Guacamole Holiday Tree 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.

HOLIDAY GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• Mix the onion, chile peppers, and salt in a bowl. Fold in the avocados and lime juice. Stir in pear, grapes, and pomegranate. Chill until serving.

FESTIVE GUACAMOLE APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. On an ungreased baking sheet, unroll one tube of crescent dough and press into a 13x8-in. rectangle. Prick with a fork; sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon taco seasoning. Repeat with remaining dough and seasoning., Bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. , Cut each rectangle crosswise to make 4 strips (about 8x4-in.). For trees, cut each strip into 5 triangles, reserving scraps at each end for another use. For trunks, insert a pretzel piece into the base of each triangle., Beat cream cheese and guacamole until smooth; spread over trees. Halve and seed peppers. Cut 40 stars from yellow peppers using a 3/4-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Dice and julienne remaining peppers for tree decorations. Decorate trees with pepper pieces and, if desired, cilantro. Refrigerate until serving.

INA GARTEN'S GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits and scoop the flesh out of their shells into a large bowl. Immediately add the lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, onion, garlic, salt and pepper and toss well. Using a sharp knife, slice through the avocados in the bowl until they are finely diced. Add the tomato. Mix well and taste for salt and pepper. Serve with chips.

TROPICAL GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mash two avocados. Stir in the pineapple, tomato, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Coarsely chop remaining avocado; gently stir into guacamole. Serve with chips.