Avocado, Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers with a Balsamic Dipping Sauce; Photo Credit (Avocados from Mexico)

Check out these great game day entertaining tips from Chef Pati Jinich and AvocadosfromMexico.com:

1. It’s that time of the year and everyone is preparing for the championship game. What are your favorite game-day recipes?

A: I love to upgrade traditional game-day recipes with nutritious, and delicious, options. My favorite way is to incorporate avocados. The fun thing about avocados is they are versatile, so the recipe options are endless.

One of my personal favorites that will impress even the most sophisticated avo-connoisseur is Pati’s Rustic Guacamole with Corn. Surprise guests with unexpected doses of spicy and sweet for the most elegant guac yet. This recipe includes jalapeno, corn kernels, tomatoes and, of course, fresh lime juice!

Commonly known for guac, avocados are also great for nutritious snacking options. My other game day favorite - it’s a twist on traditional kebabs. All you need is sliced avocado, mozzarella and tomato for delish skewers! For a dipping sauce, you can include balsamic on the side – it’s simple and easy finger food.

2. What makes avocados so nutritious?

A: Fresh avocados are a heart-healthy fruit. They provide naturally good fats, and are cholesterol- and sodium-free.

Good for more than just guacamole, over 75% of the fat in heart-healthy avocados is unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). They’re actually the only fruit that has both types of fat!

One-third of a medium avocado (50 g) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals to your diet, making it a healthy nutrient-dense choice.

3. Any other entertaining tips for the Big Game this February?

A: Always think ahead! If you have a big group coming to watch the game, plan your recipes out in advance and get the shopping done early, so you’ll be able to spend less time prepping/serving, and more time with your guests.

Not everything can be prepped ahead of time, so for what’s left on your list, get everyone involved! Brainstorm snacks or dishes that the kids can help you prep (and have fun while doing it). The simple avocado skewers I mentioned earlier are a great example!

4. Where can we go for more information?

A: There are three different places! First, visit our website at AvocadosFromMexico.com for more recipe ideas. Second, join us for our Twitter Party on February 3rd at 7 PM EST! Lastly, make sure to keep an eye out for Avocados From Mexico’s hilarious ad during the first commercial break of the Big Game – it’s sure to inspire your avo love!

RUSTIC GUAC WITH CORN RECIPE

Serves 6 - 8

INGREDIENTS:

3 Ripe Avocados From Mexico halved, pitted and diced
1 Jalapeño or more to taste
3 Garlic cloves with the skin on
1/4 Small white onion
1 cup Corn kernals shaved from tender fresh corn, or cooked from thawed frozen corn
1 cup Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes halved
1 Tbsp Lime juice freshly squeezed (to taste)
3/4 tsp Kosher or sea salt (to taste)

DIRECTIONS

Place the jalapeño, garlic cloves with skin on, and the onion in a small baking dish under the broiler.
Broil for 6 to 9 minutes, until completely cooked through, soft and skin is charred.
Alternatively, you can char them on a hot skillet or comal set over medium-heat, for the same amount of time, flipping once.
Once cool enough to handle, peel the garlic; mince along with the jalapeño (seeding optional) and the onion.
Place the diced avocado in a mixing bowl and gently mash it with a fork. Add the roasted and minced garlic, onion and jalapeños and mix well. Incorporate the corn, tomatoes, lime juice and salt.
Toss it all together, until well combined.