Catherines Guacamole Food

THE BEST GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• Put the diced onion into a small strainer and rinse under cold running water. Transfer to a small bowl and cover with 1 cup cold water. Stir in the vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Slice the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Pour the lime juice over the avocado. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the avocado until creamy with some chunks remaining. Drain the onions well and add to the bowl, along with the jalapeno, garlic, salt and cilantro. Stir to combine.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Or press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the guacamole to prevent discoloration and refrigerate until ready to serve.

GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, coarsely mash avocado with lemon juice. Stir in the tomato, onion, chiles, garlic and salt if desired. Cover; chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

CHEESY CHICKEN AND TATER TOT CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a large bowl. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture and the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside and has released some juices, about 5 minutes (the chicken will finish cooking in the oven). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a medium bowl; leave the juices and as much oil as possible in the skillet.
• Add the bell peppers, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the top and stir to combine. Once the mixture looks sandy, add the broth and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Fold in the beans, corn, chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Sprinkle the top with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Remove from the heat.
• Add the potato tots to the bowl with the remaining 3 tablespoons spice mixture and toss to coat. Arrange the tots over the chicken mixture in a single layer in concentric circles. Sprinkle with any spice mixture left at the bottom of the bowl and the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake until the tots are crispy and the casserole is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Serve garnished with guacamole, sour cream, salsa and cilantro, if desired.