I’ve got avocados on the brain, and for good reason. I just spent the weekend with oddles of other fabulous food bloggers at the Big Traveling Potluck in Murrietta, just north of San Diego, and we ate, drank and made merry just a stone’s throw from gorgeous avocado groves.
I’ve been to a few other blogger conferences and this one was … magical. Which isn’t a word I typically bandy about (unless I’m talking about princesses or the fairy who makes sure beds get made, you know, the one with a direct link to Santa Claus).
The theme of the first-ever Big Traveling Potluck was creativity, and the organizers – Maggy and Pam from Three Many Cooks and Erika from Ivory Hut – brought together some creative geniuses, including the adorable (not to mention funny) Ree Drummond, super-talented photographer Matt Armendariz, lover of all things Billy Ocean Helen Jane and the gorgeous Melissa Lanz who encourages everyone to have their own personal mission statement (I’ll be working on that this week, Melissa).
And so of course, the second I got home, I reached into the fridge and pulled out some gorgeous Haas avocados from my friend Mimi over at Mimi Avocado. They’re gorgeous, let me tell you – big, plump, creamy, lucious … I could go on and on. You can get these babies for yourself in gift packs from Mimi’s farm at California Avocados Direct (be sure to sign up for their newsletter to get coupons and special deals).
I’m super excited to share this guacamole recipe with you. It’s low-fat. Or low-fat-ish, thanks to the cottage cheese. And before you pout and say you don’t like cottage cheese, believe me, you’ll love the creamy, smooth texture of this guac. You get all the fun of guacamole without the guilt. So go on, dip a little! Recipe after the photos….
Sunflowers just about sum up the entire weekend – sunny, bright & cheerful
Our view for the weekend – fabulous in a Tuscany kind of way
Last year’s fires were devastatingly destructive
My concoction from the Whole Foods spritzer bar – pink lemonade with berries and mint
Greens, grains and protein bar by Whole Foods – as yummy as it looks
An afternoon Ethiopian tea ceremony
Tucked away in a corner of the garden was this little gem…I could sit here all day
- 2 large ripe Haas avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Scoop the avocados into the bowl of a food processor.
- Add the rest of the ingredients (except the salt and pepper) to the food processor and pulse to combine. This is a smooth guacamole, almost a purée .
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with chips, or refrigerate until margarita time.
I am going to try this. I wish I could have gone to the CA potluck. The Potlucks are the best and I am looking forward to the Pa one this summer. Glad you had fun!
Lisa I wish you could have been here, too! Can’t wait to meet you someday. Have fun at BSP in PA this summer!
Love the recipe – and eager to try it…Boy, I’m sorry I passed on the event and won’t miss it next year!
Liz – you were missed this weekend for sure! It was a great event, the best one I’ve been too.
Thanks for the shout out, Lisa! Wasn’t last weekend over-the-top?! So glad we were both there…so we can remind each other when we need a shot of inspiration! Plus, you’re welcome to relive some of that avocado wonderland next time you have a chance to stop by our farm. (Remember…avocados provide the GOOD fat…needed even for weight loss!) xoxo
Mimi – you’re welcome, happy to share!
YUM! for both the avocado recipe and the pot luck! I followed you and Mimi and it looked like the two of you had a wonderful time.
Catch up at our next meeting…
Nice! Never added cottage cheese to my guac. I’ve gotta try this!
Hi Laura – it’s the best … adds a tangy texture to the guac and lets you use fewer avocados.
It was great seeing you, I just love this recipe… I just love creamy guac! The addition of basil sounds great.
I was so envious of your trip! I loved reading all the wrap up posts afterwards, and this guacamole is right up there on my to try list. Thanks for suggesting it, Lisa, I added it to my post!
What an awesome recipe! I can’t wait to find an excuse to have some people over just so I can make this! Otherwise I will eat all of it myself! Thanks for sharing!!
I just posted my guacamole recipe too!! Always a favorite.
I’ve never met a guacamole I didn’t like. Sounds like you had a great time. 🙂
This sounds absolutely delicious. I love the addition of basil.