Have a Guacamole Bowl for Super Bowl

It’s that time again…time for the Super Bowl! An all-American day when everyone sits around, eats (and drinks) a little too much and roots for their favorite team. Or waits patiently for the commercials and half-time performance by the Black Eyed Peas.

This year’s competing teams are taking me back a few decades, as the line-up looks more like a Super Bowl from the 70’s than 2011. The Steelers and the Packers. Now that’s a classic NFL throwback.

With the game being played in Jerry Jones’ extravagant $650 million Cowboys Stadium, I think it’s only appropriate to plan a Texas-themed meal, don’t you agree? While every Texan and even every non-Texan probably has his or her own idea of what a “Texas-themed meal” includes, I’m looking for something that can be made ahead so I can sit back, relax and enjoy the game. And the commercials and the Peas.

If I were at the game, I would be one of 80,000-100,000 people contemplating a 20-inch $60 pizza and multiple $20 beers. But the majority of us are at-home spectators and we’ll be indulging in unreasonable amounts of typical Super Bowl foods including pizza, chicken wings and hearty sandwiches. Dips and chips are also a must. Beer is the mandatory drink of choice, salty snacks should be within arm’s reach and definitely something sweet for dessert.

All of that sounds like a recipe for heartburn and since I’m not the one running around the field burning calories, I’d like to stick to something a little more guilt-proof. At this given moment, I’m leaning towards chili, a vegetarian chili for me and a venison chili for David. Or maybe a green chili pork stew. Not exactly sure yet.

Whatever we do make, guacamole will be there, too. It’s a perfect accompaniment for my annual ritual of eating Fritos. I love avocados and knew they were good for you because of the heart-healthy fats, but, honestly, I had no idea that a single avocado has over 13 essential vitamins that our bodies need.
This is music to my ears and reason enough for me to indulge in some homemade guac on Sunday. Make some for your Super Bowl fiesta, too, and watch it disappear in the first quarter.

Go team!

Buen provecho!

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Super Easy Guacamole

I am very particular about my guacamole. I don't like tomatoes mixed in and I like to keep it simple so the focus is on the creamy, luscious avocado. I add lime juice for the zing, a Serrano (or two) for a little heat, onion for texture and cilantro to round out the flavors and freshen it up. Ole!

Ingredients

• 2 large or 4 small ripe avocados
• 1/4 onion diced (yellow, white or red)
• 1-2 serrano peppers stem removed and finely diced (chile peppers do vary greatly in spiciness, so start with 1 and then add more as needed)
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro reserving a bit for garnish
• 1 lime juiced, or more to taste
• 1/2  teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• A few grinds of fresh black pepper
• A few splashes of green Tabasco optional

Instructions

1. Cut avocados in half and remove the seed. In a mixing bowl, molcajete or serving bowl, scoop the avocados into the bowl and mash with a potato masher or large fork until mushy but still a little chunky.

2. Add the chopped onion, serrano pepper(s) and cilantro and stir to combine. Add the juice of 1 lime, salt, pepper and stir and taste. Add more lime juice or salt depending on your preference. Top with a little chopped cilantro and, if desired, a few dashes of green Tabasco sauce.

3. Serve with tostada chips, Fritos and/or raw veggies such as jicama, radishes and carrot sticks.