(Note: this post was originally published on December 13, 2020. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)
As you guys know, I absolutely live for guacamole. And given my immense love of all things avocado, I'm a firm believer that guac isn't just for on chips or tacos. While decidedly non-traditional, I love to change up the flavors in guacamole and make it work for all sorts of different seasons, applications, and accompaniments.
My latest love? This holiday guacamole! It's colorful, festive, and has a decidedly fall/winter harvest sort of vibe. I absolutely love the bright colors and the contrast between creamy avocado and fresh fruit. It would be at home on any holiday table.
I want to reinforce the fact that this is by no means a traditional approach to guacamole. If you'd rather not use that name, you can think of it as an avocado mash. My intention here isn't to devalue classic guacamole or the culture that it comes from. Instead, my goal is to celebrate that origin while playing with the flavor profile so that I can eat it all the time!!
Being of Italian descent, Christmas time has always meant Italian food, so that's the perspective from which I'm approaching this guacamole. It's not overtly Italian, but a few subtle changes brings the flavor profile from Mexico to Italy. Most importantly, I use lemon juice instead of lime and basil instead of cilantro. I also add in all sorts of festive Italian fruits like pomegranate and figs, and serve it alongside Italian-inspired nibbles instead of tortilla chips. Voila- an avocado mash fit for an Italian Christmas Eve.
Loving the idea of a guacamole change-up? Then you'll also want to check out my Grilled Corn Guacamole and my Tropical Guacamole. Both are very unexpected but fun remakes with unique ingredients and flavors.
Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Avocados are such an incredible, luscious, creamy, delightful ingredient, and they're also so nutrient-dense. I'd happily eat avocado with just about every meal, but we especially love them as an appetizer as shown on this board. This would be such an unexpected appetizer for a holiday gathering, but would work equally as well for a December date-night spread.
What are you celebrating this time of year? Anything? Winter solstice?? Regardless of what meals you're enjoying, I'm quite sure there's a guacamole (or maybe more appropriately an avocado mash?) to match!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Guacamole for the holidays?? It's definitely the right choice with this festive red-and-green version that celebrates iconic, seasonal fruits in all their glory!
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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