10 Audacious Guacamole Add-Ins — Summer Fest

Pear and Pistachio Guacamole

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Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It’s odd to think of a day when the avocado’s utensil of choice wasn’t the tortilla chip. But how many times have you ventured to the produce section with guac on the brain, only to find that the avocados would work better as baseballs? Don’t fret — now that avocados are in season, all of your guacamole plans can come to scoopable fruition. And with all of these ripe avocados on hand, FN Dish expands upon the Purist’s Guacamole with all kinds of inventive add-ins. We know: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But these renditions will awe and inspire guests with the very first scoop.

1. Papaya: Add the diced tropical fruit for unexpected texture and sweetness. Food Network Magazine’s Spicy Papaya Guacamole cuts sweet with spicy using mashed habanero peppers.

2. Corn: Roasted Corn Guacamole and Food Network Magazine’s Southwest Corn Guacamole are literally popping with Southwestern goodness. Broil or roast your corn before sliding the kernels into the guacamole.

3. Peas: Creamy when mashed, peas jive well with creamy avocado — Holy Moly Guacamole is even better when devoured with crunchy veggies.

4. Bacon: If bacon-infused vodka exists, you can bet folding bacon into your guac does as well. This recipe for Spicy Bacon Guacamole calls for crumbled just-crisped bacon and pickled jalapenos.

5. Garlic: It wouldn’t be guacamole without garlic, eh? Garlicky Holy Guacamole! takes it a step further by adding freshly minced garlic instead of the powdered stuff.

6. Jicama: Not only is Marcela’s Spicy Guacamole with Mango spiked with a fruity mango-chili mixture, it also gains uncommon crunch from diced jicama.

7. Fruit and Nuts: Loaded with dynamic texture, Food Network Kitchens'  Pear and Pistachio Guacamole (pictured above) is an extra-special dip. Pile roasted pistachios on top for extra plate-presence.

8. Tomatillo: Known for its fresh acidity, the tomatillo amplifies velvety avocado in a flash. Food Network Magazine’s Creamy Tomatillo Guacamole is pulsed altogether in a food processor until extra creamy.

9. Chipotle Peppers: Grab the jarred peppers in adobo sauce for an easy Smoky Guacamole with big flavor.

10. Basil: It’s about time this herb crossed cultures. Add fresh, aromatic basil leaves to mashed avocado for a matchless Spicy Basil Guacamole.

There's still more. When it comes to chips, expect nothing less than scoopers like Bobby’s Cumin-Dusted Tortilla Chips and Ellie's  Chili Tortilla Chips, as well as Cilantro Lime Yucca Chips and Fresh Baked Tortilla Chips.

More avocado recipes from friends and family:

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Smoked Avocado Tomato Salsa Guacamole

Weelicious: Avocado Honey Dip

Napa Farmhouse 1885: Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Haute Apple Pie: Avocado BLT Egg Salad

Next Up

10 Grape-Forward Recipes — Summer Fest

FN Dish isshowcasing some seriously grape-forward recipes. This time, grapes go way beyond PB and J with the crusts cut off.

Summer Fest: 10 Ways To Eat Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers are easy to love: they're crunchy, versatile and have only 30 calories per cup With more than 200 percent of your vitamin C needs in a serving, there's no reason not to try one, two or all 10 of these delicious pepper-filled options.

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