Nachos are a Saturday-night staple around our house. Bob and I prefer the simple, bean-and-cheese variety served with plenty of jalapenos (make mine hot!) and homemade guacamole.
Want a surefire way to make guac that rocks? Try award-winning cookbook author Bobby Flay's recipe for this super starter (shown after the jump).
The folks at Kohl's could make your day. They've joined us to offer one lucky Boomer a $98-value set of Bobby Flay cooking and entertaining essentials, including: Click "Read More" for details on this appetizing prize package and information on how to enter. Contest* ends May 2!
To help one lucky reader stir it up like a pro, the folks at Kohl's have joined us to give away three cooking and entertaining essentials designed by the all-star chef, including:
Bobby Flay Wood Utensil Set - A welcome addition to any kitchen, these hefty tools put my plain, vintage (translation ,,, old) wooden spoons to shame. Besides having pretty red, silicone handles, the wooden spoon, wooden turner and rubber spatula in this cool collection have a professional feel that makes them an easy favorite when you want to mix things up. ($17.99)
Bobby Flay Prep Knife Set - Slicing avocados, chopping cilantro and dicing jalapenos for guacamole is a breeze with these colorful prep knives. Each one has a different colored handle, and a high-carbon stainless steel blade that ensures lasting use. The four-piece set contains a 6-inch chef knife, 5 1/2-inch serrated utility knife, 5-inch Santoku knife and 3 1/2-inch paring knife. ($29.99)
Bobby Flay Rattan Chip & Dip Tray - Bring on the heat! This handy snack server has a tropical vibe perfect for any summer celebration from Cinco de Mayo to Labor Day. A fun way to get the party started, it has a removable bowl that can go in the microwave and dishwasher. And the tray itself wipes clean with a damp cloth. ($49.99)
I tried this terrific threesome along with Bobby's guacamole recipe last Saturday night. Talk about a winning combination!
Although the avocado medley takes a little effort, the over-the-top wonderful taste is more than worth it. You need about three ripe Haas avocados to make four normal, or two Bob-and-Charlotte-size servings.
Since it's tricky to know if an avocado is perfectly ripe at the store, I always buy an extra one as a safety. If you can't find soft avocados, buy green ones and put them in a dark place to ripen. I usually wrap them in a dishtowel and set them in the pantry, checking their progress daily because they can turn to mush quickly if you're not careful.
Slice and pit the avocados, then scoop out and dice that multi-talented fruit (besides being nutritious they're said to increase sexual desire but that's another story!). You'll also need to chop some cilantro, red onion and jalapenos.
Mix all this in a bowl with what I am convinced is the Food Network star's secret ingredient, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and canola oil if desired. Since the oil is optional, I used two tablespoons salsa instead for a little extra kick. Then use a rubber spatula to help you move every last bit of avocado goodness from your mixing bowl to a pretty serving dish.
Afterwards, prepare to be WOWed by what's quickly become our new go-to guacamole. The fresh lime juice really wakes up the flavor of this traditional Tex-Mex appetizer. Think cool and creamy with a burst of citrus that complements tortilla chips, nachos, enchiladas ... anything spicy.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroMash the cilantro, onions, canola oil, if using, avocados, lime juice and jalapenos together in a bowl, using a fork; guacamole should be chunky. Season with salt and pepper.
This recipe comes from Foodnetwork.com, where you can find many other Bobby Flay favorites.
On the Shelf
You can find Bobby Flay cooking and entertaining essentials at Kohls and Kohls.com. For tips and specials, follow Kohls on Twitter and Facebook.
We're offering one lucky Boomer the chance to win three appetizing freebees from Kohl's. Designed by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, this $98-value collection of kitchen and entertaining essentials could make your day. It includes:
To enter the contest*, email your name, mailing address (no PO Boxes please) and phone number to Enter@BoomerBrief.com by May 2 and put "Make My Day" in the subject line.
We'd like to shout out a big "Thank you" to Kohl's for providing samples for review and testing.
In the mood for something with a little kick? You'll also enjoy:
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
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