Summertime Guacamole

All BBQs require guacamole. And cheese. Oh and maybe, French onion dip. Actually that's pretty much what I serve as appetizers for all occasions- solely because I love them all. Guacamole is a dip that is so easy but I feel like people are more apt to buy it ready made. Why people?! It's so simple and much better homemade. Trust me! 

This guac combines the three major summer staples-tomatoes, basil and corn. It's a really simple way to change up the standard guac- and the crunch from the corn is oh so good! Try this at your next BBQ! 

Summertime Guacamole

Fridge: 

1 1/2 tbs basil, minced 

1 tbs jalapeño, deseeded (more if you like it spicy 

1 tbs sour cream 

Counter:

2 ripe avocados, removed from skin, deseeded and roughly chopped (about 3-4 cups) 

1 small ripe tomato, finely minced (about 1/2 cup) 

1/2 small yellow onion, finely minced (about 1/3 cup) 

1 corn on the cob, cooked and cut off the cob (about 3/4 cup) 

Juice of 1 lime (about 1 1/2 tbs) 

1/2 tsp of garlic, minced 

Pantry: 

1 1/2 tsp salt 

Lil' fresh cracked pepper 

1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional) 

Tools:

Medium mixing bowl

Spoon or fork 

Measuring cups/spoons

Cutting board 

Chopping knife 

In the medium bowl I add corn, onions, garlic, tomatoes, basil, sour cream, jalapeño and hot sauce if you're using it. Mix it all up. I like to add my avocado, lime juice and salt n pepper last because I like my guacamole more on the chunky side than the purée side. Once you add the avocados, lime juice and seasonings you can use your fork or spoon to mash it up to your desired consistency. 

Serve it with salty tortilla chips and a delicious cerveza or cocktail on the side and you've got the perfect summertime appetizer! Enjoy! Xo

J

Cucumber Gin Rickey

Summertime calls for outdoor cocktails. Light, yummy, delicious cocktails and boy does this Cucumber Gin Rickey have you covered! It's refreshing and with the cooling effect of cucumber it's a great drink for these hot summer days. And it has been HOT lately! Find shade and these ingredients and get on it. 

Cucumber Gin Rickey

Fridge:

6 quarter inch thick slices of cucumber, extra sliced for garnish 

6 mint leaves, extra for garnish 

Freezer:

Ice for cups (enough to fill two lowball glasses) 

Counter:

Juice of 1 lime (about 3 tbs) 

Pantry:

3/8 cup gin (I measured 1/4 cup and then 1/8 of a cup) 

3/4 can of ginger beer 

Tools:

Muddler or potato masher 

Pitcher or large bowl 

Strainer 

Mixing spoon 

2 lowball glasses 

In the pitcher add cucumber slices, mint leaves and lime juice. Using your muddler (or potato masher) smash the cucumber and mint leaves until well bruised. Add your gin and mix well. At this point you can strain out the mashed pulp or keep it as is- whatever you prefer. 

Fill your lowball glasses with ice. Equally divide the gin & lime mixture into the two glasses. It should be about 1/3 cup of liquid per cup. Top glasses with ginger beer. Add mint and cucumber for garnish and serve. 

Enjoy this drink!! It's perfect for summer! Xo