Tangy Green Guacamole

For this month's Chef Spotlight Dinner where we are highlighting Chef Rick Bayless, my friend Nicole prepared this dish. It's much more refreshing and flavorful than the traditional guacamole and it was the first thing that got eaten up at our dinner!

Tangy Green Guacamole
recipe from Rick Bayless makes 3 generous cups

3 large ripe avocados, preferably the pebbly-skin Hass variety
1 cup Frontera Tomatillo Salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus a few leaves for garnish
Salt, about 1/2 teaspoon

Remove the little nub of stem that is still usually lodged at the top of each avocado. Cut each avocado in half by slicing straight down through that spot where the stem was attached, until you reach the pit, then rotating the knife all the way around the pit. Twist the two halves apart, then scoop out the pits. With a spoon, scoop out the soft flesh from the skins, collecting it in a large bowl as you go. Coarsely mash with the spoon (or you can use an old-fashioned potato masher or large fork).

Gently stir the salsa into the avocado mixture, along with the cilantro. Taste and season with salt. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. (Not only will the guacamole improve if made half an hour or so before serving, but also it will maintain its fresh look longer if served cold.) Scoop into a decorative bowl, garnish with cilantro sprigs and you’re ready to set it out for your guests to enjoy.

Recipe from Salsas That Cook by Rick Bayless with JeanMarie Brownson and Deann Groen Bayless.