Guac-Off 2008

My guac

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.

guac-off-007.jpg

* 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.

You may also like

13 comments

  • BS August 7, 2008  

    love the sea salt and chipotle in yours. Can’t believe a spice mix worked! Outrage!

  • El's dad August 7, 2008  

    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

  • El August 7, 2008  

    maybe i should have tagged this post as “not sober” too….

  • Mom August 7, 2008  

    This was REALLY a fun party. Lots of guests who mixed it up and took the competition seriously!

  • gansie August 7, 2008  

    i want to hear more about the cheater, i mean, winner’s guac. what made it sooo much better?

  • Noreen August 7, 2008  

    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.

  • mexicanfoodlover August 8, 2008  

    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.

  • Kathey Crowe August 8, 2008  

    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.

  • David January 6, 2009  

    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!

  • Todd Heater May 28, 2009  

    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!

  • Pingback: NFL playoffs and super bowl recipes January 6, 2011  
  • Pingback: Guacamole and Fish, Together at Last January 18, 2011  

Leave a comment