Guacamole without the Chips

Did you know that Avocados, the key ingredient in Guacamole, were first cultivated in South Central Mexico around 10,000 years ago? The Aztec people created Guacamole as a tasty way to consume Avocados, believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Even the word “Avocado” comes from the Aztec word “ahu catl”. Literally, testicular. We might never know if this was due to the way avocados naturally hang in pairs on the tree or the benefits of eating them. I don’t know about you, but now that I know where the world came from, I might not ever look at avocados the same again.

In any case, today is Guacamole Day. Guacamole, that wonderful creamy-chunky dish that is a dip, a condiment, a salad or spread for morning toast. The easiest way to celebrate Guacamole Day would be to put out a big bowl of dip surrounded by some Homemade Tortilla Chips.

Yeah, that would be good. Maybe it’s because we just recently celebrated Double Cheeseburger Day. Maybe it’s just an excuse to grill up burgers and call it “healthy” because Avocados are so good for you. All I know is that I’m craving an awesome burger stuffed with cheese and topped with totally from scratch Guacamole. Oh my goodness, we are talking delicious!

Happy Guacamole Day everyone!

Pepper Jack Guacamole Burgers
Guacamole
1/2 Red Onion
2 Roma Tomatoes
1 Jalapeño Pepper
1/4 cup Cilantro
Pinch Kosher Salt
Pinch White Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cumin
3 Avocados
1 Lime

Dice, onion, tomato, jalapeño and place in a large metal or glass mixing bowl. Finely chop the cilantro and add to the bowl. Season well with salt, pepper, and cumin, set aside.

Cut and scoop out the avocados, add to the bowl. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the mixture. Using a potato masher or a fork , start mashing the avocados leaving chunks of avocado.

Use a large piece of plastic wrap to press it against the guacamole. Make sure no air can go in, seal all around the sides of the bowl. Chill until ready to use.

Pepper Jack Burger
1 lb Ground Beef
1 teaspoon New Mexican Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/4 teaspoon Roasted Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Kosher Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
2 oz Pepper Jack Cheese
1 Jalapeño Pepper for serving
4 Hamburger Buns
Handful Arugula

Place half of the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle seasonings on top, then place remaining ground beef over the seasoning. Use hands to work the spices into the meat.Form into 8 equal size balls. Flatten into patties and set aside.

Cut pepper jack into 4 slices, set aside. Cut Jalapeño into 8 slices, set aside.

Lay 4 patties on a plate and top with the pepper jack slices. Top each with another hamburger patty forming into 4 large patties. Crimp the edges to make sure cheese is completely enclosed inside

Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet to medium high heat. Once hot, add the burgers. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Cover and let burgers rest for a couple minutes on a plate.

To assemble burgers, add a handful of arugula to the bottom half of each bun, then the burger, followed by a generous scoop of guacamole. Top with 2 jalapeño slices each, serve and enjoy.