Guacamole

A lots of people avoid snacking. They just dont want to add extra calories to their diet. But, you should know, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to snack. You should avoid food loaded with sugar or fried food. If you want to snack: healthy, guacamole and oven baked beet chips are perfect for you. The beet chips are tasty, colorful and fun to make and avocados contain vitamin E, folate and healthy fats. So, choosing guacamole as your dip of choice over store bought sauces or spreads that contain saturated fat, positively affects your health. While guacamole contributes to your overall veggie intake, you should know that a half-cup of guacamole contains approximately 260 calories. So consume your guacamole in moderation and practice portion control to avoid consuming too many calories.

Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

3 avocados, very ripe
1 large ripe tomato, deseeded and chopped
1/2 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp thinly sliced green onion
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt to taste
veggie crisps to serve

Directions:

Cut the avocados in half and remove the seed.
Use a spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh.
In a large bowl combine the avocado flesh and lime juice.
Using a potato mash, roughly mash the avocado.
Add chili, cayenne, cilantro, garlic, cumin, tomato, green onion and mix well.
Season with salt and cover with plastic wrap pressed to surface to prevent browning.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve with beet chips.

Spicy Beet Chips

Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Preparing time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 raw beets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400F.
Peel and slice beets 1/16 inch thick with a mandolin.
In a large bowl combine the spices and olive oil.
Place the beet slices into a bowl and toss to lightly coat.
On baking sheet arrange slices in a single layer.
Sprinkle with sea salt and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until slices become lightly browned and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve with guacamole or any other dip of your choice.