Let guacamole be your gateway to Cinco de Mayo
GUACAMOLE RECIPES
I love the line from New York Times columnist Frank Bruni: “I suppose there are people who can pass up free guacamole, but they’re either allergic to avocado or too joyless to live.”
Guacamole is one of the great pleasures of dining that pleases me each and every time I encounter a good batch.
With Cinco de Mayo less than a month away, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about how to incorporate a good creamy, zesty, green satisfying guacamole experience into your festivities.
At a recent Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center class led by John Chico called “Tortas, Tacos and Guacamole,” I had a light bulb moment of what I may do if I am feeling so inclined closer to the moment — a guacamole bar.
Part of Chico’s presentation focused on starting with a classic guacamole recipe and folding in additional flavors. Here are some of the ideas he shared:
• Bacon and tomato guacamole: Add 6 slices of crispy bacon, chopped and 1 medium tomato, cored and cut into ¼-inch pieces.
• Habanero and mango guacamole: Add 1 habanero chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced and ½ medium mango, peeled and cut into ¼-inch pieces.
• Tomatillo and sundried tomato guacamole: Add 1 cup roasted tomatillos, and ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, plus a John Chico shared these recipes for quick and easy guacamole few little for garnish.
• Pineapple guacamole: Add 1 to 1½ cups of fresh diced pineapple and ½ cup diced green onions. Grill the pineapple for even more flavor.
• Charred corn and poblano guacamole: Add 1 cup of diced, charred poblano and 1 cup of charred corn kernels.
The good news is, if you are like me and a guacamole bar sounds like the kind of party you have been waiting for, local restaurants might be able to help.
I have purchased guacamole in bulk before from different restaurants (including Chipotle, which has terrific guacamole for a fast casual concept) when I am running short on time and am entertaining. Here are a few places that I would consider buying guacamole in bulk from for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or just going there for my Cinco de Mayo feast. If you haven’t been to these add them to the list — they are terrific.
Chiapas Mexican Grill
298 N. Main St., Centerville Insert spoon between skin and flesh, gently scoop out avocado cubes, and add to mashed mixture. Gently mash until mixture is well combined but still coarse. Season with salt to taste. Serve. (937) 949-3390 chiapasmexicangrilloh. com
La Michoacana #5
748 Troy St., Dayton (937) 220-9600 www.michoacanamarket.com
Taqueria Mixteca
1609 E. Third St., Dayton (937) 258-2654
2190 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood 937-529-7535 www.taqueriamixteca. com
DAYTON EATS
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