I don’t know about you, but where I am in Canada, by the time February comes around, I am in real need of some fresh, green food. Though this winter has been relatively mild, it has been long enough and I yearn for warmer days that mean fresher, greener food. I know, I know, I can eat these things during winter, but when it’s cold outside, the body craves hearty, rich food, and that has been the norm for a few months. By the time February rolls in, it’s time to shake things up a bit!
What can be greener and fresher than an avocado? Mexicans have a deep love affair with the green, rich, buttery gems. There is no meal in Mexico that does not include at least 1/4 of an avocado, simply sliced and placed inside a fresh corn tortilla - pure bliss. And no party is complete without a green bowl of guacamole.
There are so many ways to make guacamole… the word itself derives from the Náhuatl “ahuacamolli”, from “ahuacatl” (avocado) and “molli” (sauce), so put them together and it simply means avocado sauce (the word “molli” is also the origin of the word mole). The traditional guacamole most people know is a combination of mashed avocado and a pico de gallo and that is super delicious, but sometimes I feel like changing things up a bit.
As it happens, I had some goat cheese and whipping cream in the fridge, so I put them together to make this fresh, tangy and delicious guac. If you would like it spicy, you can definitely add a bit of Jalapeño, but today I kept things mild. This comes together super fast, and if you have a stick blender, use it for this - it makes cleanup a snap! This is a thick guacamole, so stick a blender or food processor will work better than a regular blender.
It makes a great dip for crudités, you can spread it on your favourite sourdough bread and top with a poached egg for an awesome avocado toast, or you can make a super fresh veggie tostada as I have done here. Simply spread thickly on a corn tostada and top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, radishes and cilantro. A sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and you will be in heaven. Just what I need on this snowy February Sunday.
GUACAMOLE con QUESO DE CABRA
Goat Cheese Guacamole
3 medium ripe avocados
½ cup plain goat cheese
5 Tbsp whipping cream
½ cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Dice avocados and place in blender container. Add goat cheese, cream, lime juice and salt.
Using a stick blender or food processor, process until smooth.
Add cilantro and process again.
Adjust seasoning and serve.
Makes about 3 cups.