Thanksgiving Guacamole
Thanksgiving Guacamole Recipe with California Avocados and Cranberries
Introduction
Thanksgiving Guacamole is a festive twist on the classic avocado dip, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. This recipe combines creamy avocados with tangy salsa verde, zesty jalapenos, and sweet cranberries for a unique and delicious flavor profile.
History
While traditional guacamole has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, Thanksgiving Guacamole puts a seasonal spin on this beloved dish by incorporating cranberries and other holiday flavors. This recipe is a creative fusion of traditional and modern ingredients, perfect for adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe california avocados, seeded, peeled, and coarsely mashed
- 7 oz (198 g) (1 can) salsa Verde
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or italian parsley leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp finely chopped jalapeno chiles (seeded and deveined)
- 1 tsp coarse garlic salt
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries soaked in hot water, drained, and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp finely chopped white onion
How to prepare
- In a medium bowl, combine avocados, salsa verde, cilantro, lemon juice, jalapeno, and garlic salt.
- Stir in cranberries and onion.
- Serve with tortilla chips or cut vegetables.
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Substitute dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
- Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor in your guacamole.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your spice preference.
- For a smoother guacamole, use a food processor or blender to mix the ingredients together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Thanksgiving Guacamole with tortilla chips, cut vegetables, or as a topping for tacos, salads, or grilled meats.
Cooking Techniques
Mash the avocados with a fork for a chunky texture, or blend them in a food processor for a smoother consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Swap out the salsa verde for your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
- Replace the jalapenos with milder or spicier peppers to suit your taste preferences.
Make Ahead Tips
Thanksgiving Guacamole can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the guacamole with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapenos, or a sprinkle of paprika for a colorful and festive presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Thanksgiving Guacamole with a refreshing margarita, a crisp white wine, or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover guacamole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the top before sealing.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Thanksgiving Guacamole contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Thanksgiving Guacamole contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Thanksgiving Guacamole contains approximately 15 grams of healthy fats from the avocados.
Proteins
Each serving of Thanksgiving Guacamole contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Thanksgiving Guacamole is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens if you have food sensitivities.
Summary
Thanksgiving Guacamole is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It makes a delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Summary
Thanksgiving Guacamole is a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic avocado dip, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. With its unique combination of ingredients and festive flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Thanksgiving Guacamole. It was a chilly autumn day, the kind of day that makes you crave something warm and comforting. I had invited my friends over for a Thanksgiving potluck, and I wanted to surprise them with a unique twist on a classic dish.
I had always loved guacamole, with its creamy texture and zesty flavor. It was a staple in my kitchen, and I had perfected my own recipe over the years. But this Thanksgiving Guacamole was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It called for the usual ingredients - ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapenos - but it also included unexpected additions like cranberries, pecans, and a hint of cinnamon.
I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and couldn't wait to try it out. I had learned the recipe from a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Rodriguez, who had grown up in Mexico and had a knack for creating delicious, innovative dishes. She had shared the recipe with me during a cooking class we had taken together, and I had been eager to test it out ever since.
As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, I couldn't help but think back to the time Mrs. Rodriguez had taught me how to make it. She had shown me how to select the perfect avocados - ripe but not too mushy - and how to dice them just right so they would be creamy but still have a bit of texture. She had also taught me the importance of balancing the flavors, adding just the right amount of lime juice for acidity, cilantro for freshness, and jalapenos for a kick.
As I mixed everything together in a large bowl, the colors of the ingredients blending together in a vibrant mosaic, I thought about the memories and traditions that were woven into this dish. Mrs. Rodriguez had told me that in Mexico, guacamole was often served as a side dish at Thanksgiving meals, alongside more traditional fare like turkey and stuffing. It was a way of honoring both the old and the new, blending the flavors of Mexico with the traditions of America.
I tasted a spoonful of the guacamole, the flavors exploding on my tongue - the creamy avocado, the tart cranberries, the crunchy pecans, and the warm cinnamon. It was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, a dish that captured the essence of fall in every bite. I knew my friends would love it as much as I did.
As my friends arrived for the potluck, their eyes lighting up at the sight and smell of the Thanksgiving Guacamole, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. I had taken a traditional dish and put my own spin on it, creating something new and exciting. And as we sat down to eat, passing the dish around and sharing stories and laughter, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my repertoire.
In the years that followed, I made Thanksgiving Guacamole every year for our Thanksgiving potluck, each time adding a little twist or variation to keep things interesting. And each time, it brought back memories of Mrs. Rodriguez and the day she had taught me how to make it. It was a dish that not only tasted delicious but also carried with it a sense of history and tradition, a reminder of the people and places that had shaped my love of cooking.
And so, as I sit here now, preparing the Thanksgiving Guacamole for another year, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and stories that have been passed down to me over the years. They are not just instructions for creating a meal, but a connection to the past, a way of honoring the people and places that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I take a bite of the creamy, flavorful guacamole, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will be passed down to future generations, a legacy of love and good food that will endure for years to come.
Categories
| American Recipes | Dried Cranberry Recipes | Guacamole Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Jalapeno Pepper Recipes | Thanksgiving Side Dishes |