Guacamole With Basil And Shallots Recipes

GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

SPICY BASIL GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, mash 1 of the chopped avocados with a fork. Add the remaining chopped avocados, the garlic, tomatoes, lime juice, lemon juice, green onions, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper; stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, as needed, with crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, to taste.
• If not serving immediately, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the top and cover put plastic wrap directly on top of the guacamole surface. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

GUACAMOLE WITH BASIL AND SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Place avocados in large bowl; add lemon juice. Using fork or potato masher, crush avocados coarsely. Mix in 1/2 cup chopped basil and shallots. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 hour ahead. Cover and chill.
• Transfer guacamole to serving bowl. Garnish with basil leaves. Place on platter. Arrange toasts and crudités around bowl.
• What to drink:
• With the appetizers, put out a couple of options. Prosecco (Italy's answer to Champagne) is always a good choice. For this party, Kate and Scott poured Botter NV Verduzzo Prosecco Frizzante ($17), a light-bodied sparkler from the Veneto region. They also offered Peroni Nastro Azzurro ($9 for a six-pack), a dry Italian lager with hoppy aromas.

SCALLOPS WITH CREAM AND BASIL

Steps:

• Put 4 tablespoons butter in skillet over medium-high heat. When foam subsides, add scallops; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, adjusting heat so they brown nicely; they need not cook through. Remove them to a plate.
• Turn off heat, cool pan a bit and wipe out. Add remaining butter over medium heat. When it melts, add shallots, garlic, chili flakes and a little more salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, or until shallots soften.
• Add wine, raise heat a bit, and let bubble away for a minute or so until reduced by about half; add cream and repeat. When liquid is thick, return scallops and juices to pan.
• Cook for about a minute, stirring in half the basil, until scallops are just firm. Taste and adjust seasoning, transfer to small bowls or plates with a bit of sauce, garnish with remaining basil, and serve.

PINE NUT AND BASIL GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• In a bowl, mash avocados until almost smooth. Stir in lime juice and ½ teaspoon salt. Let stand 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Adjust seasoning with additional lime juice and salt if desired. Top with fresh basil and pine nuts.