By Giancarlo Tapanes, Los Tweens & Teens Food EditorCinco de Mayo has been claimed by many alcohol brands as a festive day for consumption, but it’s true meaning dates back to 1860s when the then impoverished Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. The anniversary became a celebration in Mexico of its culture and heritage which has crossed into the United States in areas where our Mexican amigos primarily reside.
We found good information to share about this holiday on History Channel’s website. For our purposes we focus on the opportunity to talk about culture and tradition with our growing kids.
In particular since they watch everything we do- it’s a great opportunity to introduce a new food item or prepare yummy avocados in a way they may enjoy (not too spicy or overly seasoned).
Our Food Editor Giancarlo whipped up this easy recipe that you can prepare in just a few minutes!
Ingredients
Four (4) Hass avocados (smaller variety that are creamier)
TIP:To ensure the avocado is ripe and ready to use remove the tip that would be connected to the branch it should be green, if it’s brown and wrinkled its to ripe. If it does not come off its not ready.
4 tablespoons onion, diced
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
4 tablespoons, fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and diced, OPTIONAL (this varies to how accustomed to spice your family may be or a great opportunity to introduce more heat to your foods).
Salt to taste
Begin by peeling the avocado. It’s best to cut the avocado in half vertically then removing the pit and using a spoon to scrape away the flesh from the skin. Place the avocado in a large bowl. Mash the avocado using the back of a fork, if you prefer a chunky guacamole. If you prefer a smooth guacamole place the avocado in a blender until smooth. Add the diced onion, diced tomato and garlic. Mix together before adding the cilantro, optional jalapeño, and lemon juice. Store the guacamole in a food safe container and place in the refrigerator allowing the flavor to marry, before presenting it to your Tweens and Teens as a tasty after school snack. Avocados are a great source of good fat and fiber that satisfies after-school munchies.
Try serving the guacamole with carrots or zucchini sticks as a healthy alternative to chips.
Buen provecho!
Los Tweens Cocinero,
Giancarlo
As a mother of twin tweens in 2011 and an active Girl Scout Troop leader, Cristy realized there was a need to develop bilingual digital content and foster a community facing the challenges of raising kids after first grade. That year she founded and remains co-Publisher of Los Tweens & Teens, to support multicultural parents and mentors with content related to raising Gen Z- tweens & teens ages 7-18. Through the Los Tweens & Teens LIVE events such as Teens & Me – the growing team aims to provide our community with essential resources from chats with therapists to battle anxiety and bullying, to understanding social media and technology.