Double Dipping

By Lori Powell

Double Dippers are a must-have to beat the heat. I don’t own a pool so for me, “dipper” means dips to have on hand at this time of the year when the days are long and hot, and BBQ smoke is permeating everyone’s backyard.

My go-to dips are freshly made guacamole and salsa. Each time I make them I change it up a bit depending on what I might have on hand and what looks good at the grocery store or farmers’ market.

For the guacamole, seek out avocados that yield slightly to pressure but are not too soft. Simply halve them, remove the pit and with a large spoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl.

Just recently I discovered another use for my pastry blender that has sharp steel blades. It’s the perfect tool to chop and mash avocados.

Click to read more ...

Super Bowl Sunday Guacamole

By Andrew Hunter

The countdown to the Super Bowl has officially started. My brother-in-law, Eddie, who is a 5th generation Texan, is staying home through the weekend to avoid the crazy crowds. He typically also stays away from the kitchen, but on this most sacred game day, Eddie ties on his annual apron strings and makes his signature guacamole.

He’s not alone in his love for avocados, though he calls them “gator pears.” Did you know that 53.5 million pounds of avocados will be consumed on Super Bowl Sunday? That’s nearly 6 ounces for every man, woman and child in the United States. It’s the avocado industry’s biggest day of the year. That said, it’s time to talk guacamole.

Click to read more ...