Creating The Perfect Guacamole For Your Wedding

Guacamole is a Mexican dish that is typically made with mashed avocado and lime juice, then seasoned with salt and cilantro. It is often served as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables, but can also be used as a spread or topping. The key to making delicious guacamole is to use ripe, fresh avocados and keep the rest of the ingredients simple and high-quality. In addition to avocados, common ingredients in guacamole include onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, and salt. To prevent the guacamole from turning brown, it is important to add an acidic ingredient like lime or lemon juice, and store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of water, lemon juice, or lime juice on top.

Choosing the right avocados

First, look for avocados that are ripe but still firm. Ripe avocados will have a dark green to nearly black colour and yield slightly to gentle pressure. You can check their ripeness by gently pressing the outside of the avocado. If there is no give, it's not ready yet. If there is a little give, it's ripe and perfect for guacamole. Avoid avocados that are too soft or mushy, as they may be overripe and affect the taste of your dip.

Secondly, try to find avocados that still have the stem attached. If the stem has been removed, the avocado is more likely to have brown spots on the inside, which can affect the appearance and taste of your guacamole.

Another tip is to buy your avocados a few days in advance and store them at room temperature until they reach the desired ripeness. If you need to speed up the ripening process, you can place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or a kiwi fruit, as these fruits release a natural hormone that promotes ripening.

When buying avocados for your wedding guacamole, consider buying a larger quantity than you think you'll need. This will allow you to choose the best avocados from your batch and ensure you have enough ripe ones for your special day.

Remember, the key to making delicious guacamole is starting with high-quality, perfectly ripe avocados. By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right avocados and take your wedding guacamole to the next level!

Adding extra ingredients

There are many ways to add extra ingredients to a simple guacamole recipe. Here are some ideas for additions and substitutions to the classic recipe:

Fruits

Fruits such as mango, pineapple, strawberries, peaches, watermelon, and pomegranate seeds can be added to guacamole to give it a sweet and juicy twist. This can be a great way to balance the spice of the jalapeño or other peppers.

Vegetables

In addition to the classic onion and tomato, you could add scallions, radishes, or jicama for some extra crunch and flavour. If you want to make your guacamole spicier, you could add more types of peppers, such as serrano peppers, or increase the amount of jalapeño.

Dairy

Some people like to add dairy to their guacamole to make it creamier and stretch their avocado supply further. You could try adding sour cream, mayonnaise, or cottage cheese.

Herbs and spices

The classic herb for guacamole is cilantro, but this can be substituted or supplemented with parsley or coriander. For extra spice, you could add ground cumin or cayenne pepper.

Other

Some people like to add garlic to their guacamole, but this is a matter of personal preference. If you are serving guests, it might be a good idea to use garlic sparingly or not at all, as it can be quite strong.

Blending the guacamole

• Prep the avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. The avocado should be ripe but still firm, yielding slightly to gentle pressure.
• Mash the avocados: Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the avocados to your desired level of chunkiness. Don't overdo it! The guacamole should be a little chunky. You can also use a butter knife to cut a grid into the avocado flesh before scooping it out, which will help you achieve the right texture.
• Add the remaining ingredients: This includes your choice of mix-ins such as onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and any other seasonings you prefer. Start with a small amount of each ingredient and taste as you go, adding more to suit your preference.
• Mix it all together: Use a fork or a spatula to gently mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you still want the guacamole to be chunky.
• Season to taste: Add more salt, lime juice, or other seasonings as needed. Remember, it's easier to add more than to take away, so start with a small amount and adjust as necessary.
• Chill the guacamole: Once you're happy with the flavour and consistency, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent oxidation. Chill the guacamole in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.

Your wedding guacamole is now ready to be served! Remember to bring it to room temperature before serving if it has been chilled for a longer period of time. Enjoy!

Storing the guacamole

Use Airtight Containers:

Use airtight containers with tight-fitting lids to store your guacamole. This will help keep oxygen and moisture from coming into contact with the dip, reducing the chances of discoloration and maintaining its freshness.

Smooth Out the Surface:

Use a spoon or spatula to flatten the surface of the guacamole, removing any air pockets. This step is crucial, as air is the main culprit of guacamole turning brown. By reducing the guacamole's exposure to air, you can significantly slow down the oxidation process.

Add a Layer of Water:

After smoothing out the surface, add a layer of lukewarm or room-temperature water on top of the guacamole. This may sound unusual, but it acts as a perfect barrier against oxygen. Pour in enough water to cover the surface completely by about 1/2 inch. The water won't affect the flavor or texture of the guacamole.

Cover with Plastic Wrap:

Before placing the lid on the container, some people like to cover the surface of the guacamole with plastic wrap. This creates a barrier that prevents air from reaching the guacamole, further slowing down oxidation. Press the plastic wrap down firmly, ensuring that it is in direct contact with the surface and that there are no air bubbles.

Refrigerate:

Store the container of guacamole in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and green for up to two to three days.

Stir Before Serving:

When you're ready to serve the guacamole, carefully pour off the water and give the guacamole a good stir. This will help incorporate any extra moisture, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

Add a Squeeze of Lemon or Lime Juice:

If desired, you can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container. This can help slow down the oxidation process and maintain the green color.

The Pit Myth:

You might have heard that leaving the avocado pit in the guacamole helps prevent browning. However, this is a myth. While leaving the pit in a halved avocado can help preserve it, it does not have the same effect on guacamole. The key to preventing browning is minimizing the guacamole's exposure to air.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your guacamole stays fresh and green for your wedding. It's always a good idea to prepare the guacamole as close to the event as possible, but if you need to make it in advance, these storage tips will come in handy!

Serving the guacamole

If you want to make a large batch and store it for a few days, there are a few methods you can try. One is to place the guacamole in an airtight container and cover it with a thin layer of water, lemon juice, or lime juice. The barrier will keep air from getting in, preventing browning. Another method is to flatten the guacamole in a container, pour a small amount of cool water over it, cover it, and refrigerate.

When you're ready to serve, simply drain the water off the top, give it a stir, and enjoy! Guacamole is typically served as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It can also be used as a spread on toast or sandwiches, a topping for baked potatoes, or a delicious addition to Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, nachos, and fajitas.

• Make sure you have enough ingredients to make a large batch. The amount you need will depend on the number of guests, but it's always better to have too much than too little.
• Prepare the guacamole as close to the event as possible to ensure freshness. If you need to make it ahead of time, follow the storage instructions provided above.
• Present the guacamole in a stylish but functional way. You can use a large bowl or dish, and surround it with various dipping options such as tortilla chips, crackers, and vegetable sticks.
• Consider adding some garnishes to the guacamole, such as cilantro leaves, radish slices, or jicama strips. This will make it look more appealing and elegant.
• If you want to offer something unique, you can provide different types of guacamole, such as traditional, spicy, or fruit-based variations.
• Don't forget to provide proper utensils, napkins, and plates for your guests to enjoy the guacamole comfortably.

By following these tips, you'll be able to serve delicious and fresh guacamole at your wedding, and your guests will surely be impressed!

Frequently asked questions