Holy Moly Guacamole

Guacadile Monster Recipe Starting with my Signature Guacamole.

Living in a small rural Ohio town in the 1970's and 1980's, an avocado was an expensive and exotic, almost mythical item. I remember every time my mom whipped up a batch of her guacamole, it was a special occasion and I'd scoop it onto everything, savoring every spicy bit because it was simply the best!

This recipe is simple, fresh, and packs a punch of flavor. The secret to great guacamole is using ripe avocados and good quality ingredients. My personal touch comes from adding some finely minced jalapeño for a little heat and a generous amount of fresh cilantro. I also add a splash of fresh-squeezed lime juice at the end to brighten everything up and keep the guac from browning too quickly.

If you're looking for creative ways to entice children to try eating guacamole, keep reading on for some fun ways to serve it up!

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

• 1-2 small jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely minced (start with one and add more for extra heat)

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.

2. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the avocado to your desired consistency. Some people prefer it smooth, while others like it chunky.

3. Add the chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and half of the chopped cilantro.

4. Squeeze the juice from the lime over the mixture.

5. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper.

6. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing.

7. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want more heat, add the other half of the minced jalapeño. For a brighter flavor, add a bit more lime juice.

8. Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl. To finish, sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top.

9. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.

Tips and Tricks:

• To check if an avocado is ripe, gently press on the skin. It should yield to light pressure.

• The lime juice not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the guacamole from turning brown. For an extra layer of protection, you can press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating.

• For an even spicier kick, use a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeño.

Kid-Friendly Guacamole Spin

The key to a kid-friendly recipe is to tone down the strong flavors and introduce more appealing ones. Here are a few ways to modify the original recipe:

• Skip the Spice: The biggest change is to completely remove the jalapeño. For a little kick without the heat, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika, which provides a nice smoky flavor without any burn.

• Ditch the Onion: Raw red onion can be too pungent for a child's palate. You can either omit it entirely or substitute it with a milder option. Some ideas include:

  • Cooked Onion: Gently sauté a finely diced onion in a little olive oil until it's soft and sweet. Let it cool completely before adding it to the avocado mixture.

  • Onion Powder: Use a small amount of onion powder for flavor without the texture or strong taste of raw onion.

• Tame the Cilantro: Cilantro can be a polarizing herb. If your kids aren't fans, you can replace it with fresh parsley, which offers a milder, more subtle herby note. Or, just skip it altogether.

• Add Sweetness and Color: Introduce flavors and textures that kids typically love.

  • Corn: A great way to add sweetness and a fun "pop" of texture. Use canned or frozen corn (thawed and drained) for a simple addition.

  • Mango: For a truly unique and sweet guacamole, add finely diced mango. The tropical fruit pairs wonderfully with avocado and makes the dip more appealing to kids who love sweeter flavors.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: Finely chopped cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor and a vibrant red color.

Creative Serving Ideas

This is where you can have the most fun and turn a simple snack into a memorable and interactive experience for kids.

• "Guacadile" or "Guacamole Monster" Dip: This is a classic and highly effective way to serve guacamole creatively.

  1. Make your kid-friendly guacamole.

  2. Use either avocados sliced in half or the empty avocado halves after you've scooped out the avocado as the base for a crocodile or monster face.

  3. Put the finished guacamole inside the avocado "shells" and add "eyes" made from sliced cucumbers or olives.

  4. Use thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or corn chips for "teeth."

  5. Arrange the guacamole on a platter with other dippers around it to create a fun, edible creature.

• Avocado "Fries" with Guac: This is a healthy and delicious twist.

  1. Slice firm avocado into thick strips (like steak fries).

  2. Coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and a little salt.

  3. Bake or air-fry the avocado "fries" until they're crispy on the outside.

  4. Serve them with the guacamole as a dipping sauce. The smooth guacamole and crunchy fries create a perfect texture contrast.

• Guaco "Taco" Bar: Set up a deconstructed taco or burrito bowl bar with the guacamole as the centerpiece of the DIY bar.

  • Provide various "vehicles" for the guac, such as soft and hard tortillas, pita bread triangles, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, and mini rice cakes.

  • Let kids build their own creations, topping them with shredded cheese, mild salsa, and black beans. This gives them control and makes them more likely to eat it.