nothing about air travel, you decide to do your best to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo the best you know how:

• Try to bond with your pilot: “Sometimes my mom says I’m full of hot air,” you say. He ignores you.
• Break out the guac: Your bowl of Botanero Guac may not make it to Maria’s table, but you can still be the star of this satellite Cinco de Mayo.
• Drop a few guac bombs: Five points to yourself if you can hit one of the cacti below with a glob of guac.
• Play optical illusion tricks: Pretend you’re a giant who’s squishing the mountains and houses below between your fingers. Hey — houses! Is that a backyard Cinco de Mayo party you spy below?

As fast as it came on, the storm subsides. Your pilot opts to land on the front lawn of the house you spotted above, and you can hardly believe it when you realize it’s not just any party — it’s Maria’s Cinco de Mayo celebration!

You quickly become a Cinco de Mayo star as you tell your perilous tale between bites of guacamole goodness. You even get approval from your pilot who, as he hoists himself back up into the sky, shouts, “Where there’s guac made with Avocados From Mexico, there’s Cinco de Mayo!” How poetic, you think, as his avocado-adorned balloon fades into the distance.

Everyone will be asking you for the guacamole recipe from your iconic Cinco de Mayo. Direct them to Avocados From Mexico’s recipe archive so they can try yours, or find a signature snack of their own.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a Rogue Hot Air Balloon appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

It’s official: Your Cinco de Mayo has gone off the rails.

You’re on your way to Maria's Cinco de Mayo party when you pass the amusement park. With its mountainous peaks and devastating drops, you can’t resist admiring the Falcon Fall Frenzy coaster, and you quickly find you can't just stand by. Armed with your party snack of choice — Guac a la Veracruzana With Plantain Chips — you work your way through the line and board the ride.

The wind flies through your hair as you wave your hands above your head and scream. But just as your cart climbs to the highest peak, the wheels skid to a stop. The adrenaline subsides. You’re stuck. You become self-conscious about your windswept hair.

After an hour, your stomach is rumbling, and you just can't wait any longer to bust out your guacamole. It's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, even though you're stuck on a roller coaster. Here are some tips for making the most of it:

• First things first: Crowdsource some dippers. Break out the chips and see who has a bag of carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or fruit in their fanny pack. (Find out more about guac dippers with our video on how to eat avocados.)
• To protect your guac from flying foes, you’ll need a scarecrow. Grab a jacket from the guy behind you, borrow that kid’s balloon, and put it in the hood. Draw an angry face on the balloon. You want to enjoy this guac, not fight a flock of birds for it.
• Make sure you save a bit for the firefighters who arrive to rescue you. They deserve to experience the goodness of the guac too.
• Make a mental note to check the scream cam after your rescue. Hopefully, you’ll find some useful material for the "faces of people overwhelmed by the delicious flavor of Avocados From Mexico" coffee-table book you’ve got in the works.

“I can’t believe they make you guys work on Cinco de Mayo!” you say when the firefighters finally arrive. One of them turns to you and says, “It’s not Cinco. At least not yet!” then takes a generous scoop of your guacamole. “Now that’s Cinco!”

Visit our recipe archive for more guac ideas that will help you make the most of Cinco de Mayo, wherever it takes you.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post Stuck on a Roller Coaster? Here’s How to Get Your Cinco Back on Track appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Rushing to Beth’s Cinco de Mayo party, you step into an empty elevator carrying a large container of your favorite Avocados From Mexico Authentic Guacamole. As the doors are closing, a white-gloved hand appears between them. A mime enters. “Which floor?" you ask. He pantomimes himself climbing a flight of stairs five times in a row. By the end, he is out of breath. You admire his commitment.

You press 5, then 7, for Beth’s floor. But as you begin to rise, the fluorescent lights above flicker and the elevator groans and lurches to a halt. Panicking, you jam your thumb into the 6, the 2, the 14. Nothing. As your worst nightmare unfolds around you, the mime begins doing the “trapped in a box" routine. How ironically appropriate.

But if you’re anything, it’s a Cinco champion, and you won’t let the holiday fall prey to this unusual predicament. Here’s how to make the most of your Cinco de Mayo trapped in an elevator with a mime.

• Play charades: What better time to practice your charades skills than in the presence of an expert? His “life cycle of an avocado plant” is beautiful and vulnerable. You are proud when he awards you a thumbs-up for your “man eating sandwich” impression.
• Share your secrets: Since he does not speak, it’s probably safe to divulge your secret avocado dicing technique. Still, it’s probably safest to ask that he act out taking an oath before you dish the details.
• Break out the guacamole: OK, so you’re curious to see someone eat guacamole in gloves and face paint. But you also feel a kinship with your new friend, and what better way to bond than over your favorite snack?

As you pop off the lid, he grins and exclaims, “Where there's guac made with Avocados From Mexico, there's Cinco de Mayo!” He immediately covers his mouth, and you both delight in his oafish gaffe!

Looking for more ways to spread the Cinco de Mayo spirit? Read through our recipe archive for more dishes good enough to make a mime shout.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Trapped in an Elevator with a Mime appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

You were living the dream when you got the internship studying macaroni penguins on Antarctica. You’d studied tirelessly and were prepared to impress your colleagues with your vast knowledge of the species, hopefully landing you a full-time spot on the team by the end of the summer.

During your first week, you had even more to celebrate: It was Cinco de Mayo week. If there’s anything that you’re just as passionate about as those spiky-browed little birds, it’s Cinco de Mayo, so you know good and well that there’s no Cinco de Mayo celebration without guac made with Avocados From Mexico.

You would have come prepared, bringing enough fresh Avocados From Mexico for the whole team to enjoy — hey, you’ve got to get the brownie points where you can — but then the big blizzard hit, leaving you separated from your precious avocados. They were at Research Base A, and you were miles away at Base D.

Though perilous, you knew what had to be done. Here’s how to survive your avocado rescue mission to save your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

• Bring a GPS. In close proximity to the South Pole, a traditional compass will not function, and if you get lost in this vast wasteland, you’re through.
• Bring a Steak Offering in case Icegoat isn’t a myth.
• Layer Up. Put on clothes, then repeat. Repeat again. The less human-like your shape becomes, the better. Speaking of layers, you bet the team will go wild for your signature Fiesta Guacamole.

When you finally make it back to Base A, you realize you weren’t the only one seeking shelter for your Cinco de Mayo celebration — the camp has been taken over by macaroni penguins! They coo as you enter, and you decide it’s time for a party pit stop. After all, you’re as frozen as an avocado popsicle…not that that’s enough to stop you from high-fiving one of your new friends and chipping a piece of ice from your sleeve to dig into your snowy stash of guac.

The story doesn’t stop here. Check out this video to see where the rest of your Arctic Cinco de Mayo journey takes you. And visit our recipe archive for more guac ideas that will help you celebrate Cinco anywhere. 

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post How to Prep for a Perilous Arctic Avocado-Retrieval Mission to Save Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

You were killing it. The sun was radiant, the birds were chirping. You finished all your work ahead of schedule, high-fived your boss, and left the office. You even had time to slip off to the store to buy Avocados From Mexico for the Tostitos® SalsaGuac and Cinco Layer Dip by Tostitos® that you’re perfecting for Joe’s upcoming Cinco de Mayo party. But when you got home, you went to check your mailbox and … jury duty.

Just like that, you plummet back to earth. You open the envelope and bad becomes worse when you see the summons is for Cinco de Mayo weekend.

When the day comes, you arrive at court and wouldn’t you know it: You’re one of the few who is actually picked. You take a seat in the jury box, but you’re having a hard time focusing on upholding the law. On any other day, this would have been fine — a thrill, even — but it’s Cinco, and you’re missing the big party at Joe’s. Your mind drifts and you can’t stop thinking about how Rachel is probably getting scooped up by some other guy during the annual “Kiss the Cook” Party Dip Mix-Off.

Fear not: It’s possible to help the jury reach a verdict and still celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

• Unzip your bag and remove the large containers of Tostitos SalsaGuac and Cinco Layer Dip made with Avocados From Mexico that you brought to share. They would have been shoo-in wins at Joe’s.
• If you forgot to pack chips, you’ll need to beg a bag off one of your fellow jurors. Speaking of which, there’s something familiar about the woman in the low-brimmed hat to your left …
• She packed Tostitos. You feel a spark.
• Begin enjoying your Tostitos® SalsaGuac made with Avocados From Mexico, then weep along with the defendant: You have been hit with an overwhelming combination of crunch and creamy avocado flavor, and he has been found guilty of wire fraud and sentenced to a Cinco de Mayo behind bars.
• Whisper a tearful thank-you to the woman next to you. Only when she raises her hat do you realize — holy guacamole, it’s been Rachel all along!
• Tell her it really is true what they say: “Where there’s guac, there’s Cinco.”
• When the judge brings down the gavel to dismiss, lean in for the kiss.

You and your Cinco sweetie will need some future date ideas, and what better than a dinner in? For more guac ideas to help recreate the moment it all started and further celebrate Cinco de Mayo, visit our recipe archive.

We’ve got plenty more blogs to show you just how to make the most of your Cinco, no matter where Cinco takes you.

The post Summoned for Jury Duty this Cinco de Mayo? Bring the Party to the Panel appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate everything Irish, but it's also the perfect occasion to enjoy your favorite green fruit. This March, you can show love for avocados through unabashedly green food, drink, and clothing choices and still fit into the festive fray.

Go with a Green Getup

You don't need to sport shamrocks to avoid being pinched on March 17. St. Patrick's Day is an excellent occasion to deck yourself out in green garb while watching a parade or attending a party. Feel festive in an avocado T-shirt or comfy avocado socks. For a more subtle approach, stay warm during a St. Patrick’s Day parade with a cozy avocado scarf.

Offer Naturally Green Food Options

Avoid adding artificial food coloring to your drinks and dishes by having dark green, slightly bumpy, ripe avocados on hand during your St. Patrick’s Day party. Take advantage of the natural green goodness of avocados to festively color your plates. In addition to remaining healthfully on theme, you'll add a nutritional boost of good fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. There are many other green party foods you can serve besides guacamole, like overloaded potato skins topped with avocado slices.

How to Make Avo-loaded Potato Skins

To make, poke holes in 3 or 4 Russet potatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about an hour at 400°F. As they bake, cook several slices of bacon in a skillet until crispy and prepare the filling for these loaded skins by mixing crema with chipotle in adobo sauce. Remove the potatoes from the oven and scoop out the innards, leaving about an inch of cooked-potato lining inside the skins. Spoon the crema and chipotle sauce mixture inside the potato skins and cover with a layer of your favorite grated cheese. Bake for 5 or 6 more minutes at 500°F before topping with sliced avocado and crispy chunks of bacon.

Raise glasses filled with spicy avocado margaritas and toast the versatile fruit (and the Irish, of course). Cheers!

Prepare for other upcoming festivities with our avocado recipe archive.

The post Green Avocado Recipes and Garments for St. Patrick’s Day Fun appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Celebrate bridal and baby showers by promoting goodwill for years to come with an avocado theme! After all, they're adorbs — plus, they're symbols of health and prosperity. Avo-loving brides and moms-to-be, rejoice! Your dreams of an all-avo shower have come true, and Avocados From Mexico is here to inspire you.

Avocado Decorations, Invites, and Gifts

A quick internet search will yield many options for avocado-themed decorations from an avocado pinata to adorable avocado lights! Give them a photo op with avocado banners. And delight your guests with paper products to continue the theme.

Send invitations to your bridal or baby shower that show off your avo-loving theme, too! You can buy them pre-designed or create your own flair by hand-painting avocado designs on each one.

For the bride, shower her with avocado-prepping tools for the kitchen. And come bearing the right baby shower gifts, like an avo-dorable onesie for the new babe or avocado baby food – bought or homemade.

Avocado Refreshments

Keep guests satisfied with bridal and baby shower nibbles, too! For these recipes, you need perfectly ripe avocados. Too hard or too ripe, and they won't be their tastiest. If you can only find hard, unripened avocados, check out this video for tips about ripening your avos in a few days' time. If your avos are perfectly ripe and you don't need them for a few days, watch this video for how to slow down ripening.

Impress guests with an avocado toast bar that offers a variety of breads and toppings. There are plenty of great combinations to try, like mango and jalapeño, fried egg and hot sauce, or pomegranate with goat cheese and honey. You can also serve guacamole and avocado deviled eggs, which are the perfect bite of protein for your party.

When it comes to drinks, non-alcoholic avo mocktails like a salty chile-rimmed avocado margarita are perfect for moms-to-be. More recipes here.

Make the most of your avocado-themed bridal or baby shower with the right avo-centric details and delicacies.

The post Brides, Babies, and Avocados: Bridal and Baby Shower Ideas appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Want to get every last bit of avo goodness out of the fruit and into your recipes? Here are some avocado kitchen tools to make your avocado dishes delicious and Instagram-worthy.

Ripe, Ripe Baby

So, you've scoured the nearest markets and all the available avocados are bright green and rock hard. Don't fret – help is close at hand, thanks to this avocado kitchen tool: the avocado sock.

Simply place your unripened avocado into the natural lanolin and warmth of these woolly socks and you'll have avocados that are dark-skinned and yield to slight pressure in as little as 24 hours – ready to be eaten... in even less time than using the paper bag trick.

Slice and Dice

Now that you have a perfectly ripe avocado, you want to make sure that you release its deliciously creamy contents in the best possible fashion. There's a surprising number of avocado kitchen tools to help you do just that depending on your end goal.

1. Snag every last morsel of avocado flesh with an avocado scoop like this one, whose rounded edge helps scoop up every bit of green goodness.
2. If you'd like some consistent cubes, then an avocado cuber like this is the one for you. Simply remove the pit, insert this miniature lacrosse-stick into an avocado half and – voila!
3. Looking for just one avocado kitchen tool? A nifty The 3-in-1 avocado slicer like this one, which not only splits the avocados but also has a tool for removing the pit and cutting it into tidy slices, is the Swiss Army knife you need.

Keep it Fresh

Nobody likes losing half an avocado to oxidization or spoilage. For the few of you who can fight the urge to eat a whole avocado, there are a few options out there for saving the other half.

1. Give your avocado half some love with an avocado hugger like this to keep it fresh until the next snack time.
2. Or prepare your avocado half for the road with something like this avocado Tupperware, whose hard exterior will stop just about anything coming between you and your avo-licious loaded lunch.

You can count on these avocado kitchen tools to make your avocado meal prep a breeze. (P.S. They make great gift options, too!)

The post 6 Avocado Kitchen Tools You Wish You’d Found Sooner appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Avocados are everywhere. In 2017, 1.73 billion Avocados From Mexico were exported from Mexico to the U.S. From guac bowls and avocado toast to clothes, tweets, and Instagram trends, this creamy fruit has truly become of symbol of an entire generation, a mascot for millennials. And you only have to look to pop culture to see proof of this avocado trend.

Let's take a look at some of the biggest avocado moments lately.

Twitter Avocado Trend

All over Twitter, you can find people professing their love for the green fruit:

Me: I’m not like most millennials

*waiter approaches*

Also me: Hi, do you still have that avocado toast with the pomegranate seeds on top?

— Ryan Pollack (@RyanPollack5) October 12, 2018

🥑 Having my first avocado toast, I’ve ascended to millennialhood. pic.twitter.com/yNdeCbYFKV

— Joshua Cruz (@CruzCtrl77) October 7, 2018

#Avocadoland I'm obsessed with #Avocados ! pic.twitter.com/HAfnEOLTsB

— Regina Spacola (@gigirules7) November 15, 2017

People love eating avocado so much, that there is nothing sadder than a hard, unripe avocado. It just means that much longer until you can actually enjoy it! As @Caitlin0Sanders said on Twitter, “I wish I could get a ripe avocado sent to my house everyday.” But good news: You can actually speed up the ripening process! Sunlight is a great way to quicken your avo's ripening time (check out this video for tips!). You can also use dry rice to speed up ripening (more here).

Avocado Trend for Eating Healthier

The #eatclean movement is all over cookbook shelves, Twitter, and Instagram. And the darling of the movement by far as been avocados, leading people to find new ways to be creative with it. From pretty avocado roses like this:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Taguj #dnessnidam (@dneska_snidam) on Apr 28, 2016 at 12:29am PDT

 

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A post shared by Jake Cohen (@jakecohen) on Oct 14, 2018 at 8:48am PDT

 

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A post shared by Megan Boswell, APD2be 👩🏻‍🌾 (@thehealthylabel) on Oct 16, 2018 at 12:59pm PDT

There are over 950,000 post with #avocadotoast on Instagram, so you could literally spend all day looking at photos.

To add to the avocado trends, Australian millionaire Tim Gurner said that millennials could afford to buy houses if they stop buying so much avocado toast. That comment alone brought forth even stronger loyalties to the avocado trend, as you can see in comments like:

I was gonna put a down payment on a house last year but then I spent $44,000 on avocado toast https://t.co/SvSEisua71

— Snowbonk 201 199 165 (@Bowsnonk) May 15, 2017

And this:

Alright, I did the math. If I stopped eating avocado toast every day, I would be able to afford a bad house in Los Angeles in 642 years. pic.twitter.com/nqhiqnQ07E

— Scary Kaleb Horton (@kalebhorton) May 15, 2017

Avocado Trends in Hollywood

In the movie "Hotel Transylvania 2," the grandpa vampire is forced by his daughter to feed his baby grandson avocado. He jokes, “Apparently it's good fat!" And who could forget that scene in the movie "Step Brothers" when the brothers had made their own bunk bed and Dale asked Brennan if he liked guacamole to try bonding?

But perhaps the biggest sign that avocado trend has morphed into a pop culture icon is celebrity endorsement.

Chrissy Teigen loves the green fruit so much, she got matching avo bathing suits for her and her daughter for her cookbook photo shoot.

 

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A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Oct 20, 2017 at 2:49pm PDT

And then there's actress and cookbook author Gwyneth Paltrow loves to incorporate avocados into her recipes.

What are your favorite signs that avocado trend has become a pop culture icon? Let us know on social media.

The post How the Avocado Became a Pop Culture Icon appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

No state fair visit is complete without the indulgence of fried fair foods. You're probably well aware of popular foods such as funnel cakes and corn dogs. But did you know you can use your favorite fruit, Avocados From Mexico, to create a delicious twist on some of those fried fair regulars and give you some new to look forward to this fall?

First, a few avocado tips to help you get the perfect avo experience. It's important to understand how to pick a perfectly ripe Avocado From Mexico. Darker green ones that give a little when gently squeezed are ready to eat! If you happen to buy a ripe avocado that you want to save, you can place it in the fridge and it will last another 2–3 days.

Here's what you need to know when recreating the perfect fried fair foods.

Step 1: Choose your frying fat wisely.

Avocado oil's high smoke point (520 F) and slightly nutty flavor make it ideal for deep-frying. While consuming some oil is needed for health, oils still contain calories. Oils and solid fats both contain about 120 calories per tablespoon.

Step 2: Pick your foods to fry.

French fries are typical state fair food, but avocado french fries are on a whole new level, providing the ultimate contrast of textures: the crispy, crunchy crust with creamy, smooth avocado. Serve with an Asian sweet chili sauce to add a little heat to the game.

Avo slices not enough for you? Try making deep-fried stuffed avocado halves, Italian-style. Scoop each half out of the skin in one piece, then add some cooked bacon and fresh mozzarella to the hole in each half. Dip the whole thing in an egg whisked with some water, then roll in a bowl of pulverized panko crumbs seasoned with salt. Repeat this process until the entire avo is coated in crumbs. Gently shake off the excess and deep-fry in 350 F oil for 4 minutes, until golden brown, then serve with a side of marinara sauce.

Another winner is fried guacamole. All you have to do is freeze the guacamole in 1–2 rounded tablespoon portions, then dip into beaten eggs, roll in crushed tortilla chips, repeat the breading process once more, and deep-fry at 375 F for 1–2 minutes. Serve with your favorite sour cream or crema mixed with fresh lime juice for dipping.

No trip to the state fair would be complete without a little dessert. Start off by baking this delicious avocado coconut pound cake (but hold the glaze), then cube, dip in pancake batter and deep-fry at 375 F until the outside is brown and crisp. For the real state fair experience, spear the fried pound cake with a skewer along with some ripe seasonal fruit, like mango or berries.

The post An Avo-Inspired Take on Your Favorite Fried Fair Foods appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

What better way to celebrate the end of summer than with an avocado-themed Labor Day party? It's the perfect fruit to use as inspiration for a lakeside shindig including food, entertainment, decorations, and clothing.

For relaxing on water, just type “avocado float" into any search engine. You'll quickly find large, inflatable avocados with a scoop out of the center for your body, guaranteed to float you into relaxation. Add to the festivities with avocado-centric clothing, be it shirts with avocado prints, or even just clothing the same shade of green as a beautifully ripe Avocado From Mexico. Avocado piñatas are another must and can easily be found at most party stores. Got kids you need to keep busy? Put out a bowl of pits from Avocados From Mexico, and let them carve their own decorations!

Did you know that Avocados From Mexico can even prepare your skin for an avocado party? This article tells you how to turn Avocados From Mexico into moisturizing cream, and avocado oil can be found in some sunscreens — an on-theme bonus for your party.

When it comes to Labor Day party foods, avocados can be made into savory and sweet dishes and drinks. First, you'll want to learn how to pick a perfectly ripe avocado by selecting avocados that are dark green and give a little when squeezed, and how to slice and dice it properly. Once that's under control, let your imagination go wild! Include a refreshing guacamole with tortilla chips and veggies for dipping – try this recipe with fresh mint. Avo is the perfect addition to a freshly grilled burger or hot dog, too. For refreshments, check out these avocado-based cocktails, including a delicious avocado margarita (chile lime salt rim, anyone?). And because everyone has a sweet tooth, consider including avocado in your desserts! Avocados go well in brownies, popsicles, and ice cream.

The post Avo-themed Fun for Your Labor Day Party appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

UPDATE: JUNE 2020

Father’s Day is upon us once again, so we’re back with more dad-worthy avocado jokes— but this time with a guacamole theme. We might have gotten a bit carried away this time: We even feature new takes on classic dad sayings, idioms, and what we think counts as wisdom.

Without further avo, here are some of our favorite guacamole dad jokes that would make your papa proud.

Related: Entertain Dad and test your knowledge with some fun avocado trivia.

Dad’s Guacamole Sayings

Any father who can’t resist a good turn of phrase will love these expressions. And since everything is better with guacamole, we've mixed it up so he can have the best of both worlds. Or, should we say, he can have his guac and eat it too…

• “You’re a chip off the ol’ guac.”

  You're following the example of your parents. You can only hope they make great guac.

• “You spilled the guac!”

  To reveal something that was meant to be a secret — perhaps the key ingredient in Dad’s special guacamole.

• “Birds of a feather guac together.”

  Similar people share similar interests — particularly if it’s a love of guacamole.

Dad’s Guacamole Wisdom

Fathers can be known for their sound advice and sage council. Here are some nuggets of guacamole wisdom any dad would be proud to share:

• No use crying over spilled guac.

  Though the idea of guacamole going to waste is a terrible shame, what’s done is done. It’s no good worrying about what can’t be changed — so make some more!

• Guac a mile in someone else’s shoes.

  This doesn’t mean go scoop guacamole into your friend’s sneakers. It means considering someone else’s point of view before you judge their lifestyle, behavior, or favorite guacamole ingredients.

• When life gives you avocados, make guacamole.

  It’s not always what you’re given but what you make of it that matters. When you meet with opposition, look for opportunity — especially if that opportunity involves guac.

Guacamole Dad Jokes

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: cringeworthy wisecracks that will have your pop rolling with laughter — or just rolling his eyes.

• Why was the avocado followed by the paparazzi?

  He was a guac star.

• What did the sad avocado say?

  “It’s a hard guac life.”

• What do you call an alligator that loves guacamole?

  A guacodile.

• What do you shout when the guacamole is ready?

  “Chip-chip, hooray!”

• What was Elvis’ favorite Mexican snack?

  The jailhouse guac.

• What do you get when you put an avocado, a tomato, and an onion in a mosh pit?

  A punk guac concert!

If these guacamole dad jokes and puns are making you hungry (instead of laugh), check out our archive of guacamole recipes to pick out your next snack.

The post Mom-Approved Avocado Dad Jokes appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

By Chef Pati Jinich

Guacamole is the undisputed mainstay of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. When it's Cinco, that means dishing out some next-level guac.

Avocados From Mexico make any celebration extra delicious and special. With the recipes and tips below, you can host a Cinco de Mayo party that can last all day and well into the night.

Before we get to the recipes, make sure you’re ready to pick out the perfect avocados for the big day. For avocados that will be ripe and ready to eat that day or the following, choose avocados that are dark green, have a bumpy texture, and give a little in your hand when you gently squeeze them. Should you somehow end up with avocados that are a little too hard, no problem: There are many ways to speed up ripening, like putting the avocados in direct sunlight, inside a brown paper bag with a banana, or even submerged in a bowl of rice. Lastly, if you have ripe avocados but your party is a few days away, place them in your refrigerator to slow down the ripening process.

For more tips like these, please visit the “How-To” page on the Avocados From Mexico website.

Now, on to the recipes!

Great Guacs and Dips

• 5-Ingredient Classic Guacamole: This guacamole blends avocados, lime juice, onions, jalapeño, and salt.
• Garlic Shrimp, Fennel, and Orange Guac: Savory fennel and bright citrus combine in this seafood-style guacamole.
• Fired Up Tequila Guac: Tequila and the heat of guajillo chiles elevate this guacamole. Tip: Use scissors to cut slender pepper rings.
• Botanero Guac: Cool jicama and sweet pineapple blend with creamy avocados in this version.
• Cave Man Guac: This hearty mash includes spicy chorizo sausage and savory soy sauce.
• Fiesta Taco Dip: This layered dip is a symphony of guacamole, pinto beans, and more.
• Regional versions: Try a New York deli guac; a Veracruz-style version; a Maryland mix with lump crab meat; a Louisiana blend with Cajun sausage and spices; or a Mediterranean-style guacamole.

Another cool avocado tip: If you need to prepare your guacamole well before your party starts, you can keep it green by pouring a thin layer of milk over the top and placing it in the fridge.

Fun Finger Foods

• Tacos: Your spread can include everything from this zucchini-and-avo taco to my flank steak taco with Jamaica-and-jalapeño syrup. Corn tortillas stuffed with tequila-seasoned shrimp are another good addition.
• Chicken flautas: Rolled with chicken and served with guac, these simple snacks are fun to munch on.
• Burger and dogs: Elevate your burger by topping it with a bacon-and-avocado spread on this special day. And who doesn’t love a Mexican-style hot dog dressed with bacon, cheese, and avocado relish?
• From bean-and-cheese heroes to pork sliders topped with an avocado spread, simple sandwiches are always crowd-pleasers.

Half-Avocado Bar

Let guests choose from an assortment of fillings used to stuff avocado halves. (A squeeze of lime juice will help keep sliced avocados fresh.)

• Fruit-based fillings: This sweet-and-spicy blend of pineapple and pico de gallo inside a ripe avocado works oh-so well. (Make sure your halves are ripe by buying avocados that give a little when you squeeze.)
• Veggie fillings: Offer a range of options, from fresh hearts of palm and artichoke salad to a veggie mix with oregano-lime cream.
• Seafood salads: Try these go-to shrimp and tuna salad avocado boats.

Beverage Counter

Yes, they’re a must for Cinco celebrations. Serve different types in pitchers with all the fixings: glasses, salt, and lime wedges. You can’t go wrong with this avocado margarita, a grilled pineapple margarita, or a coconut-lime version.

• Creative cocktails: How about this decadent cocktail with a Cinco twist? It’s a martini made with creamy dulce de leche. Scrumptious!
• Aguas frescas: There are lots of options for this refreshing non-alcoholic Mexican specialty, from popular horchata flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, to one from my childhood: Jamaica Water.
• A Michelada: Play with this fun tradition of dressing up Mexican beer with hot sauce and spices to please the beer-lovers on your guest list.

Add fresh-cut flowers, pull out the brightly colored tablecloths, and get your playlist ready for an extra special Cinco de Mayo!

The post Spectacular Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Everybody knows avocados are good stuff … but to be an avo-expert is an exceptional life accomplishment. Can you truly call yourself an avo-know-it-all? Do you know the best hacks to help you pick and prepare an avocado for eating? What about the story of the avocado’s journey from humble prehistoric fruit to the world’s most beloved food? Wait — you DO know avocado’s a fruit, right?

Whether you’re a causal avo-toast muncher or an avid avo-lover, this avocado fact quiz is good fun for all.

[viralQuiz id=9]

The post Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Avocado? appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

If you’re hosting a watch party for the big game, a birthday celebration, or simply a gathering of friends at your home, you want to be the host with the most — most guacamole, that is.

We don’t doubt that your friends love dipping into always good guacamole. But have you ever made your world-famous guacamole for a crowd? Nothing kills a party faster than a dry guac bowl, so it’s important to make sure there’s enough to go around. These tips and tricks will help you make enough guacamole for everyone (even pesky party crashers) to enjoy, all while keeping things fresh.

How Many Avocados Do I Need?

It depends on your guacamole recipe, but a good rule to follow is roughly half an avocado per person. Count your guests and divide by two to yield the number of avocados you’ll need. It’s not rocket science, it’s guac-it science.

Picking Avocados in Time for the Party

A party-size bowl of guacamole calls for the right avocados — ripe avocados. A good rule of thumb is that the darker the avocado, the riper it is. You can also give an avocado a light squeeze, and if it gives a little, it’s ready to party.

To make enough guacamole for a crowd, you may want to consider getting your avocados a couple days in advance. Here’s a cheat sheet for perfect timing:

• If the party is today or tomorrow, buy avocados that are dark green with bumpy skin and are slightly soft when you squeeze them.
• If the party is in two or three days, buy avocados that are green and firm. Let them sit on the counter until the day of the party — they’ll ripen just in time!
• If the party is in four or five days, buy avocados that are green and firm, but store them in the refrigerator. Take them out and let them ripen on the counter two or three days ahead of the big day.

See what we mean in this video:

How to Make Guacamole for a Crowd

Basic guacamole is mashed Avocados From Mexico, lime juice, and salt. Traditional ingredients include chopped tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro — you can’t go wrong with that. But since everyone has different tastes, making guacamole for a big crowd means you’ll need to make something for everyone. Good thing guacamole is the most customizable snack food in the world.

When you’re preparing guacamole for a crowd, here are some things to consider:

1. Spice: Some like it hot, others do not. If you have fire-eaters coming over, consider making a bowl of spicy guacamole just for them. Here’s our pepper-picking guide.
2. Texture: Are you a chunky guac person? Or do you keep things smoooooth? Consult our guacamole texture guide to get that perfect consistency.
3. Allergies/Diets: Do any of your guests have allergies or diets to consider? Don’t give up on the guacamole. It’s easy to make gluten-free guacamole, and there are plenty of vegan guacamole recipes, too.
4. Crazy Ingredients: You might be a fan of banana chipotle jelly guacamole, but unless you run with a really niche crowd, not everyone will appreciate such a … umm, unique appetizer. We say follow your heart, but maybe serve up something more traditional, too.

A fun solution to make sure everyone at your shindig has the perfect guacamole: Set up a DIY guacamole bar. Guests can mash their own custom dip and make things as simple, spicy, or wacky as they want. Win-win-win-etc.

Leftover Guacamole = An Awesome After-Party

When the party’s a-rockin’, folks are a-guacin’. But when the fun ends and your guests head home, you might have some leftover guacamole. Lucky you!

The good news about leftover guac: You can store it for later! When avocado flesh is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and turns brown. Just squirt lime juice over the surface and cover with plastic cling film. Make sure that the cling film is pressed firmly against the surface with no air pockets. Store it in the refrigerator and your guac will remain bright green, fresh, and delicious for a couple days. The party lives on!

Get more avocado inspiration on our recipes page.

The post How to Make Guacamole for a Crowd appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Make no mistake, holiday season is party season. Since most of us lead busy lives, hosts appreciate when guests arrive with treats in-hand. Need some ideas? Here are some tips to ensure you and your party dish arrive in style!

Dill's the season

Dill is one of the most versatile herbs around. Potatoes, avocados, and salmon all love dill. This dish combines all of the above and looks good when you show up at the party. Simply halve and roast some fingerling potatoes. While the potatoes are in the oven, mash ripe avocado with dill, lemon zest and lemon juice. To make sure you get a creamy mash, make sure your avocados are ripe. You want to buy avocados with a dark green skin that yields slightly to pressure. Once your potatoes are done, let them cool before taking your ingredients to the party. Once there, layer some avo mash and top with a sliver of smoked salmon. Crown with some dill and presto! Insta-delish party dish!

Salad days

Salads are a popular, transportable choice for any potluck party. The festive season offers the perfect excuse to marry fresh greens with something a little more hearty – like sweet potatoes. Bake your sweet potatoes in advance and take along a bag of washed greens and an avocado or two. Once you arrive, lay down a base of salad, toss in some dried cranberries, diced sweet potato and avocado, then dress with a simple vinaigrette and serve. The easiest way to slice and pit an avocado is to cut lengthwise, then remove the pit and dice the flesh while it is still in the skin, as you can see here in a tutorial video.

You want fries with that?

If you have access to a kitchen (and your host doesn't mind), whip up some tasty avocado fries a la minute! All you'll need to bring with you are a few firm avocados and your choice of dip like this smoky chipotle yogurt. Then, borrow some flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and bake away. Serve these hot and fresh!

Taco to go?

Bring your own taco bar to the party! Make your salsa and guacamole in advance, as well as some grilled, diced chicken breast. Store all the ingredients in individual portable containers. When it comes time to party, all you have to do is warm some tortillas and the diced chicken breast if you want it warm. Grab a tub of sour cream from your portable cooler and everyone gets to build their own tacos while you enjoy the fiesta!

Tasty taquitos

These diminutive bites offer crunch and delicious, customizable fillings. Grab a tortilla and fill the lower third with two tablespoons of your favorite filling – whether it's shredded pork, pickled onions and cilantro or a vegetarian mix of zucchini, cheese and sweet potato. Roll up the tortillas and secure them with a toothpick before baking them to crispy perfection. Once cooled, these are easy to transport and serve at room temperature alongside your best guacamole. We guarantee there will be no leftovers to travel home with you!

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A traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes many familiar favorites, but you can jazz up your meal by adding some side dishes featuring the most beloved fruit, the avocado, which is available year-round from Mexico. Tasty, satisfying, and with nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, Avocados From Mexico make a great addition to a holiday feast. And who knows — these dishes may become new family favorites!

Including avocado in a side salad is perhaps the most obvious way to slip some creamy goodness into your meal, but you can get creative and surprise your guests with a Waldorf avocado salad with both tart green and sweet red apples. Or stay on track with the fall theme and serve a roasted squash salad with avocado and cannellini beans. A bit of crumbled goat cheese completes this festive side that hits all the right notes.

If you're new to buying avocados or feel confused about how to choose them at perfect ripeness, watch this video to see how a simple touch test will always make sure you go home with a "ready-today" avocado. If the avocado slightly yields to gentle pressure then it is ready for you!

Want some smart and satisfying ideas for sides other than salads?

Skip the standard green beans and broccoli, and opt instead for some more interesting greens, such as guacamole stuffed peppers. They may not be standard Thanksgiving fare, but like many of the traditional foods associated with the holiday, avocados and chiles are native to the Americas, and they're the perfect complement to roast turkey and mashed potatoes. All you have to do is peel and deseed some poblano chiles and stuff them with your favorite guacamole recipe.

If you love avocado toast, step up your game by offering avocado crostini on your Thanksgiving table. It makes for a welcome, creamy addition to any holiday spread. Just dice some tomato, onion, and avocado (if you're worried about squashing your avocado when you're trying to dice it, find out how to slice and dice an avocado), add in small chunks of mozzarella and some minced fresh basil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It's the perfect topping for toasted slices of a crusty loaf of bread.

A savory avocado mousse provides a magnificent contrast to tangy cranberry sauce and also goes surprisingly well with turkey. Use your food processor to puree fresh cilantro along with an avocado, a squeeze of lime juice and a serrano chile for a kick of heat, mix in cream cheese and a packet of gelatin previously dissolved in a couple of tablespoons of water, and allow it to set in a serving dish in the refrigerator for a few hours or up to two days in advance. It'll provide both color and an unexpected flash of flavor to your feast.

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There's no better time than Halloween to indulge your imagination and delight every ghoul and boy! We suggest you trick and treat your guests to some wickedly good, avo-based horror d'oeuvres and snacks. There's a frightfully good Frankenguac on the menu, along with some eerie deviled eggs and sweet Halloween blondies, all sure to make any Halloween gathering spooktacular!

Boo-tiful Snacks

Guacamole is a party go-to, and it lends itself to some creative twists for Halloween. Frankenguac, anyone? We suggest you start with your favorite recipe or try our tequila-inspired version (for the adults, or make it without the alcohol for the little ones), and then it's time to get creative. You can mound your dip in a bowl and then create a face using olives and roasted red pepper rounds along with a dollop of yogurt for eyes. Place your bowl on a platter and then fan out rows of blue and white tortillas above it for a "Bride of Frankenstein" effect. Or simply place a smattering of dark tortilla chips around the bowl for Frankenstein's hair. Monsterrific!

Not serving your guacamole for a while? Take our advice on how to keep the dip gorgeously (and monstrously) green here. It's literally as easy as pouring a layer of milk or water over the guac until you're ready to serve (at which point you simply dump the liquid). So you might want to save the decorating until you're ready to serve the dip to your hungry guests.

For the sheer goofy and tasty fun of it, you can also whip up a dozen deviled eggs, using the glorious goodness of avocados. You'll want the ripest avos possible for this and just about every avo-based recipe on your roster, so don't forget to check for readiness by seeing if it yields to gentle pressure. This video shows you exactly how.

Once your hard boiled eggs are stuffed with the yolk, mayo, lime juice, herbs, and avocado mixture, get out the craft paint brushes and red food dye to paint "bloodshot" eye veins around the egg whites. Top with a slice of black olive and presto! Creepy never tasted so good!

Fearsome Finishes

There's no better way to end Halloween night than on a sweet but spooky note. We recommend these avo-based Halloween blondies that get dressed up for the occasion by using pretzel sticks, white chocolate, and icing. The addition of candy eyeballs completes the scar-faced blondie ensemble — a perfect way to wish your guests sweet dreams.

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There's a whole world of mouth-watering, avocado-based finger foods you can serve at your next get-together. And here's the best part: You're not just limited to the perennially popular chips and guac. Really! Here are some of our favorite suggestions and avo-based tips to turn any get-together into a celebration!

Skewer It:

Skewers are the ultimate party finger food. And while you may hear "skewer" and think "meat and veg," you can actually create fast, easy, and delicious fruit and cheese skewers with avocado as the main ingredient! Take your bamboo or metal skewers and thread a piece of juicy watermelon, a small chunk of feta or bocconcini (a small, mozzarella-like ball) cheese, a medium-sized cube of ripe avocado, and repeat until your skewer is complete. Lay the skewers on a serving platter, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, some chopped, fresh mint, and a few flakes of sea salt, and voilà. These are refreshing, delicious, and ready to eat in mere minutes.

You're going to want perfectly ripe avocados for these recipes, so here's a good way to get there without much fuss. You likely know about the banana and paper bag avo-ripening tip already from Avocados From Mexico's handy "how-to" avo tips page, right? Here's another: bury your unripened avocado in a bowl of uncooked rice. Check every day for ripeness and you should be good to go in a day or two. Neat, huh!? And yes, you can reuse the rice afterward.

Plus, since Avocados From Mexico go with so many different dishes or just great by themselves, should you happen to cut one too many ripe avocados, simply store the remaining piece submerged in water in a resealable container in your refrigerator for up to three days and use it in your next meal or for a delicious morning or afternoon snack. It really is that easy!

Crazy for Crostini

People love to customize their food — party snacks included. Why not set up an easy crostini bar at your next get-together, with all the fixings ready to go? Brush some baguette rounds with olive oil, grill quickly on both sides, and then invite guests to top with chopped avocado and a basil, tomato, and olive bruschetta-style topper.

Or go with something sweeter like a chopped avocado, juicy diced pear, thyme, olive oil and pomegranate seeds. If you'd rather have something a bit meatier, offer a diced, grilled Italian sausage, cubed avocado, roasted red pepper, chile flake, and parsley crostini topper.

Need more ideas for crowd-pleasing party foods? We have dozens of recipes for appetizers and snacks right here, and you can download our guac guide on the Avocados From Mexico home page.

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When one thinks of bars, it’s likely spirits, peanuts, dart boards, and pool tables are the first things to come to mind. What doesn’t immediately come to mind? That bumpy green fruit called avocados.

Well, there’s one establishment looking to change this perception and add a little flare to the notion of a smoke-drenched bar with sticky floors and greasy foods.

Nestled in the middle of Industry City, Brooklyn lives the trendy Avocaderia — the world’s first avocado bar.

Founded by Italian avocado evangelists Alberto Gramigni, Alessandro Biggi, and Francesco Brachetti, Avocaderia serves healthy, Instagram-friendly avocado-based dishes such as decadent avocado toasts, creamy smoothies and “avoburgers.” Name any dish, and they’ve got it with an avocado twist.

Essentially, if you’re an avomaniac, a visit to this bar should make its way to the top of your bucket list.

Avocaderia opened in April to massive success — running out of its supply of 200 avocados in three hours on opening day. While some might attribute this to hype or everyone’s new-found hunger for the delicious avocado, we also think it’s because of these avocados’ origin. The majority of the Hass avocados served at Avocaderia is organically grown in the birthplace of the creamy fruit: Mexico.

“The creamy and rich taste of Hass avocados is unbeatable,” Brachetti said. “It is one of the best quality of avocado available in the world.”

As for the popularity of this innovative avocado bar, Brachetti believes the restaurant is here to stay because the love affair with avocados will not fade anytime soon.

“I see avocados playing a major role in the American diet as it’s shifting its focus to healthier options,” Brachetti said. “Because avocados are both healthy and tasty, you can eat one avocado a day since it is rich in nutrient and healthy fats.”

A mere three months since opening their doors, the restaurant now goes through 650 pounds of avocados from Mexico per week and has plans to expand their restaurant into Manhattan. There’s no doubt that Brachetti sees the first Avocaderia bar in Brooklyn as a prelude to a nation-wide chain.

“If you can prove your concept here,” Brachetti told QSR Magazine. “You can do it anywhere.”

Feeling inspired but can’t make the trek to New York? It’s okay, Avocados from Mexico has got you covered with several recipe options. And to take full advantage of all these recipe ideas and more, you’ll definitely want to check out Avocados from Mexico’s helpful “how-to” avocado tips page where you’ll find several helpful videos, everything from how to ripen avocados quicker by burying them in rice for a couple of days to how best to preserve half of an avocado that you’d like to eat later by rubbing it with lemon juice, covering it with plastic wrap, and putting it in the fridge.”

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Guacamole is the perfect dish for experimenting, tweaking the original recipe or just using it as inspiration to come up with something totally different. The next time that guac craving hits, why not try something new?

You can add in just about anything to get that right combination of smooth and spicy, or creamy and chunky. And considering it's easy to keep your guacamole green like the pros simply by putting a thin layer of milk over the top and putting the bowl in the fridge, you can experiment with making lots of types of guac to your heart's content.

Real avocado lovers know that there are dozens of different ways to whip up a guac. You are truly only limited by your imagination, but before you start those guac experiments you're already cooking up, take some time to learn the basics as they vary from one delicious place to the next.

Everyone who enjoys avocados should know how to make a simple guacamole. It doesn't take much! In the guacamole from central Mexico, avocados and lime make the base, and garlic, onion, chiles, and herbs add flavor.

Oaxacan guac is prepared much thinner than you might be used to and is served as a condiment. To make it, put all your standard ingredients into the blender until smooth. Add more lime juice or a bit of water until you reach the desired consistency. If you want to use it as dip, you can leave it a bit thick, but this stuff really shines when poured over some classic al pastor tacos or a simple bean and cheese tlayuda.

In the neighboring state of Veracruz, guacamole takes on a surprising spicy twist with the addition of radishes! All the usual ingredients are there: two mashed avocados, the juice of one lime, half a jalapeño, a quarter of a white onion, a generous handful of cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Dice four medium radishes, mix it all together, and enjoy. Need to up your avo-slicing and dicing game? Check out this video for pro-tips.

And of course the list wouldn't be complete without the Tex-Mex classic. But what really makes a Tex-Mex guac? Beans, corn, and cheese of course. Add black beans, cooked kernels of corn, and crumbled queso fresco to any standard guac recipe to Tex-Mex it up in no time. If you want to leave out the cilantro and chiles, spice things up a bit by sprinkling in a spoonful of taco seasoning.

Feeling even more experimental? You can add bacon, or nuts, pomegranate, or mango. You can even make it purple. If you're making your guac ahead of time, let this video show you how to keep it perfectly green until it's time to eat!

To make sure your avocados are optimal for making guacamole, you'll definitely want to check out Avocados from Mexico's helpful “how-to" avo tips page where you'll find several helpful videos, everything from how to ripen avocados quicker by burying them in rice for a couple of days to how best to preserve half of an avocado that you'd like to eat later by rubbing it with lemon juice, covering it with plastic wrap, and putting it in the fridge.

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As summer hits and temperatures start to soar into the sweat-all-day zone, you'll need something to help cool off. Enter the avo-sicle, a quick and refreshing treat that is about to become your summer BFF. Think about it: As a fruit, avocados are sweet and creamy, the perfect base for a popsicle. And there are endless variations of avo-popsicle combinations! Check out these avo-sicle recipes that are great for kids and adults alike.

Avo 101

Since the base of every avo-sicle is (spoiler alert) an avocado, it helps to know how to pick the best one for the job. You'll be freezing the popsicle immediately, so you'll want a perfectly ripe avocado, which means when you gently press on it, it yields a bit to your pressure. Too much squish and it's overripe, no squish at all means it's unripe. Still confused? Check out this quick and fun video! If your avo is unripe, just place it in a paper bag until it's ripe (this works even better with a banana in the bag).

The Recipes

This avo pop from Avocados From Mexico is a great beginner recipe. It's got pure avo flavor (especially if you use water), and a subtle spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, which hints at the avo's Mexican origins.

If you want to complement avocado's naturally creamy texture, try pairing it with coconut milk, as instructed in this avocado and coconut ice pop recipe from Avocado Central. It's refreshing and lends the pop a tropical flavor that's perfect for summertime.

Chocolate and avo is a no-brainer pairing — add a little fresh mint and prepare to be blown away. Mint is a great flavor to cool you down on a hot summer's day. Bring a can of coconut milk and a generous handful of fresh mint leaves to a simmer. Set the milk aside to let it cool while the mint flavor infuses. Strain the mint leaves out and place the milk, along with the flesh of two avocados, into a blender. Add a banana, a generous glug of agave or maple syrup, 1 tsp. each of vanilla and peppermint extract, and 3 oz. of chocolate chips. Blend until smooth and pour into popsicle molds.

For a fruity popsicle, avo pairs great with a variety of other fruits. Berry-avo-pops are the perfect way to pay homage to your favorite summer-only fruit. Pineapple makes a tangy, delicious partner for sweet avo, as does mango. Use the basic avo-pop recipe above and mix and match to your heart's content!

Avo-sicles are simple to make, have endless variety, and offer epic refreshment. Once your family tastes them, the only challenge will be keeping enough of them on hand all summer long!

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This Fourth of July, celebrate with two kinds of firecrackers: the kind you watch sparkle in the sky and the kind that leave guests saying "Ahhh!" for a different reason. The latter are Avocado Firecrackers, savory bites made with creamy slices of avocado wrapped with crisp bacon slices and finished off with a dash of chile powder.

Here's how you make these festive snacks that are ready to go in under half an hour. After all, hungry guests don't make for a happy fiesta.

Know Your Avo

First things first: You want a ripe avocado for these magnificent mouthfuls, so start by gently pressing a thumb and index finger into the avocado. "Gently" is key because you want the fruit to yield a little. If it's green and rock hard, that means that particular avocado needs time to ripen to its full, fruitful potential.

If you bought one in your grocery store before you read this, don't sweat. Just place your unripened avo near a window so the sunshine can work its magic and speed up ripening . If you prefer, bury your green avo completely in a bowl of rice; it has the same quick-ripening effect. Check every day using the above-noted gentle pressure method until you've got the perfect, ripe fruit.

Fabulous Avocado Firecrackers

There may not be an app out there that's easier to put together than these Avo Firecrackers. You only need three ingredients to prepare this dish: one ripe avocado, several bacon slices, and chile powder. The idea is to cut the fruit into same-sized pieces (Remember: a serving of avocado is ⅓ of a medium avocado), wrapping each with a slice of bacon. Then, sprinkle each piece with pinch of chile powder and assemble the wrapped avocado pieces on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Pop that into a 425 F oven for 12-15 minutes and boom! You've made your own, avo-based firecrackers.

You'll be the hostess with the mostess this Fourth of July, you culinary maven, you!

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Name:

Aviana Cado

Age:

4 months

Body type:

Hard and bumpy on the outside, smooth and creamy inside

Quote:

Have a guac-tastic day!

About Aviana

I'm just a fruit looking for her other half. I'm originally from Michoacán, Mexico, so you better believe I'm fun, I'm loud, and when I hear mariachi music, I let the beat control my body. I get along with everybody and am always the life of the party. I don't usually seek attention, but during social events, people usually seek me out or gather around me for conversations.

I don't discriminate when it comes to dating and am open to starting a relationship with any fruit, berry, vegetable, or meat. I've even dated a few sandwiches and burgers.

Full disclosure, my looks are a little rough, and my skin is far from the silky smooth variety that most deem "desirable," but it's what's on the inside that counts. And, on the inside, I'm vibrant, soft, sweet, and will fill your heart with goodness and joy.

I'm currently a model for Avocados From Mexico, so if you've ever been to their website you've probably seen me.

Not everything's been easy, though. I lost my parents last year to a pair of ground squirrels, before they were even ripe, and I still haven't fully recovered.

I used to enjoy the outdoors when I was just a tike, but I've since become a bit of a homebody. I enjoy spending days lounging, nights partying, and I also dabble in cooking. I love to experiment with different ingredients, spices, and make some of the most surprisingly delicious desserts you've ever tasted.

I also enjoy gardening, creating DIY-inspired home spa products, sports (especially football), and I'm an environmentalist.

If you're looking to broaden your horizon and cleanse your palate of all the past relationships that left a bad taste in your mouth, I'm ready to be your one true love.

Loves:

Cooking, ripening, sports, creating DIY-inspired home spa products.

Dislikes

: Bad habits. People who judge a book by its cover.

On a typical Friday night:

I'm hosting a party at my place with plenty of yummy appetizers.

The most private thing I'm willing to admit:

I had a stem transplant shortly after I was born due to an accident with a dog and a Frisbee.

The post An Avocado Dating Profile appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Avocados have been grown in Mexico for millennia, so our South of the border neighbors have had a long time to perfect the use of this versatile fruit in a remarkable range of recipes. We took a trip around the country to see how avocado is used in creative ways — and how you can bring these ideas home for adaptation in your own kitchen.

Michoacán

The state that's Mexico's center of avocado farming was also awarded intangible world heritage status for its cuisine in 2010, so you know that something delicious is going on there. From chilled avocado soups to avocado-flavored ice creams and popsicles, the great green fruit can make an appearance at any meal. Check out our recipes for more ideas about how you can incorporate avocado into your daily meal plan.

Puebla

Mole is one of Mexico's most storied and beloved dishes. While nearly every region of the country has its own local recipe, the sauce that is paired with everything from turkey to chicken is usually considered too complicated to attempt by casual home cooks. This recipe for pork medallions with a green avocado and herbed mole may be better suited for the weekend than the work week, but it's been simplified from traditional mole recipes. Make it once, and we guarantee your family will request a repeat performance.

Chihuahua

Do you think of Mexico as a cheese-producing country? No? Think again! While not exported on a large scale, Mexico does indeed produce a number of exceptional cheeses, especially in Chihuahua, its largest state. You can often find packaged Mexican cheeses in the dairy section of your local supermarket. Look for a queso fresco to make this summer squash avocado salad, which is a party crowd-pleaser.

Need more meal-time inspiration? Visit the Recipes section of the Avocados from Mexico website for dozens of ideas!

The post Mexico’s Hidden Gems appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Tortilla chips will always be guacamole’s best friend, but guac is kind of like the most popular kid on the block. There are all kinds of other things to dip in guacamole, from veggies to fruits to homemade root chips.

Some of these dippers are underrated, but they’re just as delicious as mainstream options such as tortilla chips. Here are a few of our favorite hipster dippers.

1. Vegetables

These dippers satisfy the crunch factor that we all love next to a smooth and creamy guacamole, while offering a lower-calorie alternative to chips. Some good options:

• Asparagus spears
• Bell peppers
• Baby carrots
• Celery
• Jicama

Whether you’re choosing your vegetables for their color palette or simply according to what’s most available at your local supermarket, you’ll want to look for veggies that are easily cut into dipper-sized pieces and delicious when served raw.

2. Fruits

One of our other favorite things to dip in guacamole is fruit. Salty, crunchy options seem to be a natural pair for savory avocado dips, but a good guac can also shine when offset with a crisp, sweet dipper. Instead of tortilla chips, try slices of:

• Apple
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew
• Pear
• Pineapple

If you’re facing a particularly spicy guacamole, dipping with a naturally sweet fruit such as apple or pineapple can be the perfect way to beat the heat.

3. Crackers and Pretzels

If you just can’t bring yourself to stray too far from good old-fashioned tortilla chips, try switching them up for crackers or pretzels. Just take a short walk down the cracker aisle at your local supermarket to see all the options — water biscuits, saltines, pita crackers, pretzel sticks, mein gon, and beyond. Check to be sure your guests don’t have any food allergies, and then pick an assortment of dipping crackers.

4. Shrimp

Elevate your guacamole game with a dipper that is sure to up the class at your next get-together. Cooked shrimp, the same kind you use to dip in cocktail sauce, also taste delicious when paired with your favorite guacamole. Some serving tips for shrimp:

• Place shrimp in a dish of ice to keep them chilled without becoming soggy.
• Serve with lemon slices on the side for a burst of flavor and a lovely touch of color.
• Coconut-battered shrimp can add some new flavors to the palate.
• For presentation points: Fill cocktail glasses with guacamole and line the rim with curly shrimp — ta-da! Shrimp guac-tail!

5. Root Veggie Chips

Can’t give up that noisy, crispy bite when you’re eating guacamole? There are several baked root vegetables you can rely on to give you that signature salty snap that are a great substitute for tortilla chips. You can get root veggie chips at most stores, or buy fresh roots (yucca, taro, and beets are great options) and make them yourself. Here’s how.

Directions:

Place thin slices of yucca, taro, and/or beets on an oil-brushed baking sheet and bake at 400°F until crispy. Let them cool before serving and dipping.

Go 🍌s:

Though not a root vegetable, plantains can also be used to make an exciting alternative to the classic corn tortilla chip.

6. Breads

One of the other things to dip in guacamole is fresh-baked breads. Toasted corn tortillas are a classic option, but pitas, crostini, French bread, and breadsticks are all worthy to be dipped. Just remember that the toastier your bread slices are, the better they’ll dip.

Gotta Dip Out

Now it’s time to try some of these other things to dip in guacamole. Test out these groovy new dippers with a recipe that’s easy, fast, and fun to make. See all of our delicious guacamole recipes here.

The post Hipster Dippers: Things Other Than Chips to Dip in Guacamole appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

No matter where you find yourself on May 5, whether it be at work, school, home, or on a plane or on a train, penciling in some time for fun on Cinco de Mayo is an annual tradition that should not be neglected.

Cinco de Mayo is an ideal time to get together with friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate Mexican culture. No matter what type of gathering you're planning, we have some recipe ideas to make a party fun and memorable.

At the Office

Celebrating at the office? You can never go wrong with guacamole and tortilla chips, but a layered Fiesta Taco Dip served with celery sticks and baby carrots along with the corn chips, is sure to impress your coworkers. You can also offer deviled eggs. Give them some Cinco de Mayo flair by switching avocado for mayo. Garnish with bacon bits or diced red bell pepper so your eggs have the red, white, and green of the Mexican flag.

Since most of you will probably be preparing your guacamole at home and bringing it to the office, here is a tip to make sure it stays green and great-looking. Simply pour a thin layer of milk on top of your guac and put it in the office fridge until it's time for the party.

At School

If you need to send along a dish for a party at school, make both kids and the adults who care for them happy by preparing skewers with avocado, tiny mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes along with some balsamic sauce for dipping. Make sure your avocados are ripe: It's not difficult! A light squeeze will let you know if you've found the perfect avocado for your recipe.

At a Park

A gathering at a local park can be a fun way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Take along some make-ahead sandwich rolls, pairing them with refried beans, avocado slices, and pico de gallo instead of the usual condiments. When it's time to cut your avocado, don't sweat it — and don't squash it! Here's how to slice and dice.

At a Friend's Home

Heading to a friend's or coworker's home and want to bring a dish to share? This Avocado Caprese Salad will be a sure hit. Or, tell your hostess you'll handle dessert, and serve up Lime Meringue with Avocado Mascarpone Cream. It takes a bit longer to prepare, but it's well worth it. Don't be surprised if you see the crowd swooning in delight.

At Your Home

If you decide to mark the occasion at home with your family, crispy beef tacos with guacamole are always crowd-pleasers, but if you have some picky eaters, set out ingredients and let everyone get involved in building their own tostadas.

Whatever type of Cinco de Mayo celebration you're planning, fresh Avocados from Mexico are a healthy and delicious addition to your fiesta!

The post Fun Recipes for 5 Types of Cinco de Mayo Celebrations appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Author: Monique Volz developed a love of cooking at a young age by helping her Puerto Rican parents in the kitchen. In 2011, she started her health-based food blog, Ambitious Kitchen, and has since been featured on Food Network’s HealthyEats.com, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Today.com, and Cup of Jo. You can find more delicious, inspired recipes at AmbitiousKitchen.com.

While I often try to reveal tricks of the cooking trade, when it comes to toppings for avocado toast, there really are no tricks because the possibilities are endless.

One of my absolute favorite breakfasts after a sweaty workout is cool and creamy smashed avocado over sprouted grain toast. It’s something I look forward to not only because I love the flavor and texture of rich and creamy avocados, but also because there are countless ways to use them as a topping.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried nearly every avocado toast topping out there. From hot sauce and eggs to goat cheese and blueberries, I’ve experienced the contrast of sweet and savory flavors piled high on an open-faced slice of toast. Safe to say, I’ll never get sick of getting creative with my avocado toast.

Of course, if you are going to dive deep into the ether of avocado toast toppings, you first have to make sure your avocados from Mexico are ripe. You can find the perfect ones at your local grocery store simply by placing an avocado in the palm of your hand and squeezing gently. If the fruit gives a little, you’ve found a great one. If you’d like to see a demonstration, please watch this helpful video.

All the combos below are meant to provide a little creative, nutritious recipe inspiration to leave you satisfied. It’s also a clever and wonderful way to use leftover ingredients that may be lurking in your fridge, especially that half of an avocado you’ve been saving. By the way, a great way to save half an avocado is to rub lemon or lime juice on the open half, cover it with plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. You can see a video demonstration of this tip plus many more at Avocados from Mexico’s helpful “How-To” page.

16 Ways to Top Your Avocado Toast

1. 1/4 cup grilled corn + 1 tablespoon cotija cheese + cilantro:
A take on your favorite Mexican grilled corn from summertime. Sweet, savory, and satisfying.

2. 1/4 cup fresh blueberries + 1 tablespoon goat cheese crumbles + 1 teaspoon honey:
This delicious combo is tart, tangy, and sweet thanks to a fusion of honey, creamy goat cheese, and juicy blueberries.

3. 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes + 1 tablespoon pesto + 1 tablespoon feta crumbles:
Tastes just like your favorite bistro sandwich for all the lovers of savory flavors out there.

4. 1/2 apple, sliced + 1 tablespoon chopped toasted walnuts + 1 tablespoon blue cheese crumbles:
A combination that you might be used to having on salad, but it just so happens to be fantastic on top of avocado toast. Try it!

5. 2 smoked salmon slices + 1 hard-boiled egg + fresh chives:
It’s like having a lox bagel except the avocado replaces the cream cheese!

6. 2 ounces grilled chicken breast, sliced + 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar:
Creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with protein. You will love this easy toast combo that’s perfect for when you have leftover chicken.

7. 1/4 cup mango cubes + 1 teaspoon diced jalapeño:
This reminds me of my favorite sweet and spicy summertime guacamole. Bonus points if you add cilantro.

8. 2 roasted turkey slices + 1 tablespoon fresh cranberry sauce + arugula:
Yep, it’s like having a little Thanksgiving toast. Great lunch option!

9. 1 hard-boiled egg (or fried egg) + hot sauce:
A classic combination that never gets old. Don’t forget the salt and pepper!

10. 1/2 cup sliced strawberries + 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar:
Fabulous, easy to make, and fresh-tasting.

11. 2 slices turkey bacon + 1 lettuce leaf + 2 tomato slices:
I call it an ABLT. Like a classic BLT but with creamy Avocados from Mexico.

12. 1/2 cup roasted sweet potato cubes + 2 tablespoons black beans:
A great vegetarian avocado toast with a boost of fiber. Add a little salsa on top for extra flavor.

13. 1 tablespoon pesto + 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes:
This tastes like a summer sandwich. If you’re into mozzarella, add it!

14. 2 slices tomato + chopped fresh basil + 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar:
Pick tomatoes off the vine for ultimate flavor here.

15. 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds + 1 tablespoon goat cheese + 1 teaspoon honey:
Crunchy, slightly sweet seeds pair with tangy goat cheese and honey for an addicting toast that’s good any time of day.

16. 1/4 cup crushed plantain chips + hot sauce:
This could be my favorite of all. I love the creamy avocado with salty plantain chips and spicy sauce. Addicting.

I hope you enjoy these easy-to-make, creative avocado toast toppings. Which one will be your favorite?

The post 16 Ways to Get Creative With Your Avocado Toast appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Author: Pati Jinich

While chalk full of Irish tradition, St. Patrick’s Day has become universally celebrated across the globe. As a lass who grew up in Mexico, the holiday wasn’t really on my radar until I moved to America, where it’s celebrated nationwide with rivers dyed green, parades, and general revelry. When I heard about this daylong celebration of all things Irish and all things green, I couldn’t think of a better addition to the festivities than the gloriously green (and delicious!) avocados from Mexico!

Yes, avocados are very Mexican, but this versatile, noble fruit complements so many international cuisines. This creamy, sleek textured, and nutty flavored wonder goes global with ease because it’s available throughout the year and once you know how to gently squeeze one in the palm of your hand to check the ripeness, you can consistently pick out a great one every time.

So today, amid the leprechaun jokes and pinches given to those not wearing green, we eat Irish food and drink Irish beverages with gusto. Alongside the mounds of corned beef and dark beer, avocados can lend their gorgeous green hue to the occasion, but they also can give a nutritional boost to the celebrations. After all, one-third of a medium avocado (50 grams) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, making it a healthy choice to help meet nutrient needs. And the month we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day also happens to be National Nutrition Month.

I got to thinking about how the famously green Avocados From Mexico could help create the perfect way to toast the Irish. In Ireland, people clink glasses and say, “Sláinte (slan-cha)!” In Mexico, “¡Salud!” (sal-ood)! In the U.S., the sentiment is the same: “Cheers!”

With that cross-cultural spirit of celebration in mind, here are three cocktails I developed to serve your friends on St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Avocado and Dulce de Leche MartiniThe elegant lines of a martini glass make it fun to hold and sip almost any combination poured into it. But on St. Paddy’s Day, make yours green. This one is indulgent — creamy, sweet, and delicious. It blends avocado with vodka, a hint of vermouth, and both dulce de leche and sweetened condensed milk. More milk helps blend the concoction into one of the smoothest martinis you’ll ever taste.
2. Avo-Clover ShakeThis cool, green cocktail gives a nod to the lucky shamrocks that grow in Irish fields: It’s sweetened with honey made by bees that feed almost exclusively on clover nectar. Create the base by mixing avocado with nutritious frozen yogurt, instead of ice cream. Silver tequila adds another Mexican ingredient to this avo-green shake. Make it kid-friendly by simply leaving out the liquor.
   • ½ Avocado from Mexico, diced
   • 1 Tbsp clover honey
   • 1 cup  vanilla frozen yogurt
   • 1 cup  orange juice, freshly squeezed
   • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
   • 2 Tbsp silver tequila, optional

   In the jar of a blender, place the diced avocado, clover honey, frozen yogurt, orange juice, mint leaves, and tequila if using. Puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

3. Green MachineNow, this fun, green cocktail is like a jolt of energy in a glass — full of superfoods that make it great for the health-conscious consumer. My research revealed that clover isn’t the only green, leafy plant that the Irish are known for: They also eat lots of curly kale! Combine that veggie with our green avos, a little Irish whiskey, some apple cider, fresh ginger, and lime juice, and you’ll have a creamy cocktail with zing. It’s perfect for toasting the Irish — and adds a little nutrition to boot!
   • ½ Avocado from Mexico, diced
   • 2 cups curly kale, steam removed and coarsely chopped
   • 1 ½ cups apple cider
   • 2 tsp fresh ginger, chopped
   • Splash whiskey

   In the jar of a blender, place the diced avocado, curly kale, apple cider, agave syrup, fresh ginger and lime juice and puree until completely smooth. Strain into cup.

   Drop 4 to 5 ice cubes in a large tumbler, pour the mixture on top, add a splash of your favorite whiskey, and drink up!

   I selected these three cocktails just for St. Patrick’s Day, but I hope they give you the bug to do a little experimenting yourself. For more inspiration, check out Avocados From Mexico's other drink ideas on its site: the unbelievable Avocado Margarita, a creamier version of the Mexican favorite, or the Maria Verde, a tangy, green version of the Bloody Mary made with avos and tomatillos.

   To make any of these amazing, nutrient-rich cocktails, you’ll have to blend all of these ingredients to a drinkable consistency with super-ripe avocados. Check out Avocados From Mexico’s helpful “how-to” avo tips page to learn everything from how to ripen avocados quicker by burying them in rice for a couple of days to learning how to preserve a ripe avocado by simply placing it in the fridge.

   Follow these tips and you’ll have the perfect avos to use on St. Patrick’s day — or any day. I believe regional food reflects the people of the region. In the case of the avocado, it’s like the humble, hardworking Mexican people — generously lending its wonderful attributes to cuisines of Ireland on this festive day.

   You know, come to think of it, the people of Mexico have a lot in common with the humble, hardworking people of Ireland — another reason to celebrate what’s become a cross-cultural holiday. “¡Salud!”

The post 3 Avocado-Infused Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Don't you think spring should be the official start of the new year? Think about it: The snow has melted and things are starting to grow again (Flowers! Berries!). It's like the world is waking up after a long winter hibernation.

What better way to knock the hibernation dust off than with some seasonal mocktails? We're not talking about the old clichés, so banish all thoughts of sparkling water and cranberry juice. A true mocktail is a creative thing of beauty that celebrates the season and leaves you feeling refreshed.

Sometimes, the best mocktails are inspired by their spirited cousins. Margaritas are great as mocktails, because their citrusy flavors can easily be mimicked with non-alcoholic ingredients. Try using an alcoholic recipe as your base and substituting from there. This avocado margarita is a fun twist on the classic, highlighting the natural sweetness of avocado with orange and lime juice. You can make your own sour mix if you like, and replace the orange liqueur with a little orange juice and freshly squeezed lime juice. Want a fun tropical twist? Try pureeing a little mango in or muddle some lime with jalapeño slices for a spicy kick. Don't forget to rim the glass in salt, tajín (chile and lime salt), or your favorite chamoy powder (a salty, spicy, tangy candy powder) for that salty kick margaritas are known for.

Iced tea? That's so last century! Instead, make a matcha soda. This mocktail is a fun mash-up of the herbal, slightly bitter Japanese green tea and effervescent soda. When paired with a spicy sweet ginger simple syrup (like in this matcha ginger soda), these strong flavors balance each other, putting you into an invigorating, caffeinated state that no simple iced tea could ever hope to achieve. Making your own ginger simple syrup is as the name suggests. Bring equal parts sugar and water to a simmer, add a 5-inch chunk of peeled, roughly chopped ginger, and let cool. Boom! You have have syrup that lasts forever in the fridge, ready to meet your spring refreshment needs.

Perhaps the best part of spring are the new fruits and vegetables that start appearing in the markets. After a winter of apples, pears, and root vegetables, the thought of blueberries and apricots galore seems like a cause for celebration. And nothing says "Spring!" like fruit sorbet floats: scoops of your favorite store-bought (or homemade) seasonal fruit sorbet floated on top of sparkling water, juice, or soda. Picture a sweet and tart strawberry sorbet with a fiery ginger beer at the end of a long spring day at work that you would have rather spent outside. Or a creamy, bright apricot sorbet float, which you can make with fresh apricots, sugar, and sparkling water and lemon juice.

Or skip the sorbet completely and just make a fruit (or fruit and veg) smoothie. This fresh beet, pineapple, avocado, and orange smoothie gets it thickness from creamy, sweet avocado. Just blend, chill and enjoy whenever the mood calls. As the heat creeps up, you can check out this popular Israeli drink, limonana: a frozen drink made from lemonade, mint, and ice that's so refreshing, you'll wonder how you ever celebrated spring without it.

Just remember: The absence of alcohol doesn't have to mean a lack of flavor or creativity. With seasonal ingredients, you can start your (spring) new year right by treating yourself to some refreshing new mocktails.

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If the nonstop intensity of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, with its 48 nail-biting, single elimination games played in less than four days is enough to rev up your armchair athlete, then you'll need sustenance, amigo! Nothing brings basketball fans together at game time more than cheering and eating as their favorite team pulls ahead. With these deliciously easy avocado-based ideas, you'll be chilling courtside in no time at all!

Dipping Right In

Nothing says “Game on!" quite like a good dip, and much like the warm-up, you don't want to miss this. Drop the cheesy stuff and go for green — guacamole green, that is! Satisfying and flavorful, this simple taco dip has it all. You'll need two perfectly ripe avocados, so look out for deep green skin and flesh that gives a little when gently squeezed in the palm of your hand. Peel, pit, and dice the avocado, then toss one into a bowl along with some onions, lime juice, garlic, and a hint of salt. Mash them coarsely with a fork so that you still have some chunky texture. After you prepare your guacamole, to keep it green until your guests arrive or need to use, simply pour a thin layer of milk over the top of it. When ready to serve, simply pour the liquid off. In a separate bowl, drain and mash some canned pinto beans, adding a zing of chile powder and salt. This spreadable protein goodness forms a great flavorful foundation. Top it off with your guacamole and add a dollop of sour cream, then cover and refrigerate. When it's tip-off time, simply garnish with the remaining avocado and cilantro and serve with some tortilla chips, carrots, and celery sticks. It's a winning start!

Eggs-cellent Entertainment!

These deviled eggs make a great game day snack, especially since you can prepare much of it in advance. Start by boiling an egg for every two people you're expecting. Toss the yolks into a food processor and pulse them briefly. Add the flesh from one avocado for every 10 eggs and boost the flavor with mustard, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Blitz these again briefly and then pipe or spoon the filling back into the hollowed egg whites.

At this point, you can get creative and drizzle on some flavored oil (like parsley-infused oil) and top off with crunchy bacon bits, smoky-sweet roasted pepper (get these jarred and dice them up), or even crab meat. Let your imagination be your guide!

Halftime Hunger Busters

It's halftime and your appetizers were gulped down 30 points ago. Watching the non-stop action has you and your guests famished! It's tostada time! And the good news is, you couldn't find a quicker or easier recipe! Grab two ripe avocados, halve and pit them, then dice them while still in their convenient jackets. Scoop out the neat squares, you avo expert, and toss them with lime juice and salt. Warm up a can of refried beans in a saucepan over medium-heat and crack open a pack of tostada shells. Spread the beans on the tostada shells and spoon some of your avo mixture onto them. At this point, your imagination is your only limit and you can set out bowls of your favorite toppings: grated cheese, shredded lettuce, and pulled pork or cubed chicken are total crowd pleasers! Then, call your crew and let everyone build their own tostadas. Game on!

Sweet Finishes

Sweeter than a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, these make-ahead avocado-laced brownies are the perfect finish to a March Madness get-together. Your guests will never even know that these brownies contain avo, unless you reveal the secret that the luscious moisture in these cakes is thanks to the two avocados you added to the batter, which is a simple combination of eggs, sugar, chocolate chips, cocoa, vanilla, a little bit of salt and flour. A quick half hour bake and presto!

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It's almost St. Patrick's Day, and if you're in charge of this year's party, we're here to help!

We know there are a few ingredients that make any St. Patty's Day gathering successful: good drinks, good food, and good fun. And if the drinks and food are green, well, you get big-time bonus points!

This year, rely on Avocados from Mexico, which are available and fresh year-round, as your key ingredient. These powerhouse fruits aren't just good for guacamole (though, yes, they're GREAT for that!); they're also a go-to ingredient for marvelous margaritas. It's true! Avocados are a super-flexible fruit that can lend color and flavor to lots of recipes, including cocktails. And since they're green, they're the perfect St. Patrick's Day companion!

If you're hosting a St. Patty's party, stock up on ripe avocados (and if you need a little help finding ripe ones, we got you covered! To choose perfectly ripe avocados, just give it a gentle squeeze, if it yields to pressure it's ready) for these margarita and guacamole recipes!

Sour Green Apple Margarita

If you've got party-goers who can't handle the heat, don't banish them from the kitchen — we've got a green-hued cocktail that will suit them just fine! This sour green apple margarita recipe calls for jalapeño simple syrup, but if you've got some spice-averse folks, you can leave it out and still serve up a pretty green and tasty drink. And you can shake up a separate batch of margs for the friends who have a high heat tolerance!

Spicy Grand Marnier Margarita

This spicy margarita isn't green and it doesn't use avocados, but it will be a surefire St. Patty's Day hit even though it draws on all the flavors of Mexico rather than Ireland — tequila, chipotle, agave nectar, limes, and red pepper flakes. Guests who can take the heat will ask for refills on this one, so have plenty of ingredients at the ready!

Jalapeño Avocado Margarita

One of our favorite go-to margaritas blends the best ingredient — avocado — with the fiery kick of jalapeño, producing a green-tinged cocktail that will keep you from getting pinched on St. Patrick's Day. Stock up on avocados and jalapeños, as well as cilantro, tequila, and triple sec, and invite all your friends over for a marg and guac St. Patty's party!

Now that you've got three great drink recipes, it's time to prep the chips and guacamole. The Avocados from Mexico website has an amazing array of recipes that will surprise and delight, from this avocado-tequila guacamole to this fiery Creole guacamole. Make several of the recipes and create a guacamole bar, pairing the creamy mixes with a variety of dipping devices, from classic tortilla chips to the Mexican jicama, a crisp root vegetable, and greens like broccoli and romanesco. Need a helpful demonstration? Click on this video tutorial to watch as Chef Pati Jinich explains when guac is best consumed and on this one to watch her explain how to keep your guac green longer by pouring a layer of milk on top of it and putting it in the fridge. For these avo tips and more, please visit Avocados from Mexico's helpful “how-to" page.

With all these wonderful drink recipes and helpful tips, we've no doubt you'll be the life of the St. Patty's party!

The post Spicy St. Patrick’s Day Margarita Recipes appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, which means the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for your significant other. Would a box of chocolates show them just how much you love them? Or flowers? Why not get creative this year and treat them with a homemade meal using avocados? If they love avocados as much as we think they do, your surprise just might make your other half fall in love with you all over again! Avocados are a tasty, versatile fruit that are also nutrient dense and a source of “good fats” like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, so you'll be giving them something that is both delicious AND nutritious. It's a win-win!

Before you decide what to make, it's important to know how to pick a ripe avocado. The good news is that it couldn't be easier! This video from Avocados From Mexico shows you that a simple squeeze is all you need to find the perfect avocado for your meal. If you can't find ripe avocados, no problem — you can ripen it at home using a paper bag and a banana.

Now that you know how to get a ripe avocado, what should you make? If breakfast is what you're looking for, you can make your significant other an edible Valentine's Day card with this heart-shaped avocado toast. All you need is some bread, a ripe avocado, and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. You can even get creative with the finishing touches: Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil, with a dash of crushed chile flakes, on top or opt for a sprinkle of garam masala with some mint chutney. If you typically get your loved one flowers, try making these avocado roses and serving them with bacon hearts. Avocado roses look gorgeous and are a fun twist on a traditional Valentine's Day gift. If your Valentine prefers a sweet breakfast, check out these blueberry avocado pancakes. Top them with a little butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and your favorite maple syrup or jam, and breakfast is served!

If dinner is the meal you're after, the possibilities are endless. Start the meal off with a delicious winter avocado salad, or maybe this warming avocado soup with chicken and lime. For the entree, shrimp avocado tacos are sure to please. The sweetness of the shrimp and avocados make a perfect pair, and the finished dish is bright and colorful. If you're looking for a more complicated entree to display your love, this poached halibut with roasted potatoes and avocado cream sauce is sure to impress, and you can easily substitute your favorite seafood for the halibut.

Believe it or not, avocados are perfect in desserts, too. They're sweet, creamy, and go well with chocolate, which makes them perfect for a Valentine's Day treat. Check out these salted chocolate avocado pudding bowls or go fancy with this avocado panna cotta with berry salad to show your love on Valentine's Day. If all out decadent is more your vibe, check out this intense Mexican chocolate avocado cake with chocolate avocado buttercream. No matter which recipe you choose, your loved one is sure to feel spoiled with your multi-course avo-centric meal this Valentine's Day!

The post An Avocado Valentine’s Day? Why Not?! appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Nothing says warming comfort quite like an inviting tablescape during winter season entertaining. Let your dinner table set the scene for the cozy night ahead by bringing touches of the outdoors inside. If you're thinking of a chalet feel, a rustic camp setting, or a chic, mid-winter's night mood, we've got a few beautiful ideas to get you started. And the best part? You don't have to be a DIY'er with a deluxe budget to pull these off!

Tartan Classics

Have a favorite tartan that says “nights under the winter stars" do you? If it's a blanket, you can use it as a tablecloth; if it's a long scarf, use it as a table runner instead. Or perhaps you're all set and have a proper tartan tablecloth at the ready, along with matching cloth napkins. Use one or two of the main colors in the pattern as your inspiration, decorating with hints of red, hunter green, or charcoal gray, for example. You can gather fresh evergreen, pine, or holly boughs to make an effortless centerpiece, adorning the table with a few candles placed strategically on shiny brass or bronze pedestals of varying height. No candle pedestals? No problem! You don't have to go out and buy a single thing. Instead, work with what you have! Fill a rustic wooden or ceramic bowl with avocados. Their dark green skin is a perfect complement to a tartan pattern.

Winter Camp

If you're the crafty type, this tablescape inspiration is made-to-measure for you! Start by spreading a Nordic-inspired table runner down the middle of your table, or set an heirloom woolen blanket down as your tablecloth for the night. You can gather pine cones from nearby parks or green spaces and spruce them up by dipping the tips in glue and topping them with gold or silver glitter. These make perfect name card holders, too! For your centerpiece, you can spray paint, glitter paint, or milk-wash paint graceful, fallen tree limbs, along with a scattering of chestnuts and wildflowers in mismatched bud vases. Instead of trivets, use slices of tree trunks upon which to rest hot dishes.

And, if you're entertaining and offering guacamole as an appetizer, here's our go-to tip for keeping guac green!

Chalet Chic

The dazzling effect of a white-on-white setting can be amped up for a chic chalet tablescape with sparkling fabrics, antique silverware, silver rimmed or accented plates, platters, and crystal wine glasses. If your dining room has wall sconces or a chandelier, now's the time to play them up to full effect. If you don't have these, nab a candelabra or two at your local thrift store. Use it as your centerpiece, along with a spate of white candles, tapers, or votives to light up the night. If you're feeling extra fancy, try placing individual Pashmina (or Pashmina-like) shawls in winter white or silvery gray on your guests' dining chairs, for a VIP touch.

If you really want a splash of color, try adding some Asiatic lilies, sparkle craspedia, winter holly, or red amaryllis in a dramatic vase, anchored by the fresh, vibrant green of whole avocados still in their skins, and the ruby-toned beauty of pomegranates. If you need tips on how to keep those delicious avos fresh, check out this video to learn to keep your avocado fruit fresh until you need them.

Whether you plan to woo one particular guest or keep everyone around the table full and satisfied while conversation flows, we're confident one or more of these decorating ideas will help get your party started this winter season . Nothing keeps the home fires burning quite like good food, good company, and a beautifully laid table.

The post Bring the Best Parts of Winter Indoors with These Winter Tablescapes appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

With the holidays coming up (and there quite a few, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa), there’s so much for kids to be excited about: presents, candy, at least three kinds of pie, and, of course, presents. Kids’ energy levels can seem through the roof, but you can harness that frenetic excitement and channel it into something positive with a family holiday craft project. A little glue and some imagination are all you need to put the entire family in a holiday mood. And as long as no one tries to superglue the cat’s paws together, this could be the start of some great family traditions.

But first, don’t forget to provide yummy snacks for the family when you’re crafting. Here are several kid-friendly recipe ideas from Avocados from Mexico that are sure to please, which is perfect not only for satisfying hungry kiddos but also supplying you with what you’ll need for this first craft idea.

Add Some Bling Courtesy of Avocado Seeds

The one thing all holidays have in common is a good meal. These gold leaf avocado seeds have just enough bling to feel celebratory, and are really versatile. Slice part way through the top and turn them into name card holders that will be at home on any holiday dinner table.

No dinner party plans? No problem! Let older kids try threading a needle and stringing through the top of the gold-leafed seed so you can use it as a tree ornament. Alternately, fill a decorative bowl with a pile of them. The key is picking a ripe avocado, which will release the seed easier. Check out this quick video for some tips on how to pick the perfect avocado by gently squeezing them with the palm of your hand.

Crafts for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa

If you celebrate Hanukkah, why not make your own menorah? This tutorial offers many different ways (including Legos!) and could easily be used to make a kinara for Kwanzaa, too. This handprint wreath is also great for Kwanzaa, but could easily be used for Hanukkah or Christmas with different colored paper.

A Holiday Staple: Snow Globes

If your kids are enchanted by snow globes — and we haven’t met a kid yet who isn’t — use a Mason jar or old jam jar to make homemade snow globes, filled with your kids’ favorite little plastic toys or laminated pictures of them, and a little water and glitter. This craft is cute, personal, and will last a long time. It would also make a great gift for grandparents or family.

Recycling Traditions

Family craft time can also be an opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of recycling. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of decorating projects that use common household recyclables, turning them into special holiday decorations. One example? This adorable egg carton reindeer, which would be right at home next to some Christmas stockings. And don’t be so quick to send those burned-out Christmas lights to the landfill! Give them new life with these sparkly snowman light bulb ornaments for your tree.

Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, there will probably be plenty of presents, which means lots of discarded wrapping paper. Don’t trash it! Instead, get a jump on next year’s holiday season by making your own wrapping paper bows for presents.

The best part about these craft projects is that they are a snapshot in time of your kids. The traditions you start this year — whether making tiny handprint Christmas trees or potato stamp wrapping paper — can be repeated year after year. So grab some paint, your bouncing-off-the-wall kids, and get your holiday spirit on with some crafts. And if the cat gets too close, just remember: nail polish remover and elbow grease will dissolve the superglue in no time!

The post Homemade Holiday Decoration to Make with the Family appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Gift Ideas to Make Your Avocado Lover Swoon

We all know one: that friend or family member who has built a whole collection of objects around their favorite ingredient ... avocados! If you have one of these folks in your life and are unsure what to get them this holiday, we've put together a shopping list with gifts ranging from practical items to fun and funny collectibles.

Cards

Etiquette experts agree: Every gift should be accompanied by a card. Don't skip this all-important part of holiday gift-giving! There are avocado-themed holiday cards for everyone on your shopping list: your other half, your best friend, your favorite aunt or cousin, or your colleagues at the office. Want to send an avo-themed card to everyone on your list? This set of six different cards offers fun holiday messages for everyone.

Kitchen Gifts

For the avocado-obsessed or the newbie just discovering the pleasures of a great guacamole, these kitchen gifts will score big with home cooks.

• For guac lovers everywhere, there's this ceramic covered dish and spoon set.
• For anyone who prefers avo toast with just a hint of salt and pepper, this shaker set will "guac" them.
• For the person who can actually stick to the recommended serving size of avocado, this set of "huggers" will keep their avocado fresh. Speaking of fresh, if Santa doesn't bring you a set of avo-huggers, try this simple tip to preserve the freshness of your avocados by refrigerating them.
• For young chefs, skip the knife set and stuff their stockings with the avocado slicer-pitter tool.
• For the family in search of a new set of flatware, these avocado and guacamole spoons will make them smile.

Kids who love avocados will get a kick out of these neat gifts!

• This custom-made leather avo backpack will put your kid at the head of the class.
• These avocado-themed cell phone casesmean your kid will never lose their phone.
• Do your kids love the BFF shared jewelry craze? Then put these BFF avo necklaces and key chains on your list.
• Does your child's room need a makeover? Check out these avo-tastic paintings or this avocado wallpaper.
• Have a musical prodigy in your midst? They'll love strumming on this avo-uke.

Presents for the Truly Avo-obsessed

Here's a shopping list for that friend or family member who's so crazy about avocado that they wear their love on their sleeves — literally!

• Avocado iron-on patches
• An entire collection of avo-themed t-shirts and tanks
• Avo socks
• The knit-it-yourself avo scarf
• Avo onesie

Homemade DIY Gifts

If you're as avo-obsessed as the folks on your list, try your hand at your own avocado creations! Alone, these can make great stocking stuffers. Together, they'd make quite a decadent avocado-themed basket. Throw in a few fresh, almost-ripe avocados (Avocados from Mexico are available year-round!) and you've got a winner. Wondering how you'll know if your avocados are almost ripe? Check out this handy tip for judging the ripeness of an avocado by gently squeezing them with the palm of your hand.

• Avocado soap
• Avo lip gloss
• Herb-infused avocado oil

Avo happy holidays!

The post Gift Ideas to Make Your Avocado Lover Swoon appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

The holiday season should be joyful, a time when we make beautiful memories with family and friends. But all too often, the holidays are characterized by panic and stress: Did you remember everyone on your shopping list? Did you buy all the ingredients you'll need for the big holiday dinner?

Sound familiar? If so, take a deep breath and read on. These holiday hacks will help alleviate some of these stresses, making your holiday one to remember.

The Tree

Ah, the Christmas tree! It's beautiful when it's up and decorated, but it's the getting it up and decorated part that's, well, not so beautiful. How many strands of lights should you buy? How many ornaments will you need? And oops! That strand of garland isn't going to wrap around the whole tree!

If you find yourself in tree-induced panic mode, take a look at this useful chart, which tells you exactly what you'll need based on the height of your tree. Once you've got your lights and baubles at the ready and you've finished decorating, don't forget to water the tree. Avoid spills (and electrocution!) with this neat trick.

Live in a tiny home or just want to forgo a live tree altogether? Check out these beautiful DIY alternatives.

The Lights

When they're plugged in and all aglow, it's easy to feel warm and fuzzy about Christmas lights. That's not the case, though, when you're untangling strands or testing bulbs to see which ones work and which ones have burned out.

If you have a string of lights that's gone dead or is too tangled to save, give them new life by turning them into a science project. (Just make sure an adult's around for safety's sake!). If your lights are perfectly fine but you're bored with the same old look, gather the family around for a project that will result in a totally new light show.

The Decorations

We know, we know: Your decorations are a cluttered mess, shoved into a plastic bin and put into the garage of storage for 11 months out of the year. When you pull them out and get ready to decorate, that mess can put a serious damper on the holiday spirit. Take time this season to develop a system that will improve your organization. The good news is, while you may have to invest some time in this project, you won't have to invest much — if any!— money in it; you've got plenty of tools at your disposal to start containing the chaos.

Speaking of expenses, Christmas and other winter holidays can get awfully spendy, awfully fast. Control costs by using what's on hand. Natural outdoor greenery and other found objects can make great Christmas swag, and you'll have fun bonding with the family while you create together. Other ideas include no-sew stockings, salt dough ornaments, decorations made from avocado pits, and tree twig crafts, which can double as great gifts for teachers!

The Food

If you couldn't resist that sale on candy and you find yourself with a surplus of, say, peppermints, impress friends and family with this incredible homemade peppermint serving platter (it's a fun project for kids, too!). Find yourself with too many candy canes? Turn them into placeholders for your upcoming dinner!

Your kids won't let you get through the holidays without turning out your annual cookie quota, but don't make the tradition hard on yourself. Destress cookie-making with this recipe for four unique cookie flavors from one base dough.

If you've ever found yourself entertaining unexpected visitors who pop by to say hi during the holiday season, you know how stressful it can be to be hospitable when your fridge is empty. Keep some Avocados from Mexico always at the ready and you can offer any number of quick and gracious dishes for guests, from freshly-made guacamole to stuffed avocados. Check out some of our favorite recipes here.

Finally, if you need a last minute gift, these hot cocoa mix kits are fun, easy, affordable, and really hit the sweet spot.

It's time to wrap! If you're one of those folks who needs four more arms to keep all the rolls of wrapping paper from bursting out of the closet, it's time for a different approach. These simple organizational hacks that use empty beer cartons or clean trashcans will make your life so much easier!

Don't buy more supplies! Rather than purchase gift bags, put your crafty skills to the test by making them from the wrapping paper you already have.

Instead of buying gift bags, use this simple design for making your own using scrap fabric.

Out of wrapping paper at the last minute? Don't worry, you have lots of options!

For smaller gifts, try these paper cup boxes or tiny gift boxes made of toilet paper rolls.

The Stress

At the end of a long day, use a few items from around the house to make everything smell great, or take what little free time you might have during busy holidays to relax in the bath or shower with these soothing DIY vapors.

Finally, take a deep breath and remember why you celebrate the holidays. Centering the family around a table for an evening meal, sharing reasons why you're grateful for each other and your lives, can be the most effective stress reliever of all.

The post Hacks to Make Your Holiday Season Stress-Free appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and candy canes are some of the most common symbols associated with Christmas north of the border, but holiday images and traditions developed differently in Mexico, which reveals a strong Spanish influence due to Mexico's colonial past. While the decorations, foods, and observations vary from the way the holidays are celebrated in the United States, there exist some Mexican holiday traditions you might like to incorporate into your own family's celebrations.

Christmas Flowers

Poinsettia flowers, so popular as a Christmas decoration in the United States, are actually native to Mexico, and are commonly seen in Mexican holiday settings. The name of the plant in Spanish, Nochebuena, which literally means "good night," is the same term used to refer to December 24, Christmas Eve.

Nacimientos

Families in Mexico may or may not put up a Christmas tree, but almost every home will have a nacimiento, or nativity scene, displayed prominently. Many families add a new piece to their nativity each year and create an elaborate scene that might include hay or fresh plants placed around the figures. The people depicted include Mary and Joseph and shepherds, who are surrounded by a few farm animals and at least one angel. The manger usually remains empty until Christmas Eve, when the baby Jesus is put in place, and many families hold off adding the three kings until January 6, which is celebrated as Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings' Day.

Posadas

One of the most characteristic features of Mexican Christmas traditions is the Posadas. These special celebrations begin on December 16 and take place each night until Christmas Eve. Posada participants re-enact Mary's and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem, parading through the streets to a home (a different one each night). Upon their arrival at the door, they sing a special song. The guests standing outside sing the words of Joseph, and the hosts inside the house respond as the innkeeper, who first insists that there is no room at the inn. Later, they agree to take in Mary and Joseph, opening the door to let everyone in. A party ensues that includes food, drinks, and games like breaking piñatas. The traditional star-shaped piñata is the most common during these celebrations. Following the final posada on December 24, families gather for a late-night meal, and many also attend midnight Mass. Christmas Day is generally a quiet day as people sleep in and enjoy a rest from the late-night celebrations.

Mexican Christmas Foods

Food is an essential part of any celebration, and there are particular foods and drinks that are commonly associated with the holidays in Mexico. A salad known as Ensalada de Nochebuena, containing beets, apples, pomegranate seeds, and other fruits placed on a bed of lettuce, is often served as the Christmas Eve meal. Tamales are also common. One of the special drinks associated with the holidays is ponche, a hot fruit punch flavored with cinnamon that may be spiked with a dash of tequila or rum.

Gifts from the Kings

In Mexican holiday celebrations, Santa Claus is much less evident than the Three Kings, who are the ones who traditionally bring gifts to children on January 6. Before going to bed the night before, children leave a bit of hay out for the kings to give to their animals to eat, and the next morning, they wake up to find gifts left for them by Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, as the kings are known. Also on January 6, it is customary for families and friends to gather to eat Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread in the shape of a wreath that is decorated with candied fruit and contains tiny figurines of the baby Jesus. The person who finds a baby Jesus in their slice is supposed to provide tamales for another celebration that takes place on February 2, Día de la Candelaria. On that day, families dress up figurines of baby Jesus and take them to church to be blessed.

Which Mexican traditions might you incorporate into your own family's holiday celebrations?

The post Holiday Traditions from Mexico appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

You promised friends and family a fiesta. You’ve scrubbed the kitchen, crafted your décor, and bought fresh avocados from the grocery store to mash into a big bowl of guacamole. You’re ready to get this party started — but your avocados are hard as rocks! Don’t despair. These hacks can help you ripen avocados in a pinch.

First, though, how do you know when your avocado is good and ready to roll?

How to Tell if an Avocado Is Ripe

Ripe avocados are typically dark green to dark purple and yield to gentle pressure. So, go ahead and give your avocado a lil’ hug to see if it’s ready. And remember,

The Tried-and-True Paper Bag Trick

The avos out of the bag — err, in the bag, actually! Placing an avocado in a paper bag with a banana is the quickest way to ripen it. Loosely close the bag and store it in a dry place and wait (undeniably, the hardest part). Check daily for progress.

How does this work? Bananas give off the natural plant hormone ethylene gas, which helps ripen fruits. The paper bag traps the gas; it stays in contact with the fruit and speeds up the process. Some people punch holes in the bag to let oxygen in, which helps the process along. The more brown spots on your banana, the more effective the gas will be. No bananas on hand? An apple will suffice, though its ethylene production won’t be quite as potent.

This method works well not only for quickening the maturation of avocados but also with stone fruits such as plums and peaches, pears, mangos, and tomatoes. Unfortunately, other kinds of fruit, such as berries, apples, grapes, or citrus, cannot be effectively ripened at home.

Rice to Ripe

This strategy also makes use of ethylene gas, only the ethylene gas is released from the avocado itself. Here’s how to ripen avocados:

Put any kind of uncooked rice into a container large enough to accommodate your avocado, which you’ll then cover with even more rice. You’ve successfully built an ethylene gas trap and just need to wait for it to work its magic. Check every couple of days or so — this method takes a little longer than the paper bag to achieve ripeness perfection.

Sunshine

Have you noticed a pattern here? Nature is your best asset when it comes to ripening avocados. Warmer temperatures ripen fruits faster, so moving your unripe avocados to your windowsill or another sunny spot of your home will speed things along. A little sunbathing may be all your avocado needs to become a big softie!

The Cotton Cloth Method

The cotton cloth method is ideal for soft-skinned fruit, but will gently push avocados toward ripening, too. All you need is clean linen napkins or tea towels (terry cloth won’t work here). Put the cloth on a flat surface and place your avocados on top. You don’t want to crowd them, so space them out to let them breathe. Then, cover the fruit with another piece of cloth. Keep checking back every day or so.

How to Ripen an Avocado After Cutting It Open

The avocado seems ripe, but when you carefully cut the avocado around the pit and twist it open … the flesh is nowhere near ready. Don’t toss your avocado into the trash! There’s time to remedy the situation.

First, rub the flesh of the avocado with lemon or lime juice, or spray lightly with cooking oil. Put the avocado halves back together and squeeze tight so no air can oxidate the flesh. Then, wrap the avocado in plastic wrap and place in the fridge. Give it a little squeeze every day to check on its ripening progress.

Hold Up! How to Slow Down Ripening

Let’s say you have the opposite problem: Your avocado is as stoked as you are to make a big batch of guacamole … days before the party! Don’t worry. You can slow down the avocado ripening process to line up with your big day. Let your avocado chill in the fridge for two to three days before guac time.

What will you make with your perfectly ripe avocado? Browse hundreds of delicious dishes in our avocado recipe archives.

The post Are We There Yet? Fruit and Vegetable Ripening Hacks appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner, which means you are about to eat turkey. A lot of turkey. So much turkey, you need a few pairs of stretchy pants to handle the holiday season. Who decided turkey was such a great idea for Thanksgiving AND Christmas? Well, to early Americans, turkey was cheap, big, and didn't have to be hunted, the perfect trifecta for a Thanksgiving feast. By the time Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, turkeys were the norm.

Just because you're going to eat turkey back-to-back doesn't mean you have to stick to traditional recipes. A couple hundred years of eating too much turkey has made Americans pretty creative when it comes cooking up this bird. Try smoking your turkey this year, and serving it a range of barbecue sauces from around the country (this Eastern North Carolina vinegar barbecue sauce is a good start). Deep fry it for crunchy skin and juicy meat (but please, be safe).

Inspiration can come from beyond America's borders, too! Challenge yourself by picking a country for a themed Thanksgiving meal. We like Mexico, of course! You could start with this avocado toast with mango, chili and mint as appetizers (and if you want to replace the ancho chili powder with chamoy sauce, go for it!). A simple roasted turkey would shine with some pumpkin seed mole in place of gravy and homemade corn tortillas, served with an avocado salad or simple sliced avocado as a side.

If you're turkey-ed out by Christmas, skip it altogether and opt for something unexpected. This Korean roasted fish is completely flexible (use any mild white fish you like) and a pop of spicy, salty-sweet, and umami. Precede it with bowls of Asian avocado soup.

Whatever you do, though, don't skip dessert! Apple and pumpkin pies may be the traditional desserts of choice for fall and winter holidays, but nobody will turn down your invitation to try another homemade sweet. Avocados from Mexico, which are available year-round, work well in pies, cakes, and breads, so stock up for the holidays and cook something different this year!

The post 5 Untraditional Traditions to Try This Holiday Season appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Real talk: as much as we love the holidays, they can be a stressful time. With a horde of family members to feed, gifts to buy, and your own health to maintain, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Everyone knows the basics of holiday survival: Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, eat your veggies, and try not to stress. Easier said than done, right? Here are a few more tips to help keep you and your family happy and well-fed throughout the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Get plenty of sun (and other sources of Vitamin D3).

The farther you live away from the equator, the less Vitamin D your body can make from sunlight during the winter months. Your body and your brain need Vitamin D: It's vital for bone growth and calcium absorption, and it plays a role in cell growth, immune functions, and reducing inflammation, too (especially those ankles swollen from being on your feet so much while decorating the tree, shopping for gifts, and cooking multi-course meals!). If it's just too cold for you to get a daily dose of direct sunlight on your skin, consider upping your family's intake of naturally-occurring Vitamin D: fatty fish like salmon and anchovies, meat (especially beef liver), egg yolks, and wild-grown mushrooms. Alternatively, fortified foods and Vitamin D3 supplements can help.

2. Eat lots of quality fats.

Avocados have "good fats" your body needs to keep healthy, and the great news is, Avocados from Mexico are unique in that they're available year-round. Plus, there's no cooking required — and with all the dishes you're planning on making for the holidays, you could use a break from the kitchen's hot stove, right?

AVO TIP

Have an avocado that isn't quite ripe? Find out how to get it just right for munchin'.

3. Make meditation a family affair.

Taking a few minutes to slow down and just breathe can be a big help for the harried adult, and a great way to bond with family during this busy time of year, too. Keep it short and simple. Try it out sitting, standing, even walking (with eyes open!) to keep everyone engaged. A few times a day, just take a brief moment to share quiet time together.

4. Embrace the make-ahead meal.

The holiday season may be one of the best times of year to really expand your repertoire of one-dish hot meals. The Crock-Pot bubbling all day, tempting the family with its rich smells, followed by everyone gathering around the table for a bowl of a steaming stew . . . it's the perfect winter scene. So break out the recipe books and choose five or ten different soups, stews, and casseroles that you can prepare in bulk and freeze for heating up later. If you get the whole family together and spend a weekend prepping, you might be able to mix up a month's worth of food. (Maybe start with cleaning out the freezer!)

You can always throw together a fresh salad or a bowl of guacamole to round things out, and be sure to put breadsticks or tortilla chips on the table, too. This makes it easy to sit down as a family, even if you're in a hurry, and eat something you all love.

5. Focus on the spirit of the season.

Let yourself stop when things get intense, or don't go as planned, when siblings (or spouses) aren't getting along, or you're having one of those days when there just isn't enough time to do everything that needs to be done. Take a breath and remind yourself why you do all these things. Tell these stories to your children, remember all the holidays past, the traditions you are carrying forward, and the new ones you are making. Whatever and however you are celebrating, don't lose sight of the celebration.

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Fall means many things: pumpkin spice lattes, football season, and of course, tailgating. On the surface, the century-old tradition of tailgating is about celebrating sports. But according to John Sherry, a University of Notre Dame anthropologist, when people tailgate, they are making a “a real active and orchestrated effort in community building." It's a time for people to come together over their favorite football team, cook and eat food together, and maybe throw back a few beers. Some families have been tailgating for generations — sometimes even in the same location for years — and they form welcoming communities (as long as you support the same team!).

Want to join them? You've gotta come prepared. Want to up your tailgating game? This checklist will give you tips for becoming a master tailgater (and might even win you a few new friends).

1. Get some canopy tents.

   Canopy tents offer shade on those super-sunny days early in the season, and can save your food (and fun!) from rain or snow later on in the season. Some canopy tents even have options to add wind screens, mesh screens to keep out bugs, or a sunscreen. It helps to find one that works well in windy conditions, unless you feel like chasing your canopy tent across the parking lot.

2. Make a tailgating toolbox

   You can turn a regular toolbox into a tailgater's box of essentials, holding everything from cooking and serving utensils and lighters and cleaning supplies, to a first aid kit. And don't forget your favorite condiments! Keep your toolbox loaded and waiting in your trunk for all your tailgating needs this season.

3. Plan your drinks.

   Drinks are a must-have for any tailgate party, but who says you have to stick to beer? A make-your-own Bloody Mary bar is a fun way to get creative and make everyone else do the work. This guide offers some killer ideas, including flavored salts for the rim and a pickle-infused vodka. For non-alcoholic options, consider this cucumber lemonade mocktail from Food & Wine for adults, or an ice cream soda bar from Celebrations at Home for younger fans.

4. Make some dishes ahead of time.

   Any dish you can make ahead of the big game will give you more time to hang out with your friends. This cold avocado tomatillo soup from Avocados from Mexico is easy enough to throw together the night before and store in the cooler. And guacamole is always a crowd pleaser.

5. Get creative with dessert.

   Your team loyalty can extend beyond the game and into your desserts. Check out this guide to figure out your team color's icing formula. It's time for your cakes or cookies to rep your team the right way!

AVO TIP: When making guacamole ahead of time, here's some great advice on how to “keep your guac green" from Chef Pati Jinich.

AVO TIP: If you just can't live without guac, though, check out this video tip from Chef Pati Jinich!

The post Hello Fall: It’s Time for Tailgating appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Halloween, Día de Muertos, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve dominate the festivity calendar for the last three months of the year. But they're not the only celebrations taking place during the fall and winter. Let's have a look at what other celebrations and festivities take place in October, November, and December around the world.

China

Celebrates the Chongyang, or Double Ninth Festival, which is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar calendar month, usually October. The number nine sounds like yang(masculine), and chong means double, hence Chongyang. People eat Chonyang cake (a steamed, layered cake) and drink chrysanthemum wine, which is believed to drive evil away, and go hiking and climbing. It is also Senior Citizens' Day, so families honor their elders, too.

Canadians

Celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. Early settlers and explorers held feasts of thanks, sometimes with their First Nations neighbors, for good harvests, safe sea passages, or the end of wars. The first recorded Thanksgiving took place in 1578, when the Arctic expedition led by explorer Martin Frobisher survived very harsh weather conditions. Families get together for a meal of roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, winter vegetables, and pumpkin pie. Later, they go for walks in the woods and watch football.

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot…." goes the famous rhyme that people in the United Kingdom recite every November 5. The date commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of the 17^th century, when a group of Catholics tried to blow up Parliament. Guy Fawkes, an explosives expert, became the most famous conspirator.

Guy Fawkes Day

Is tradionally celebrated with parades, fireworks, and bonfires on which Guy Fawkes effigies are set alight. Children parade around homemade effigies while chanting, “A penny for the guy!"

Every year, at 11 a.m. on November 11, people in the U.K. and the Commonwealth observe two minutes of silence on Remembrance Day to pay their respects to soldiers fallen in the line of duty. The time and date reflect those of the signing of the World War I Armistice, which marked the formal end of hostilities in 1918. There are religious services, authorities lay poppy wreaths at cenotaphs, and people wear poppy pins on their lapels. This lovely custom was inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," whose first line reads, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow." In the U.K., official ceremonies usually take place on Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday immediately after or before November 11.

Sinterklaas

In the Netherlands, children can't wait for December 5 because this is when Sinterklaas and his companion Zwarte Piet bring them presents. The festivities begin in November, when Sinterklaas arrives — supposedly from Spain — in a steamboat and throws candy and small cookies into the expectant crowds that gather to welcome them. Then, on the night of December 5, children fill their shoes with carrots and sugar cubes, beer for Zwarte Piet, and a cup of coffee for Sinterklaas. Then, presents “magically" appear overnight for kids. Can you imagine the excitement?

December brings a few religious holidays. Among them is Hanukah, the Jewish commemoration of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the temple's Menorah, which stayed alight for eight nights with a seemingly insufficient quantity of oil. Therefore, Hanukah is observed for eight nights. Each night, celebrants light a candle of the menorah (a special candelabrum) while they sing special songs and recite prayers and blessings. It is customary to eat fried foods, like latkes, sufganiyot (donuts), or fritters, as well as dairy products. Children play with the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top. In the United States and Israel, children also get presents and Hanukah gelt (money), either in the form of chocolate coins or hard currency.

Boxing Day

Has nothing to do with the sport of boxing and everything to do with the Victorian custom by which servants received a Christmas box of money or presents on December 26. The day after Christmas is a holiday observed in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, as well as a day for shopping, as many retailers run sales. Some people prefer to spend the day relaxing at home watching sports on TV: soccer in the U.K., cricket in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, a yacht race in Australia, or ice hockey in Canada.

We live in an incredibly diverse world. Let's celebrate all cultures and enjoy festivities, whether in person or vicariously through social media!

AVO TIP: Are you hosting a holiday party? Don't stress about snacks! Chef Pati Jinich has you covered. Learn how to make a variety of delicious quick snacks with Avocados from Mexico in this video.

The post Holidays Around the World appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

National Guacamole Day — September 16— has come and gone. Did you miss it? Don't worry! Any day is a great day to celebrate avocados. Try out one of these ideas for having fun with guac year-round.

1. Throw down with a Neighborhood Guac off!

Battle the block to see who can whip up the very best guacamole dish, or try to wiggle your way into a coveted judging position (Being the one planning the party helps.). Stick with a guacamole or spice things up with something like this Guacamole Masala recipe. Impress everyone with this trick for using the avocado pit to keep guac looking fresh when the competition starts heating up.

2. Host a Smash and Splash Guac-Making Party.

Blend up some cocktails or aguas de frutas, bring the kids, and plan a guac-making pool party. Try a few tricks to mix things up in the guac department by adding new or unique ingredients. Set aside a bit of the plain stuff for the kids to dish out on top of these crunchy beef tacos.

3. Go Adults-Only with a Guac and Mezcal Tasting.

One of the best ways to taste a lot of different guacs without all the pressure of a high-stakes contest, is to pair a few varieties with your favorite drink. Try this mezcal guacamole while sipping a shot from your best bottle, or match everyone's favorite guac dish to their beer of choice. Try mixing up a collection of chelas or even seeking out some of Mexico's latest vintages from Baja California's Valle Guadalupe, Mexico's wine country.

Whatever you do, with all that booze flowing, make sure you get some substantial guac on the table, like this guac with chorizo, or this bacon chipotle recipe.

4. Organize a Guac and Garden Party.

This is the season when many gardeners start thinking about next year. Plants are fruiting and will soon go to seed. If you are lucky enough to have a garden space, think about getting together to whip up some guac and swap some of nature's bounty with your besties.

If you and your friends have limited space, or limited time (and don't we all?!), make everyone responsible for just one ingredient. Plant your avocado pits and see if you can get a tree started. If not, focus on the ingredients you can grow in a window box - tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, small onions, or chives. Since avocados are fresh from Mexico all year round, if you take care of these few ingredients, you'll be able to make fresh veggie-filled guac even in the cold of winter.

5. Relax and Unwind with a Guac and Spa Day.

Avocados aren't just great in guac for your chips and salsa; they also make a fantastic skin-soothing base for homemade beauty products. Invite over your best girlfriends, and your open-minded guy friends, to slather on an avocado facial, a moisturizing and exfoliating hand cream, or a deep-conditioning hair mask while chowing down on recipes like this rustic guac with corn.

Who knew there were so many ways to gather around the goodness of guacamole? And when all the festivities are over, you can start planning early for next year's big guac day!

The post Get Your Guac on!: Tips for Celebrating Guacamole Any Day of the Year appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

We have a hard time resisting books with pretty pictures, a compelling story, or easy, delicious recipes. If you do too, these three books — all published recently — are must-adds to your bookshelf.

1. Martha Stewart's Vegetables

Regardless of what one thinks about Martha Stewart, it's impossible to disagree with the claim that Martha knows her way around a garden and a kitchen. In her latest cookbook, published in September, she devotes her attention to vegetables, demystifying both common and obscure veggies for the home cook, and offering recipes that will make you the envy of any dinner party.

Stewart goes beyond ordinary recipes to explore the world of lesser-known or less-loved vegetables. There are jicama and squash blossoms — popular in Mexico but not as well-known in the U.S. — included in her roster, as well as creative approaches to using veggies cooks frequently relegate to dull interpretations. Take, for example, the humble parsnip. Usually reserved for roasts or soups, Stewart introduces it as a central ingredient in — wait for it — cupcakes!

Our favorite fruit, avocado, enjoys pride of place in Stewart's cookbook, with recipes ranging from avocado and sprout club sandwiches to salmon and avocado tartine.

After indulging in this book, you'll soon be planning your next dinner or brunch party!

2. The 24-Hour Wine Expert

You love wine but — if you're honest — you really don't know much about it. You know which bottles you like (and which ones you can afford), but when your friends start talking about "mouth feel" and the like at dinner parties, you just pretend you know what they're talking about.

Sound familiar? If so, you need Jancis Robinson's The 24-Hour Wine Expert, a book that intends to give you a crash course in wine essentials in just 100 pages. Free of the bluster of so many experts, Robinson offers fun, accessible suggestions for learning more about wine. Her tips aren't only about wine itself, but also about stemware, how to develop relationships with wine sellers, and information about lesser-known wines, which will make you the talk of the town if you serve them at your next event.

3. The Short Stack Cookbook: Ingredients That Speak Volumes

We're big fans of the Short Stack cookbooks, which were initially funded by a Kickstarter campaign. Whether it's maple, honey, chickpeas, chocolate, or grits, each hand-stitched, beautifully illustrated book focuses on a single ingredient.

In their newest book, The Short Stack Cookbook, they've organized chapters around their favorite ingredients, and avocados from Mexico aren't left out of the spotlight. While it doesn't have a chapter all its own, it features in multiple recipes, all of which will inevitably delight the palate any time of year.

AVO TIP: How do you know when you've found the perfect avocado from Mexico at store? Learn from a pro in this quick video!

The post 3 Books to Read Right Now appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

From Jan. 1 (National Bloody Mary Day) to Dec. 31 (National Champagne Day), there's a holiday for practically every drink, food, ingredient, and condiment you can imagine (and some you can't, too. We're looking at you, National Ambrosia Day.). 2016's National Guacamole Day has come and gone, but don't cry on your tortilla chips. Take a look at some previous guactastic bashes so you can start planning NOW for 2017's big day!

1. Coordinate a guac-themed restaurant crawl.

Take a look at this year's list of restaurants around the country that offered free guac for National Guacamole Day and start planning a guac-themed restaurant crawl with your pals. Make a map and plot your route; make copies of the map for your friends, or make a digital version to share via smartphone. And go ahead and put a reminder on your 2017 calendar: a few weeks before next year's Guac Day, you'll want to place a quick call to the restaurants on your map to make sure they're still open and plan to celebrate. Don't see any spots near you on the list? Call a few of your local Mexican restaurants and ask if they're going to have a 2017 National Guacamole Day promotion!

2. Gather some friends for a gourmet guac tasting.

You've heard of wine flights and beer flights ... so why not a guac flight? This year, the New York City restaurant Añejo offered a special for National Guac Day: Try three different guacamoles for $6. But you don't have to get dressed up and go out for a night on the town to riff on the idea. With our unique guacamole recipes, you can make your own guac flight. Try our Indian-inspired Guacamole Masala, our Southwestern Guacamole or our Tequila Guacamole.

3. Take a spa day.

We would never tell you to call in sick to work if you're not actually ill, so we're glad to report that 2017's National Guacamole Day falls on a Saturday. Go ahead and pencil in a spa day right now, opting for treatment at one of the spas that specializes in using the green fruit as an ingredient.

4. Break Records for guac-making!

It's going to take A LOT of avocados to break the current record for guac-making. The current record holders — 450 students in the Mexican town of Tancítaro — used 2.5 TONS of them to make the world's largest serving of guacamole in 2013.

No one's taken their title away from them so far, but if you plan to try, you'd better start planning now! In addition to bulk quantities of ingredients, you're going to need a lot of extra cooks in your kitchen to even come close to the Tancítaro crew, which, according to the organizer, required "110 (people) to chop tomatoes, 110 for chopping onions, 110 for pulping avocado, 40 to stir the guacamole, and 50 for the lemons."

The post The Best of National Guacamole Day 2016 appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

By: M. Elise Giller

May 5 isn’t just any old day of the year: It’s Cinco de Mayo! This Mexican holiday is the perfect excuse for a fun fiesta, with loads of guacamole, margaritas, and, of course, family and friends. Hosting a party can sometimes feel overwhelming, but if you prepare beforehand, throwing your Cinco de Mayo celebration can be a snap.

Make Margaritas Ahead of Time

You want to spend time with your guests, not slave away in the kitchen over a blender. That’s why we recommend preparing classic margaritas (not the frozen variety) ahead of time in a big batch. Combine three parts tequila with two parts triple sec and one part citrus juice in a half-gallon pitcher. Store it in the fridge until party time.

To serve: As your friends ask for a drink, measure about two ounces of the margarita mix into a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour into a glass that's been prepped with lime juice and rock salt around the rim.

Prep a Taco Station in Advance

Celebrations mean delicious food, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Your guests will love a buffet-style taco bar, which will help set the Mexican-themed mood. Prepare all the fixings beforehand — fresh corn and flour tortillas, precooked fajita meat, grated cheese, and fresh lettuce, cilantro, tomato, and salsa — and store them in their designated party containers in the refrigerator. When it's time to set up, heat up the prepared fajita meat, unwrap your toppings, and serve! Don't forget to supply plenty of classic guacamole to top off the tacos right.

Buy a Pre-Filled Piñata

Save time and energy in the party game department. Rather than filing up an empty piñata yourself, pick up one that's pre-made. Check with your local Mexican grocery or Party City to see if they carry pre-filled options. Fiesta Piñata and Pre-Filled Parties also offer them online. Hang up a traditional donkey or a not-so-traditional option and get the party started! Then blindfold guests and hand them a bat to see if they can crack it open. The candy might go flying across your backyard, but it’s worth it to see those sugar-crazed smiles.

Get more party prep tips.

The post A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Game Plan appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Recipe by Pati Jinich

All the men around me, my dad, my husband, my three boys, heart chorizo. Don’t even mention chiles toreados, they like those on everything. The chiles toreados we like are jalapeño or serrano chiles that are gently rolled to release all their flavor and juices, seared or charred, and then mixed with onion and marinated in lime juice and soy sauce. They are as good as they sound.

They make the base of this guacamole, which is then topped with a bit of diced tomato, tons of hot crispy chorizo bites and finished with tangy and salty queso fresco. You can serve this guac with tortilla chips or also have warm corn or flour tortillas for your cave men to make improvised tacos.

Tip: You may prepare the chiles toreados a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 1 whole jalapeño or serrano chile
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ cup chopped white onion
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 8 ounces raw Mexican chorizo, casings removed, roughly chopped
• 3 ripe Mexican avocados, halved, pitted, meat scooped out and diced
• 1 Roma tomato, cored, seeded and diced
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (or substitute farmer’s cheese or mild feta)

To Prepare

Roll the chile with your hand on your kitchen counter. Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the chile for about 9 to 10 minutes, flipping it every 2 to 3 minutes, so it is completely and deeply browned on all sides. Place the chile along with the oil from the skillet in a bowl. Once the chile is cool enough to handle, remove it from the bowl and chop it, discarding the stem and the seeds if desired. Place the chopped chile back in the bowl, incorporate the onion, the lime juice and soy sauce, and combine well.

Place the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped chorizo for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, breaking it into smaller bite-sized chunks, until browned, but don’t let it burn. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl.

In a serving bowl, lightly mash the avocados. Incorporate the prepared chiles toreados and mix well. Sprinkle on the diced tomato and chorizo and, lastly, sprinkle the queso fresco on top.

Serves 6-8

The post Toluca Guac with Chorizo & Chiles Toreados appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Dip into decadence—and nosh nutritiously—when you use avocados in place of higher-calorie toppings. These alternative recipes call for substituting avocados, which lends creaminess and nutrition.

Avocado Ranch Dip

• 2 very ripe avocados, mashed
• 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅛ cup celery leaves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried dill
• ¾ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Mix together avocado, Greek yogurt, salt, and soy sauce. Add remaining ingredients. Chill. Serve with baby carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and pretzel sticks.

French Onion Avocado Dip

• 3 very ripe avocados, mashed
• 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Vidalia onions, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rings
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ½ teaspoon low-sodium Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and finely ground pepper to taste

Mix avocados and Greek yogurt. Set aside. Caramelize onions in olive oil. Add garlic to pan for a minute. Mix contents of pan (including liquid) with avocado/Greek yogurt mixture. Add remaining ingredients. Chill. Serve with Melba toast and broccoli spears.

Spinach Artichoke Dip with Avocado

• 3 very ripe avocados, mashed 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, finely chopped
• 1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and finely chopped
• 4 ounces parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup water chestnuts, chopped
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Mix together mashed avocados, Greek yogurt, and garlic salt. Add remaining ingredients. Chill. Serve with pita chips, and red and green pepper slices.

The post The Refreshing Side of Decadent Dips With Avocado appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

By: M. Elise Giller

Party planning can be exciting — and stressful. Don't let all the little details overwhelm the actual event. We’ve put together a list of creative life hacks for party planning, so you can sit back and relax. Your next party is going to be a breeze!

• Use frozen water balloons in your cooler to keep drinks cold and avoid the mess of melting ice cubes. Simply fill with water, freeze, and place among the drinks in your cooler.
• Don’t let ice cream cones and popsicles ruin your favorite party clothes. Put mini marshmallows in the bottom of ice cream cones to stop leaks, and use cupcake liners under popsicles to catch drips.
• Watered-down drinks are a thing of the past.
• Use frozen fruit to keep beverages cold and pretty, or larger ice blocks, which melt more slowly.
• Make whipped cream in a jar by shaking it — no more whisking or extra bowls to wash!
• Dish out condiments like ketchup, mustard, and guacamole in muffin tins for easy access and cleanup.
• Chill wine bottles quickly by putting ice, water, and two handfuls of salt in a bucket. Add the bottles, let them sit for 20 minutes, and you’re golden.
• Banish flies from your backyard cookout! Put whole cloves in lemon halves, then place them on your patio table about 30 minutes before you serve food.
• Use a cooler to cook corn on the cob. Place the cobs in the cooler, pour boiling water on them, and shut the lid for 30 minutes. It saves space and time, and guests can serve themselves.
• Forget the scoop: Save time and your wrist by cutting an ice cream carton in half with a sharp knife and doling out slices as if it were a cake.

For more party planning tips, click here.

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September is the perfect time to celebrate Mexican history and heritage with a big fiestas patrias bash. Who needs downtown parades, floats, and mariachi bands when you can dazzle your guests with an array of appetizing food, delicious drinks, and festive tricolor decorations at home?!

Traditionally, the fiestas patrias celebrations begin on the evening of September 15 and continue into the following day, the Día de la Independencia. The reason for this is that on September 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo issued an appeal for social and economic reform and demanded the end of Spanish rule. This appeal was known as the Grito de Dolores and it marked the beginning of the War of Independence. Every September 15, as the clock strikes midnight, you can visit any town square, or zócalo, in Mexico, and hear the cry, "Viva México! Viva México! Viva México!".

To mark the occasion, invite your friends and family to join you in a celebration of Mexican culture and tradition. These suggestions for food, drinks, and decorations will help you plan your own unforgettable fiestas patrias party.

Invitations

First, set a date and make your guest list. Then, find an appropriate evite or design your own invitation and send it about two weeks before the party. You may have to make follow-up calls to finalize your RSVP list so you can plan sufficient amounts of food and drink.

Food

This takes a bit of planning, but there's no need to stress out! Make as much as you can before the big party, or — even better — enlist the help of family members and friends, turning communal cooking into a pre-party celebration! Serve traditional Mexican dishes like chicken tostadas, pozole, chiles en nogada, chicken with mole poblano, or tamales. Recreate the Mexican flag with avocado, mozzarella and tomato skewers. Serve guacamole with a twist: use Parmesan chips instead of tortilla chips. Surprise your guests with a fancy grilled avocado bar that will make everyone jealous of your flair for entertaining. What about adding a taco bar as well? Place dishes with cooked chicken and beef, beans, taco shells, chopped tomato and lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream so your guests can mix and match. Playing with food is totally acceptable.

Desserts

Who doesn't love a mesa dulce, a dessert bar? Make a few favorites, like flan, dark chocolate avocado brownies, and pastel de tres leches. Don't forget Mexican cookies, which are always a favorite.

Cocktails

A Mexican party is not a party without margaritas. Make pitchers of different flavored margaritas, like watermelon or hibiscus. A paloma (top-shelf tequila mixed with Mexican grapefruit soda) goes down well, too. Arrange sliced limes, salt, and shot glasses for hardcore guests who prefer to do shots. Stock up on Mexican sodas, horchata, and fruity aguas frescas for the younger ones and for those who pass on the alcoholic drinks.

Decorations

Your house has to feel festive as well. To achieve a truly Mexican ambiance, hang colorful papel picado banners and fairy lights. You can buy papel picado or make it yourself with tissue paper, a craft punch, and string. Have kids? Get them involved in the party prep by giving them materials and instructions for this simpler version of papel picado.

Since the dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, get a few bunches and place them strategically around the house. They'll brighten any corner. Use a brightly colored sarape as a table runner and intersperse small clay pots with cacti among the food dishes. Don't forget the centerpiece of any self-respecting Mexican party: a piñata! (And of course, it should be filled with delicious Mexican candies).

Play traditional music in the background. If you don't have any Mexican tunes in your own collection, cue up a list on Pandora or Spotify. Later, pump up the volume to get the party in full swing and invite your guests to sing and dance into the small hours.

Attire

Whether it's a formal or informal shindig, work the national colors –white, red, and green- into your outfit. You may even want to supply fake mustaches and oversized sombreros to guests!

¡Que viva México!

The post Fiestas Patrias Celebrations: The Perfect Excuse to Celebrate with Family and Friends appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

There are Mexican guacamoles of all kinds. They all speak of eating, sharing and having good times with family and friends. This guacamole botanero, however, seems to especially call for leisurely long gatherings.

Botana translates to snack. When you refer to something as botanero it means it is the perfect snack for guests to open up their appetites, not only for more food, but also for great conversation and really good times, without a hurry to get anywhere afterwards.

Crunchy-coated peanuts smothered in a chile mix that is both punchy and savory is a revered botana in Mexico. In this recipe, I toss my version of that addicting peanut mix into a chunky guac.

It is a big hit when my husband and boys invite friends over to watch a game. They find the crunch and the mix of flavors irresistible.
Tip: Make it! But make a double batch, as one doesn’t last long.

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 2 guajillo chiles, stemmed, seeded, sliced into ¼” rings
• 8 scallions, roots and ends discarded, white and light green parts sliced into ¼” rounds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, meat scooped out and diced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste
• 1 cup peeled, cored and diced pineapple
• 1 cup peeled and diced jícama
• ½ cup Japanese-style peanuts (or coated and crunchy peanuts of your choice)

To Prepare

Set a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the oil and let it heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Once it is hot, add the guajillo chiles and let them cook gently, for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until they look a bit crisp and their color has changed. Add the scallions, mix with the chiles and the by now flavored oil, and cook for another couple minutes, until the scallions begin to wilt. Incorporate the sesame seeds, mix again, and cook for another couple minutes until seeds have begun to brown lightly. Turn off the heat and scrape into a small bowl.

In a medium mixing bowl, add the avocado, lime juice and salt, and gently mash and mix with a fork. Incorporate the pineapple, jícama and Japanese-style peanuts. Scrape the avocado mix onto a serving bowl and spoon the guajillo chile, scallion and sesame seed mixture all over the top.

The post Botanero Guac appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

Go green this St. Patrick’s Day by pairing the perfect avocado recipe with your favorite brew. Whatever the notes and undertones of your favorite pot of gold, the right dish can enhance and highlight its flavor for a festive Irish meal.

O’Hara’s Curim Gold Celtic Wheat Beer

Wheat lends this libation a crisp, refreshing tartness, while hints of plum and peach bring on distinct flavor dimensions. Pair with strong, spicy foods topped with avocado to elevate both food and drink.

PAIR WITH: Beef Chili with Avocado

O’Shea’s Traditional Irish Pale Ale

Lots of hops give this ale a pleasant, soft bitterness. A sweet malty background and citrusy character couple it well with creamy avocados and blue cheese. Add almonds to bring out its flavor even more.

PAIR WITH: Blue Cheese Guacamole

Harp Lager

Light hops and a sweet fruitiness highlight subtle taste sensations. As a highly carbonated beer, this lager helps clear the palate for the next bite or sip. Adds depth to light dishes containing avocados, and fruit.

PAIR WITH: Avocado and Tropical Fruit Salsa

Murphy’s Irish Red

This beer’s earthy, grassy essence encourages avocado’s fresh flavors to shine. Thanks to barley, this brew also carries hints of caramel and spice. For a pleasing profile, enjoy with a combo created by bread, avocado, and goat cheese.

PAIR WITH: Avocado, Tomato Goat Cheese Toasts

Guinness Extra Stout (Original)

St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without this traditional taste of the Emerald Isle! Irish stout’s low carbonation lends it a creamier form than many other beers, making it a great match for avocados. Roasted barley and a hint of hops give this beverage its bitterness, and make it pair well with avocados and seafood.

PAIR WITH: Crab Cakes with Avocado Serrano Aioli

SOURCES:

7 Flavor Categories of Beer:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/the-7-flavor-categories-of-beer-what-they-are-how-to-pair-them

Harp Lager
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/209/862/

Info about Wheat Beers:
http://www.brewreviewcrew.com/food-beer-wheat-beer/

Irish Dry Stout:
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/162/

Murphy’s Irish Red:
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/240/913/
AND: http://www.gayot.com/beer/top10irishbeers/murphys-irish-red.html

O’Hara’s Irish Wheat Beer:
http://www.gayot.com/Drink/Best-Beer-to-Drink/Best-Irish-Beers/O-Hara-s-Curim-Gold-Irish-Wheat

O’Shea’s Traditional Pale Ale:
https://www.ratebeer.com/beer/osheas-traditional-irish-pale-ale/203195/
AND: https://beerboar.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/osheas-aldi-irish-pale-ale/

Pairing Avocado Toast with Beer:
http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-avocado-toast-craft-beer-20151020-story.html\

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Hosting a Super Bowl celebration? Cooking for a crowd can be tough to tackle. Use these pointers to get your game on.

Does It Double?

Large crowds call for lots of food, so plan to double — or even triple — recipes. But before investing time and money, double-check that doubling works. With some recipes, increasing ingredients leads to a fumble.

Freeze It First

Get ready for the gridiron early by cooking and freezing goodies one to two weeks before the big game. Cookies and cakes freeze especially well. Store treats in tightly sealed containers so they stay tasty. Use wax paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking to one another.

Make a List, Check It Twice

Do you have enough plates, napkins, silverware, and cups? Garbage bags? Tissue? Drinks? Seats? What about ice chests and a plan for who will make the ice run?

And, don’t forget: You’ll need extra room in your fridge for the added inventory of edibles.

Buy It Days Beforehand

Grocery shopping the day before the party swallows up precious prep time, so consider what you can buy days ahead of time when planning your game-day grub. Avocados are a great choice because they often ripen long after they’re picked. Use your sense of touch to choose the right avocados for your timeline. Three to four days before the party, select avocados that don’t yield to gentle pressure and put them in a paper bag to ripen.

For a ready-to-eat avocado, grab one with some yield. A soft avocado makes a great candidate for guacamole. (Ramp up the revelry with Tequila Guacamole.)

Hail Mary Pass

If all else fails, spare yourself stress and serve classic sandwiches. Sandwiches score two bonus points: You can put them together ahead of time, and there is no need to worry about serving them hot. Here are two scrumptious options: Ham, Cheese, & Avocado Spread Sandwich Rolls and Buffalo Chicken & Avocado Sandwiches.

Follow these quick tips, and all you’ll hear from the crowd is cheers — and requests for seconds.

The post And the Crowd Goes Wild appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

By: M. Elise Giller

Hosting a party can be a lot of fun. What’s not so fun: cleaning up messy dips and dirty silverware and stepping on crumbs from chips and crackers. That’s why we’ve put together four finger foods featuring the amazing avocado — not all the mess — for your next soiree.

Avocado Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 

Mushrooms and avocados go together like grown-up peanut butter and jelly. Fill each bite-size portobello mushroom two-thirds to the top with goat cheese. Combine garlic, rosemary, and avocado until smooth. Then fill the top of the mushrooms with the mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

Cucumber and Avocado Summer Rolls  

This appetizer is perfect for a spring party. After slicing an avocado and a cucumber into matchsticks, place them in the center of rice paper rounds, along with green lettuce, fresh basil and mint, and shredded carrots. Fold in the sides of the paper and roll tightly closed. Serve raw with a sauce of limejuice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.=

Avocado Deviled Eggs 

You can easily make your favorite deviled egg recipe creamier by adding avocado into the mix. Simply put the regular ingredients (hard egg yolks, mayo, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper) into a food processor along with avocado and blend until smooth. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and pipe the yolk mixture into the emptied egg whites. Voilà!

Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies 

Avocado makes brownies that much more decadent, fudgy, and delicious — and you’ll never guess there’s a vegetable in your dessert. Combine mashed avocado with flour, egg, cocoa powder, baking powder, coconut oil, brown sugar, and chocolate chips, and then bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Want more party planning advice? Read more here.

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Bring back game night! Break out an old board game or even a deck of cards. Games bring family and friends together and put a lot of fun into your gathering, especially if you serve some tasty guacamole or avocado dip on the side. Another surefire hit: nachos with fresh sliced avocados on top.

Make game night extra special by decking out the table with a fun table cloth & colorful plates and napkins. Just by adding a few extra touches, you can spice up the fiesta on the cheap.

The post Simple Party Tips appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

I love cooking with Avocados from Mexico! I use them in breakfast dishes like omelets, frittatas, and my kids’ favorite – avocado toast. I’ve used Avocados from Mexico in salads like Wasabi Avocado Coleslaw. I’ve also baked with them in recipes like Gluten Free Avocado Chocolate Chip Bread and in brownies, too. (Don’t you love the combination of chocolate and avocados? I do!) Heck, I’ve even used Avocados from Mexico in Avocado Coconut & Watermelon Ice Pops!

But did you know that Avocados from Mexico are Hass avocados, which is the most common type of avocado you’ll find in your supermarket? Hass avocados are grown in the fertile orchard land in the state of Michoacán, near the Pacific Coast. Hass Avocados from Mexico give the fruit a uniquely smooth and creamy taste. No wonder they’re so delicious!

Not only are Avocados from Mexico great tasting, but they’re very nutritious! They contain 3 grams monounsaturated fat and .5 grams of polyunsaturated fat, are cholesterol and sodium free, and filled with good stuff like 2 grams fiber, 150 milligrams potassium, and 2 percent iron. There’s no arguing that Avocados from Mexico are a nutrient dense food!

Entertain with Avocados from Mexico during the holidays!

This holiday season you can use Avocados from Mexico as your secret to nutritious holiday entertaining. What is so much fun about Avocados from Mexico is that their brilliant green color perfectly matches the spirit of the holiday season! And you can feel good about serving your guests and family something so wholesome and delicious. Check out some terrific entertaining recipes at here

Other ways you can use Avocados from Mexico at your next holiday feast:

• Carefully peel the avocado, remove the avocado pit and fill it in with bay shrimp or tuna salad (like above)
• Homemade tuna and avocado sushi rolls
• Avocado and potato pancakes for Hanukkah
• Guacamole sliders
• Mini bagel, lox, cream cheese and avocado sandwiches (capers optional!)
• Avocado and yogurt dips
• Avocado and turkey wraps
• Guacamole and salsa shooters – serve with tortilla chips on the side!
• Mini avocado toast – cut them out in fun shapes cookie cutters
• Ceviche and avocado shooters
• Mexican style shrimp cocktail with big chunks of fresh Avocados from Mexico
• Add avocado to deviled eggs and cut back on the mayo
• Avocado smoothies (with or without your favorite spirits)

What’s your favorite way to use Avocados from Mexico when entertaining?

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You know what I love about guacamole? It mixes well with the food of almost any country, so you can really "guac the world!"
I pack in even more Mexican flavor with this Botanero Guacamole. If you call something botanero, it means it is an irresistible snack, like the peanuts smothered in ground chile and lime juice that we go wild for in Mexico. I show you how to pair them with another favorite, smooth and creamy Avocados from Mexico, for a bold, crunchy, addicting guac in my video.
To see more of my tips and recipes, click and visit my corner.

The post Guac the World with this Botanero Guacamole! appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

The options for making an avocado salad are endless, but do you ever find yourself turning to the same familiar mix again and again?

I have one that will get you out of that rut with this Beet, Avocado, Queso Fresco and Walnut Salad. It has a fascinating combo of flavors and textures that will surely impress your dinner guests! The al dente bite of the beets contrast the smooth Avocados from Mexico, and a creamy, zesty orange dressing marries it all beautifully. I show you how it comes together in my video.

To see more of my tips and recipes, click and visit my corner.

About Pati Jinich

Jinich is a cooking teacher, food writer and chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D. C. She hosts a public television series broadcast nationwide called Pati's Mexican Table now on its Fourth Season. She released her first cookbook called Pati's Mexican Table in March 2013. Her next cookbook will hit the stands April 2016.

Born and raised in Mexico City, she enjoys focusing her culinary expertise on bringing the diversity of tastes and foods that her Mexican homeland loves, to the masses in the US and around the world. She absolutely loves to use Avocados From Mexico in nutritious and flavorful recipes for her husband and three boys.

The post Impress your Dinner Guests with a Creative Avocado Salad! appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

When there’s a big game on, it’s likely all four of my boys (including my husband) will be huddled around the TV with snacks to munch on. I like to make sure there’s something wholesome at their fingertips. Like a delicious avocado sandwich!

They all have very different tastes, but this Salmon, Bacon and Avocado Sandwich pleases them all. In fact, they devour it! The smoky bacon is a great companion to the salmon, and the fresh greens and avocado make it a complete meal. I show you how easy it is to make for your game day spread in my video.

To see more of my avocado tips and recipes, click and visit my corner.

About Pati Jinich

Jinich is a cooking teacher, food writer and chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D. C. She hosts a public television series broadcast nationwide called Pati’s Mexican Table now on its Fourth Season. She released her first cookbook called Pati’s Mexican Table in March 2013. Her next cookbook will hit the stands April 2016.

Born and raised in Mexico City, she enjoys focusing her culinary expertise on bringing the diversity of tastes and foods that her Mexican homeland loves, to the masses in the US and around the world. She absolutely loves to use Avocados From Mexico in nutritious and flavorful recipes for her husband and three boys.

The post Avocado Sandwich for Game Day! appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

By Melody Fury

No party is complete without a heaping bowl of guacamole with a side of chips. This is even more true during football season, where groups of fans huddling around TVs or at the stadium expect the delicious dip.

Basic guacamole contains ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, finely diced onions, cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. For chunky guacamole, use two forks to mash up the ingredients. (A potato masher works well for making a large, party-size batch.) For a dip with a smoother consistency, use a mortar and pestle.

Once they master the basics, creative party hosts can easily dress up their guacamole in colorful, fresh ways. Depending on what is seasonal and regional to you, get creative and top the guac with ingredients that you love. Here are a few popular combinations.

Roasted Chili Guacamole Sliders

Roast chilies on the grill until they are charred. Put them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap until the skins loosen. When cool, rub off the skin, discard the seeds, chop them up, and add them to guacamole for a smoky, spicy kick. It’s delicious when served on sliders, burgers, or hot dogs. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on Hatch chilies, use those, but poblanos are also fantastic.

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Hard boil a dozen eggs. When cool, peel the eggs, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the egg yolks. Combine the mashed egg yolks, mustard, and guacamole. Fill the egg white “bowls” with the mixture and sprinkle with paprika or cayenne pepper.

Elote Dip

Inspired by the popular Mexican street snack, dress your guacamole with roasted corn kernels, crumbled Cotija cheese, lime zest, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve with chips and lime wedges on the side.

Tapas and Pintxo

For a Spanish twist, mix guacamole with crumbled feta or goat cheese, diced sundried tomatoes, and olives. Serve it as a dip with grilled pita bread. For a fancy finger food, stuff the dip into piquillo peppers (available at Mediterranean or specialty food stores).

Once you’ve prepared guacamole, keep it green longer by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the dip’s surface to prevent oxidization. Now go have some fun. After all, it’s a party!

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By M. Elise Giller

The avocado is nature’s most versatile fruit. Creamy, decadent, and nutritional at the same time, it can be used for so much more than guacamole. Avocados appear in sweet and savory recipes, and they’re a surprising substitute for other ingredients either for health, taste, or just to mix things up! Try these four ideas next time your meals need a makeover.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a delicious way to get a jump-start on the day: Packed full of wholesome ingredients, they taste great and help you work fruit into your diet. But sometimes a homemade smoothie can be grainy and icy rather than creamy. Avocado to the rescue! Replace banana in a smoothie recipe with avocado, and you’ll instantly boost the nutrients in your morning drink and make it as luscious as a milkshake.

Sandwiches

Turkey and cheese, ham and cheese, roast beef and cheese. Ever feel like your lunch routine needs some renovation? Simply replace that Gouda, Swiss, or American with slices of fresh avocado to transform your sandwich into something even more delicious. And by substituting avocados’ unsaturated fat for cheese’s saturated fat, you’re doing something positive for your tastebuds and your body.

French Fries

And what are you eating on the side of that sandwich? Say goodbye to the same old by replacing French fries with avocado fries. Simply slice avocados and dredge in flour, egg white, and breadcrumbs, then broil in the oven for a few minutes. Easy, creamy, crunchy, tasty.

Sweet Treats

Trying to watch your weight but still craving baked goods? Replace half the butter in your favorite recipes with mashed avocado and you’ll lower the calorie count and boost the amount of monounsaturated fat in that cake, cookie, or pie. Try it with frosting! Once you go avocado, you’ll never go back.

Anytime a recipe calls for ingredients that are creamy or rich, try swapping them with avocado. You’ll be amazed at the delicious dishes you can create.

Find out more about the health benefits of avocados.

SOURCES:

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Avocado-Dairy-Substitute-34739488?stream_view=1#photo-34739623

https://www.marthastewart.com/1047458/avocado-smoothie

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/wow/how-to-make-avocado-fries

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Substitute-Butter-Avocado-When-Baking-8199268

The post Thankful for Choice appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

’Tis the season for tasty temptations. Hold on to your good eating habits at this year’s work parties and family get-togethers with these tips for noshing nutritiously at holiday events.

Eat Before You Go

You’ll be less tempted to eat wrong if you eat right before you head out the door.
Enjoy a light meal at home so you don’t show up at the holiday-happening hungry. A growling stomach can lead to poor food choices.

Bring a Dish

Bring along your own tasty tidbits — of a nutritious nature! This way you can party down knowing there’s at least one dish you can gobble up. Try this salad with winter fruit recipe.

Dress for Less

Wear an outfit that fits just right, one that won’t indulge over-indulging. This trick curtails munching on morsels that could tighten your togs.

Use the Smallest Plate

Survey the edible options before getting in line so you know ahead of time what you’ll put on your plate. Grab the smallest plate they’ve got and pile on the good-for-you stuff first. This leaves little space for less-nutritious nibbles.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

After you’ve made a plate, put the focus on friends instead of food and get out of range of the goodies. Socialize with tempting tidbits out of sight so they don’t beckon you back for more.

Water It Down

Sip plenty of water throughout the fête to dilute any desire to overdo it. Your body will thank you for the hydration, while your stomach stays satiated.

With these tips and a little self-control, you’ll find you don’t have to forego the festivities to stick to a nutritious avocado meal plan.

The post Party Hearty appeared first on Avocados From Mexico.

By M. Elise Giller

The Pilgrims may not have done it, but nowhere is it written you can’t add a bit of avocado to a classic Thanksgiving meal. Mixed in with tender roast turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and hearty stuffing, these hearty, bright green fruits add unexpected flair to a Thanksgiving table. Here’s how to mix them in with classic dishes for new tastes and traditions.

Appetizers

The football game starts midday, sometimes while the turkey is still roasting. Keep everyone’s energy up with finger foods like avocado-stuffed mushrooms. Stuff mushroom caps with goat cheese; top with a mixture of pureed avocado, rosemary, and garlic; and bake at 400 degrees for just a few minutes.

Meanwhile, guests with a sweet tooth can get a preview of dessert with pumpkin-avocado bread. Avocado is the secret weapon to baking moist, addictive delicacies. Simply substitute half the amount of butter in your favorite pumpkin bread recipe with pureed avocado, and you’ll have a lighter, fluffier baked good that tastes even better than the original.

Dinner

Update your sweet potatoes and surprise your taste buds by including avocado in your usual recipe. Roast sweet potatoes whole, then top them with goat cheese, roasted pecans, and sliced avocado. You won’t miss the marshmallow, we promise.

Balance out the rich dishes on the table with a lighter green salad. Mix baby spinach with toasted pecans and sweet dried cranberries. Dress it with avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

Dessert

We didn’t forget dessert! Want to know the trick to creamy pumpkin pie? Avocados. Yep, replace ultraprocessed evaporated milk with almond milk and mashed avocado, and your favorite recipe will rise to new heights.

The Next Day

So many leftovers, so little time! For a classic take, try leftover turkey and cranberry sauce piled high with slices of avocado on your favorite bread. Or go new-school with a grilled cheese sandwich layered with leftover turkey and avocado. Use creamy, mild mozzarella to balance out the bold flavors.

There’s no limit to the fun and creativity you can have creating wholesome, crowd-pleasing twists on classic dishes. Have fun, and Happy Thanksgiving!

SOURCES:

http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/avocado-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms-203661

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/loaded-baked-sweet-potato

https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/cookingrecipes/recipe-pumpkin-avocado-pie?page=all

http://www.loveandlemons.com/2014/08/06/sweet-potato-avocado-salad/

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Pumpkin-Muffins-Avocado-35763042

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/grilled-cheese-with-smoked-turkey-and-avocado-14616

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Substitute-Butter-Avocado-When-Baking-8199268

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