Last Christmas Eve, my godfather arrived at our house with a gorgeous bowl of guacamole. [Where else besides California would guac make an appearance during Christmas??] While definitely tasty, we started our usual competitive banter: this time over who made a better guac. It was clear that just arguing would not resolve the question, which is how the challenge came about. It was determined that during my summer trip home, a guacamole competition was in order!
Click “MORE” for Rules, Recipe and RE-MATCH (2009)….
RULES:
There was a lot of back and forth in order to establish the rules. While I was interested in the possibility of multiple recipe submissions and presentation skills, these ideas were swiftly vetoed.
Framing the event around a BBQ at my parent’s house, we opened the competition up to anyone wanting to submit a recipe. Consensus among the participants centered on one goal: beat my godfather! No one was striving to actually win the grand prize; so long as we kept him from the bragging rights, everyone would be a winner.
Synopsis:
- Eight recipes submitted. Served in matching dishware.
- Two kinds of chips for dipping.
- “Blind tasting”: only my mother knew who owned which guac.
- Winner* = NOT my godfather … also, sadly, not me.
* NOTE: It was later revealed the “winner” used packet spice mix from the store. I would call this cheating; but then again, I too have been guilty of this in the past….
RE-MATCH 2009: In Search Of: — I need your help, ES readers!! We’re starting to plan next summer’s challenge and I’m looking for suggestions. Any ideas?
RECIPE:
My (2nd Place) Guacamole:
- 3-4 avocados
- Red onion finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh Tomato (seeded)
- Fresh lime juice
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Pinch of Sea salt (preferably Hawaiian)
Don’t measure ingredients; gradually add them all and taste frequently. Save one avocado to add in at the end; cut it up into edible but chunky pieces. This will give extra texture to the guac.
love the sea salt and chipotle in yours. Can’t believe a spice mix worked! Outrage!
thanks to Els for starting the challenge – much fun – she may have improved upon her showing if it were not for her activities the night before.
maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding
maybe i should have tagged this post as “not sober” too….
This was REALLY a fun party. Lots of guests who mixed it up and took the competition seriously!
i want to hear more about the cheater, i mean, winner’s guac. what made it sooo much better?
As one of the “taster only” invitees….it was definitely fabulous and loads of fun. I shared El’s pictures with Michele (my daughter) and she said it was not fair to show her all that great guaco without bringing her some.
What a great contest! I’d love to come to your next guac-off. Just a thought, try adding some ground cumin to your next batch of guacamole. I would bet that if you looked at the packaged guac spices, it’s in there.
Dear Elly, as you know, I purchased my submission asking everyone to guess where I bought it! Of course, I was immediately, disqualified. Next year, I will actually compete. I need to figure out how not to let my ministry override my sense of competition. Regardless, it was a lovely party and can’t wait for the next one.
Greetings, I tried to find the link for more info about how you put on your event and the full rules but couldn’t find it. I am putting on a guac off and am curious about the parameters you used for yours. I’m always up for sharing ideas. Can you point me to more info and/or a link? Thanks!
You know there’s a great book on this subject: http://www.amazon.com/Guac-Off-Nathan-Myers/dp/0811865061
It includes official rules, judging criteria and a bunch of great recipe ideas. Check it out before your next event!