Happy Cinco de Mayo! This Mexican holiday is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. Here in the States, many mistake it for Mexican Independence day or even simply a celebration of delicious Mexican food and drinks – margaritas, tacos, guacamole, salsa and chips to name a few.

ripe avocado, ready for guac

Though I don’t usually celebrate, I do love a good guacamole. A fresh, tableside-made version is always a great option. Or making it at home yourself is satisfying. Just don’t give me any packaged guacamole – I’ve never met one that I’ve liked.

Did you know? Fun facts about avocados:

Avocados are a fruit not a vegetable
Avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fat
Brazilians add avocados to ice cream
Filipinos puree avocados with sugar and milk for a dessert drink
Avocado is a corruption of the Spanish word aguacate, which is in turn a corruption of the Aztec word ahuacatl

Here’s my version of an organic homemade Guacamole – I add in a few non-traditional ingredients, but I think they add character.

Christy’s Guacamole

• 1 organic haas avocado
• ½ organic onion, chopped fine
• 2 cloves organic garlic, minced
• Handful of organic grape tomatoes, quartered, or 1 organic tomato, diced
• Handful of organic cilantro, chopped fine
• ½ organic lime or lemon
• Dash sea salt
• Dash pepper
• Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
• Dash hot sauce (optional)

Mash avocado and add citrus as soon as possible to reduce browning. Stir in onion, garlic, tomatoes and cilantro until incorporated. Add in spices and condiments to taste. Garnish with sprig of cilantro – and enjoy!

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