By Melody Fury
No party is complete without a heaping bowl of guacamole with a side of chips. This is even more true during football season, where groups of fans huddling around TVs or at the stadium expect the delicious dip.
Basic guacamole contains ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, finely diced onions, cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. For chunky guacamole, use two forks to mash up the ingredients. (A potato masher works well for making a large, party-size batch.) For a dip with a smoother consistency, use a mortar and pestle.
Once they master the basics, creative party hosts can easily dress up their guacamole in colorful, fresh ways. Depending on what is seasonal and regional to you, get creative and top the guac with ingredients that you love. Here are a few popular combinations.
Roast chilies on the grill until they are charred. Put them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap until the skins loosen. When cool, rub off the skin, discard the seeds, chop them up, and add them to guacamole for a smoky, spicy kick. It’s delicious when served on sliders, burgers, or hot dogs. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on Hatch chilies, use those, but poblanos are also fantastic.
Hard boil a dozen eggs. When cool, peel the eggs, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove the egg yolks. Combine the mashed egg yolks, mustard, and guacamole. Fill the egg white “bowls” with the mixture and sprinkle with paprika or cayenne pepper.
Inspired by the popular Mexican street snack, dress your guacamole with roasted corn kernels, crumbled Cotija cheese, lime zest, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve with chips and lime wedges on the side.
For a Spanish twist, mix guacamole with crumbled feta or goat cheese, diced sundried tomatoes, and olives. Serve it as a dip with grilled pita bread. For a fancy finger food, stuff the dip into piquillo peppers (available at Mediterranean or specialty food stores).
Once you’ve prepared guacamole, keep it green longer by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the dip’s surface to prevent oxidization. Now go have some fun. After all, it’s a party!