Saturday, October 31, 2009

Guacamole - a favorite party dip!

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I love chunky guacamole dip. It's so easy to make and a great snack to serve at parties or gatherings. Avocados are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber and folate. Serve this guacamole recipe with tortilla chips or all alone by the spoonful. Heck, you can put it in your sandwhich or burgers if you wish. The lime juice helps preserve the color of the guac and prevent it from browning. The guac doesn't store to well. I noticed it gets brown-ish the next day. If that happens, try scraping off the top layer to reveal the green underneath. Or, tell your peeps to eat it quick!


Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

-3 Haas avocados
-1 lime, juiced
-1 teaspoon kosher salt
-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
-1/2 teaspoon cayenne
-1/2 medium onion, diced
-2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
-1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
-1 clove garlic, minced


Directions:

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. With the skin still on, dice the avocados in large cubes. Use a spoon to scoop out the avocados and place them into a large bowl.

2. Squeeze the lime juice into the bowl and toss to coat.

3. Add the salt, cumin, and cayenne to the mixture. Using a potato masher or a fork to mash the avocados with the seasonings.

4. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic.

5. Let sit at room temperature for 30 mins and then serve.

Cook's Tips:

* For a chunky guacamole dip, use a fork to mash. If you prefer a smoother dip, use a potato masher.

* Roll your limes on the counter to get the most juice out.

* Ripe avocados should be soft, not squishy, and you should be able to flick the little stem off easily.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Grilled Salmon Salad with Avocados

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If you want to eat healthy and eat clean, this is an effortless dish you can whip up in minutes. Salmon is considered to be healthy because of their high protein, high Omega-3, and high vitamin D content. Salmon is also a source of lowering cholesterol, heart disease, etc. If you want healthy skin, nails, and hair....consume a lot of fish! You don't want to overload too much, some fish high high mercury levels which is no bueno to your health.

Ingredients:

- 5 oz. Salmon

- 2 Tbs Salmon & Seafood seasoning
- 1 1/2 Tbs Oil
- Spring mix salad
- 1/2 avocados, sliced
- Kraft's Light Balsamic Vinegar dressing

Method:

1. Season the salmon on both sides. On a saute pan, heat the oil on high heat for a minute. Cook the salmon for 1 1/2 minutes on both sides or until golden brown color. Lower the heat to medium and turn about every two minutes until the salmon is cooked thoroughly.

2. Placed the salmon on a bed of salad with slices of avocados. Pour the balsamic vinegar dressing over the salad or you can dip it on the side.