Cinco de Mayo is a huge holiday in Mexico!  NOT… its actually celebrated more in the US than any other place.  LA has the biggest celebration followed by Houston.  Another misconception is that its Mexican Independance day.  Truth is it commemorates the Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army triumphed over French forces in Mexico in 1862.  But what is true is there’s not better time to get some authentic mexican cooking.  
 
Here’s my cousin Sarah’s quacamole recipe to help you get into that authentic Mexican mood.  Nutritionists, Dietitians and weight loss experts promote it.  Avocado may be called a fat… but its a heart healthy fat.  Enjoy!
 
Cousin Sarah’s Quac: 
 
4 small avocados,  2 roma tomatoes,  1 small onion, 2 serrano chiles, 2 cloves of garlic, 6 sprigs of fresh cilantro, 1 small lime for juice
 
1. (optional) Place tomatoes, garlic, and Serrano chiles on shallow pan and into a 375 degree oven to roast then cool to touch.
 
2. Dice the tomatoes and onion. Mince the garlic, Serrano chiles, and cilantro. Place all in a large bowl.
3. Scoop the flesh from the avocados and place it in the bowl with the tomatoes, chiles, garlic, onions and cilantro
4. Mash all of the ingredients together with a fork until the avocado has the desired texture.
5. Squeeze lime over mixture. Add salt to taste and stir one final time to mix ingredients well.  Do not overstir.  Serve with warm tortilla chips to dip the guacamole.

Enjoy with your favorite beverage!!  It should contain a lime!!!   Martha McHenry, RD, CDE