Guacamole

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious, creamy guacamole. I have had a long love affair with guacamole. It is like a forbidden fruit, but surprisingly healthy. Hello, WINNER!

Now I feel like guacamole might also be one of those foods like peanut butter where people are either avid creamy fans or avid crunchy/chunky fans. I am a chunky fan. The perfect bite is when you get all of the little chunks on your tortilla chip.

Homemade Chicken Stock

Now I think Yotam Ottalenghi said it best in his book Plenty, “the crucial component in this dish [Lemon and Eggplant Risotto] is the stock, which will make or break it.” I didn’t listen, and he was right. Now, yes, when you only need a ¼ cup of stock, the store bought stuff is just fine. But if you have the time, and you are making a dish entirely based around the stock, like a soup or risotto, I agree with Mr. Ottalenghi, make your own. This way you can not only control the prominent flavors, but also the amount of salt. Making stock can be pretty intimidating, but all you need is a big pot (my 6 quart just barely cut it) and a strainer (I got this one just for the occasion).