Vegan Diaries – The Perfect Bite

Hunger not necessity is the mother of invention. Home from yoga (and starving), I was jonesing for a tasty snack but it was late. On the counter I spied an avocado that was dangerously close to getting overripe. Nacho chips and guacamole sounded good. Nacho chips covered in cheese topped with guacamole and sour cream sounded better.

That’s not where this party is headed so sorry in advance. But I did discover something  tasty, refreshing and satisfying using guacamole. A guacamole amuse bouche.

Traditionally an amuse bouche is one bite appetizer served with wine and is comprised of specific elements to complement the wine. The phrase translates to ‘mouth amuser’. I say it translates to ‘fun for my mouth because it’s tasty’ or ‘the perfect bite’ or ‘one bite of love’. A sufficient picture I think is painted.

But what makes up a perfect bite? The door was open at the fridge and I’m looking for inspiration. Dakota in her furry cuteness walks over to see what’s up. Once she realizes that there is nothing for her- she’s out. I pulled out a cucumber and bell pepper that needed to be used. Not nachos to be sure but I remain focused on my snack mission.

Presto! Guacamole with veggies.

I wasn’t moved. I said it again this time with feeling.

Guacamole with veggies!!  Nada. Veggies are a poor replacement for nacho chips. But I really wanted guacamole. Aha. Brain storm.

I roasted the pepper on my stove top. (If you don’t feel like roasting your own pepper the kind in the jar will do but I prefer the freshly roasted flavor.) Simply put the burner on medium and plop the pepper on top. As long as the pepper doesn’t touch the flame it’s fine. Check it every 2 minutes and rotate. As soon as the skin is blackened place the pepper in an ice bath for 3 minutes. Remove the skin.

I put the pepper on a white towel to dry and made the guac.

Aside from being one of the best foods on the planet avocados have quite a few benefits. Avocados have anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory properties, contain lutein which is great for eye health, are high in oleic acid which has been shown to assist in preventing breast cancer and is a vitamin e powerhouse. I had now convinced myself that if I didn’t eat this guacamole I was somehow putting myself and the planet at risk. My urgency grew.

Traditional guacamole doesn’t have a ton of ingredients:

• Avocado
• Juice from one lime for each avocado used
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 red onion for each avocado used
• 1/2 tomato for each avocado used
• Finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic mashed and minced
• 1 serrano chile chopped (careful and don’t put your hands in your eyes)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl with a fork. Take care not to mix the ingredients too much. There should still be some chunks of avocado. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to stop oxidation if you’re not using right away.

Then assemble your perfect amuse bouche:

• Slice cucumbers into bite-sized pieces
• Slice roasted red pepper in small pieces and place on top of the cucumber
• Add a dollop of the guacamole

You are done. *

* If you’re entertaining and would like an even more grown-up version marinate the cucumber in some high quality tequila and lime juice before topping with the peppers amd guacamole. Or you can marinate the peppers in vodka for flavor. (You don’t have to be entertaining…)

Namaste y’all!