Easy Blackened Chili Avocado Salad

Or you can call it guacamole. :)

What you need:

• 1/2 teaspoon cooking oil
• 1 dried chili
• 1 large avocado or two small avocados
• Juice of 1/4 lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste (I use 1/4-1/2 teaspoon)

Directions:

1. Add oil to a pan and heat for 30 seconds on medium heat. 
2. Carefully add the chili(es) to the hot oil. [I like to do multiple chiles at a time; however, this recipe only requires one.] 
3. Flip chiles when blackened and turn the heat off. See the picture.
4. Wash the avocado and separate the avocado(s) from the peel.*
5. Put the avocado, minced garlic, lemon juice and chili in a bowl.
6. Use a fork to mash the avocado, crush the blackened chili and ensure that all ingredients are evenly dispersed.
7. Add salt to taste and mix some more.
8. Serve and enjoy!

*I wash the avocado, slice it carefully in half and scoop out the avocado from each half using a spoon. Exercise caution with the seed--it can be a choking hazard.

How to make delicious smoothies with just 2 or 3 items!

My favorite smoothies

Shown:  Strawberry, tangerine and vanilla yogurt [my favorite]

Perfect for spring and summer! Have kids? They can help choose the ingredients.

What you need: 

Ingredients of choice! I usually like to balance one sweet fruit with one tart fruit. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

• Option 1. Banana and vanilla yogurt [sweeter--makes a great ice cream or milkshake alternative!]
• Option 2. Mixed berries, kale and plain yogurt [healthier--sneak in those greens!]
• Option 3. Tangerine/orange, banana and plain yogurt [classic]
• Option 4. Strawberry, tangerine/orange and vanilla yogurt [more tart--tastes like my favorite drink at a certain smoothie shop]

The beauty of these smoothies is you do not need to add any sugar! If you use flavored yogurt, that usually has some added sugar. However, you can always use plain.

Plan ahead tip:

Keep a bag of clean, frozen fruit in the freezer, so you don't have to add ice to your smoothie or run to the store for fruit. Peel fruit before freezing!

Directions: 

1. Prepare ingredients. The amount of yogurt and fruit/veggies that you add up to you. I usually add equal amounts of each ingredient. Experiment and see what you like.
2. Put ingredients in a blender or food processor. If not using any frozen items, add a handful of ice if you want it cold [otherwise you can make juice].
3. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy!

Which combinations do you like? If you tried something different, what did you try?