Harvest Guacamole

It’s that time again… pomegranate season! Here comes some serious Southern Food if you live near the South like I do. With all of the holiday parties, I try to find fun and healthy food to prepare, and this year I’ll be whipping up an appetizer that not only tastes amazing, but is full of healthy fiber and phytonutrients I know the children AND the adults will enjoy! (Plus the gorgeous colors make it a feast for the eyes, too!).

Harvest fruits are plentiful this time of year and avocados are always around from California. This Holiday Guacamole is a great mix of sweet from the fruits, tangy from the cilantro and lime, warm from the cumin and hot pepper, as well as creamy with a little crunch from the apple and pomegranate seeds.

What a wonderful treat the whole family, and guests, will enjoy! As an appetizer with whole grain tortilla chips (we have a kale version we love) or served on some grilled chicken, it will delight your tastebuds with a new twist on a classic favorite.

Here are your ingredients:

1 fresh pomegranate seeded or 1 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 organic red onion, chopped
3-4 whole avocados, pitted
1/4-1/2 tbsp kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 chopped organic red apple, leave skin if you want for extra fiber & flavor, but wash well
1 green chile pepper (jalapeno or something spicy like my neighbor gave me he grew in his backyard)
2 teaspoons bottled lime juice or 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (preferred)
cilantro, mixed in or as a garnish (optional)

Directions:

Remove the seeds from the pomegranate or use prepackaged seeds. (Read my blog on the best way to seed a pomegranate).

Combine onion and green pepper in a bowl or large mortar and pestle.

Scoring avocados makes it easy to just squish it out of the skin so your guacamole stays chunky not pureed like baby food.

Add avocados, mash and stir, combining with onions and peppers.

Add pomegranates, apples, grapes and lime juice, salt and cumin, and cilantro. Stir lightly to mix.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with whole-grain tortilla chips or fresh veggies. Wow, the crowd at your next party with some holiday harvest guacamole.

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