guacamole Archives - Ari's Menu

Spicy Bacon Guacamole Dogs

July 13, 2014 · by Ari · 8 Comments

Spicy grilled hot dogs smothered in roasted jalapeno and garlic bacon guacamole and topped with cotija cheese. These hot dogs take typical grilling to the next level with their spicy, bold flavors and perfectly contrasting textures.

It’s not like you need a reason to make fancy, delicious, to-die-for guacamole. In fact hunger is reason enough for me, and a fork is a totally acceptable vehicle. However, a spicy sausage may be an even more delicious vehicle.

For a while I was on the fence about hot dogs. Somewhere along the line they became one of those gross foods in my mind that you don’t eat past the age of 7. Ummm, that was a big mistake because for years I missed out on the amazingness that is hot dogs and sausages.

I also believe that all things are better with guacamole. Even the most delicious things can become instantly more delicious when you add guacamole. Juicy burger? Add guac! Simple grilled chicken? Totally different when smothered with avocado-y goodness. A spoon the size of your face? I think you know the answer. 😉

My friends from Fork in the Road happened to send me some of their products to try, and after absolutely loving them at BTP, I knew I was in for a treat! I ended up using the hot links which are perfect for this flavor combination, but you can use any hot dog or sausage you like!

Spicy Bacon Guacamole Dogs

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Size: 1 hotdog/sausage

Spicy Bacon Guacamole Dogs

Ingredients

6 hotdogs or sausages
1 batch Roasted Jalapeno & Garlic Bacon Guacamole
freshly crumbled cotija cheese
whole grain buns, optional*

Instructions

Grill hotdogs/sausages to desired doneness, about 5 minutes. Toast buns if desired. Place hotdogs/sausages in buns or on a plate, smother with guacamole, and top with a generous pinch of cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Buns are totally optional. They look prettier, but I ate these bunless and they were absolutely delicious!

http://www.arismenu.com/spicy-bacon-guacamole-dogs/

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was supplied with free sausages from Fork in the Road, but was not in any other way compensated for this post. Recipe and opinions are my own.

Roasted Jalapeno & Garlic Bacon Guacamole

June 29, 2014 · by Ari · 14 Comments

Rich, creamy guacamole with roasted jalapenos and roasted garlic loaded with crispy bacon. This guacamole is a total crowd pleaser and will take the traditional dip to a whole new level!

One of my favorite local restaurants is The Taco Guild, a super cute taco shop type restaurant built in an old church. They have amazing, creative tacos that you can order a la carte so you can mix and match, and they also have ridiculously good guacamole. In fact, my brother refers to it as “the place with the guacamole”.

Now don’t get me wrong, guacamole is one of those things that is fantastic on it’s own without any crazy add ins, but I do believe that with the right customization, traditional guac can get even better! And when is bacon ever the wrong customization? Ummm…never.

This actually isn’t that different than my normal guac. I used my normal recipe, but I roasted the jalapeno and garlic to bring out their flavor. I am of the opinion that almost all things are better roasted, especially garlic. I could eat cloves of roasted garlic all on their own, but I don’t think that’s quite normal. I just freakin’ love it.

Now let’s chat for a second about the bacon. Bacon gets a super bad rap. In fact, for a long time, I avoided it like the plague and used words like “heart-attack-inducing”. While it may not be the leanest meat on the planet, if you choose the right kind, I really don’t see it as “diet-busting”. In fact, as far as calories, fat and protein go, 2 slices of center cut bacon are about equal to a whole egg. If you love bacon and haven’t tried center cut yet, you are missing out! It is exactly what it sounds like–the center cut of the meat. It cuts out a lot of the extra fat without sacrificing any taster and texture the way turkey bacon does. I mean, turkey bacon is okay and you can totally use it, but if you love the prefer the real stuff, center cut is the way to go.

With the spicy jalapeno and heavy hand of garlic mixed with the creamy avocado and crunchy bacon, this guacamole is insanely addicting with a flavor you won’t be able to stop thinking about! I like mine ultra smooth, so I use an immersion blender, but if you prefer a chunkier bacon, feel free to mash with a fork. Either way, you will want to make this stuff over and over again!

Roasted Jalapeno & Garlic Bacon Guacamole

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 8-10 servings

Roasted Jalapeno & Garlic Bacon Guacamole

Rich, creamy guacamole with roasted jalapenos and roasted garlic loaded with crispy bacon. This guacamole is a total crowd pleaser and will take the traditional dip to a whole new level!

Ingredients

4 large cloves garlic, roasted*
1 medium jalapeno, roasted, seeds removed*
3 small avocados, pitted and peeled
1 small lime, zest and juice
small handful cilantro
1 heaping teaspoon ground cumin
generous pinch each salt and pepper
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
4 slices center cut bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

Place roasted garlic, roasted jalapeno, avocados, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, salt and pepper in a large bowl. For smooth guacamole, blend with an immersion blender. For chunkier guacamole, finely chop garlic, jalapeno and cilantro before mixing, then mash all ingredients together with a fork. Stir in onion and bacon. Serve immediately. Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best results, store with avocado pit in leftovers. This will help prevent browning.

Notes

*To roasted garlic, drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and wrap in tin foil. Bake at 400 until softened, about 30 minutes. *To roast jalapeno, drizzle with olive oil and wrap in tin foil. Bake at 400 until softened, then open tin foil and turn oven to broil. Broil just until jalapeno gets a little char on the outside. Watch very carefully! They can burn very quickly.

http://www.arismenu.com/roasted-jalapeno-garlic-bacon-guacamole/

Cornbread Waffle Tacos {gluten-free}

September 18, 2013 · by Ari · 11 Comments

Yes. The waffle is the shell, get it? Then there’s guac, taco meat, goat cheese, pretty much heaven.

Some of my favorite recipes on this blog weren’t even my idea in the first place. It was Nicole that suggested I make a chicken enchilada dip. And the jalapeno popper hot dogs were way more Heather’s idea than mine. And this taco? It’s a spin off what I remember Heather telling me about something she ordered at a food truck. It’s wayyyy too cool for me to actually come up with the idea on my own.

But, I do have to say I feel pretty awesome for making something that sounded ridiculously indulgent at least masquerade as a healthy meal. Oh, and for making literally this bomb gluten-free waffle. I’m still figuring out gluten-free things in the kitchen (the husband found out he was intolerant a few months ago), but these babies were a total win on the first try!

As we were eating, Steve looked at me and admitted that he real skeptical when I told him what we were having for dinner, but had his mind changed 100%. It’s one of those things that some people hear and think “that sounds weird”, but I hear and think”THAT SOUNDS DELICIOUS!” There are several components, but honestly it’s really easy to make, and I think the entire thing took me about half an hour. I probably spent longer photographing it than I did eating it (#foodbloggerproblems). You can make the guacamole ahead of time (I just make it right at the beginning), prepare it while your meat cooks, or just buy some if that’s easier. You start the meat while the waffle batter rests (so important!!), and then cook the waffles as your meat soaks up the seasoning, and voila! Everything comes together around the same time. I love it when that happens!

Cornbread Waffle Tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4-6 servings

Cornbread Waffle Tacos

These cornbread waffle tacos are a unique and delicious play on sweet, savory and spicy flavors all coming together.

Ingredients

For the guacamole:

2 extra large avocados, peeled and pitted
1 lime, zest & juice
small handful fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped (remove stems and heat for less heat)
1 tsp cumin
generous pinch each salt and pepper

For the waffles:

1/2 cup corn flour
1/4 cup fine cornmeal
1/4 cup almond meal
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup reduced fat buttermilk
1 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 1/2 tbsp honey

For the taco meat:

1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp olive oil
20 oz ground turkey breast (or 93% lean ground turkey, or 96% lean ground beef)
3 tbsp taco seasoning (preferably homemade, or at least reduced sodium variety)
pinch cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup water

For serving:

Freshly crumbled goat cheese (or any cheese you'd like)
Chopped green onions
Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

To make the guacamole, combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend using an immersion blender until smooth. I prefer a smooth guacamole for this recipe, but you may use a fork/spoon and mix together a chunkier one.
To make the waffles, whisk together corn flour, cornmeal, almond meal and baking soda in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, coconut oil and honey. Very gently, fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. A few small lumps may remain. Do not over mix. Let rest for 10 minutes.
While your waffle batter rests, heat onion, garlic and bell pepper in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until turkey is fully browned. Add taco seasoning and cinnamon. Slowly add water until the meat has reached your desired level of liquid (some will cook out, so add a little more than you'd think). Increase heat to bring liquid to a light boil, then reduce to simmer.
While meat simmers, cook your waffles by adding approx 1/4 cup batter to your waffle maker at a time (more if you have a large waffle maker--eyeball it). Cook until waffles are golden and cooked throughout, about 5 minutes (mine has a light that goes on when they're finished).
Spread cooked waffles with guacamole, then add taco meat and additional toppings. Serve immediately. Leftover waffles, taco meat and guacamole should be stored separately and refrigerated in an airtight container. Guacamole will last about 3 days. Waffles and taco meat will last 5-7 days.

Notes

There are a million things you could also add on top such as plain Greek yogurt, salsa, tomatoes, cilantro, corn, beans, etc.

http://www.arismenu.com/cornbread-waffle-tacos/

Green Chile Guacamole Burgers

June 30, 2013 · by Ari · 16 Comments

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Recipe and all opinions are my own.

You guys, it is hot. I’m in Portland and it’s supposed to be perfect weather all summer long, but instead there is a heat wave, and it’s in the 90s which wouldn’t even be bad except for the fact that we live upstairs and there is no ac. It is gross. I want to be swimming in a pool with a margarita in hand eating burgers for dinner. Can we make that happen?

Before I left for Portland, I’m pretty sure we ate at least 2 hamburgers a week for about a month. I wish I was kidding. I never got sick of them because there are 5 billion combinations so it always feels like something new!

I’m pretty bad about waiting to decide what to make until the last minute, then I have to bat my eyelashes and beg Steve to go to the store and pick up whatever we need. Luckily, there is a Fresh & Easy right around the corner that we can get to in no time, and makes it incredibly easy to pick up last minute items. Their store brand fresh&easy is all natural ingredients, and super affordable, so it’s a win, win. With the last minute idea to make the burgers, I sent Steve to the store to get fresh&easy buns and guacamole.

The burgers came out AWESOME! Bold and spicy, and the fresh&easy guacamole was AWESOME!! The roasted green chiles and so much flavor and also help the burgers not to dry out (which can easily happen when using lower fat meat), and the grilled onions on top are like the icing on the cake!

Fresh & Easy has tons of options for summer grilling, and really is insanely easy to get in and out of quickly (think the oposite of going through Walmart, but still with great prices), and I even have a coupon for you! Click here to receive a $5 off coupon (expires 7/7/13).

Green Chile Guacamole Burgers

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 burgers

Serving Size: 1 burger

Green Chile Guacamole Burgers

Ingredients

2 green chiles, roasted, seeds removed
1 lb extra lean ground beef (or turkey)
2 cloves roasted garlic, finely minced
generous pinch cumin
pinch each salt and pepper
4 fresh&easy whole wheat buns (gluten-free may be substituted)
Approximately 1 cup fresh&easy guacamole
1/2 onion, sliced
2 roma tomatoes, sliced

Instructions

Half roasted green chiles. Finely chop 1/2 of one of your chiles and slice the rest.
In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped green chile, ground beef, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper until ingredients are just incorporated. Form into 4 equal-sized patties. Press your thumb down into the center of each patty to create a small indent.
Grill over medium heat until burgers have reached desired doneness, about 5 minutes each side. Simultaneously grill the onion slices until browned. This will also take about 5 minutes on each side.
Top buns with guacamole, cooked burgers and onions, reserved green chile slices and tomato. Serve immediately.

http://www.arismenu.com/green-chile-guacamole-burgers/

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Guacamole Chicken Salad

May 30, 2013 · by Ari · 25 Comments

My name is Ari, and I have a chicken salad problem.

There, I admit it. I just…I get on these kicks, and I have to make something every way humanly possible until I decide I’m bored, then I move on to the next best thing. Right now, I enjoy about 3 meals. Burgers, hot dogs (just you wait…so many are coming), and chicken salad (duh). At least my tastes seem to be seasonal?

So I actually realized I’ve been holding out on you guys. I’ve never actually posted my guacamole recipe. That’s probably because, until now, I had absolutely no idea what it was. I always just messed with a few key ingredients until it tasted the way I wanted. That’s the best part about guacamole–mess it up? Oh, just add more of something else, and it’s sure to even out eventually.

So for the first time in my life, I measured out every single ingredient for my guacamole. Because I didn’t think using instructions like “Add salt until it’s salty enough” really counted as “quality content”. And I don’t mean to brag, but my guacamole is AWESOME! Spicy, fresh and creamy–it gets requested all.the.time.

So I made it, then I added a rotisserie chicken, some tomatoes, and after all the photography was done, I had the brilliant idea to add dried cranberries. Oh Em Gee. ADD THE DRIED CRANBERRIES!!! I’m sorry they’re not in the picture. Add them anyway. You’re welcome.

This is legit the best chicken salad I have EVER tasted. It lasted about 3 days, and Steve and I were fighting each other for it. It’s perfect for all you dairy-free folk, and anyone who loves guacamole, or chicken, or food in general.

Guacamole Chicken Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Guacamole Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 large (or 3 small) avocados, peeled and pitted
1 lime, zest & juice
small handful fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped (remove stems and heat for less heat)
1 tsp cumin
generous pinch each salt and pepper
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional, but recommended)
10-12 oz cooked and shredded chicken (I used one rotisserie)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine avocado, lime (zest and juice), cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Blend for less time if you like a thick and chunky consistency.
Stir in onion, tomatoes, cranberries and chicken. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container with half a lime (this prevent browning) for up to 5 days.

http://www.arismenu.com/guacamole-chicken-salad/

Want more chicken salad options? I have lots (and none of them have mayo)!