Killer Guac to Take to the Cookout

There's little to say except everyone loves guacamole.  It doesn't matter what the main dish is at the picnic or who's going to be there.  (We took this to a potluck Sunday night where it disappeared very quickly.)   You just dish up a nice big bowl of guac to go with the best tortilla chips you can find, a crunchy veggie tray, or even a plate of rolled up turkey and pepperjack slices for all of those on the South Beach diet.  If there are burgers, you're in luck, because many folks love burgers topped with guac.  Truth be told, there's such bad guac out there that you can buy it pre-made in the produce or frozen section.  Learn to make your own (no cooking except the bacon!) and be the hit of the party.    If you've got some vegetarian or vegan friends coming, leave out the bacon (or have it separate for an add in.)  Guac also makes a tasty salad...just add greens and a vinaigrette.  Try this:

alyce's killer guac  serves 4-6 as a appetizer with chips/doubles easily 

I like the food processor for making pico de gallo.

Turkey Burgers and Guac with Salad or Chips

Turkey Burger  with BBQ Sauce and  Salad

While you're adding to your first pantry (or even if you aren't), a turkey burger is just a good meal anytime.  They're simple to make, easy to shop for, and the raw burgers freeze perfectly.   Most everyone loves a burger, but also hates the fat and calories of a burger made from ground beef.  Add a little salad, some guacamole and/or chips et voila, dinner is served.

 Buy a pack of Jennie O Italian Seasoned lean ground turkey, which comes in a little over a pound

package.  You won't need to buy other spices, etc.   Make yourself four or five patties.  Save out one for tonight's dinner and freeze the rest; use within 4-6 weeks.  Before freezing, you can put them in plastic sandwich bags, tupperware or between sheets of waxed paper and  wrapped in foil or a gallon freezer bag.  You can unthaw (perhaps two hours on the counter or overnight in the frig) to cook, but they cook fine frozen.(If you buy a pack of buns, freeze them, too--either individually in foil or by wrapping each one in plastic wrap and returning them to the bag.  Use them within a couple of weeks.)

Before you start to cook, put on some music.  Set your table with some things you like.  Find a candle and light it.  Give thanks and enjoy.  A meal for one is a celebration.