Boursin Cheese

Christmas may be over, but the gift-giving certainly isn’t.

Today is one of my roommate’s 21^st birthday, so in addition to a present, I am preparing one of her favorite foods: boursin cheese.

OK, so it isn’t really “cheese” per se. And despite the use of fresh herbs, it’s far from healthy. But that’s not going to stop us from enjoying it, is it?

Boursin Cheese
1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
1 large clove garlic
1 tsp white wine
1 pinch salt and white pepper
2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp chopped fresh basil

OR

1 tsp parsley
¼ tsp thyme
½ tsp basil

In a large bowl, mash the butter with a fork until completely softened. Add the cream cheese and continue to mash.

Chop the garlic and add it, as well as the wine and seasonings to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until thoroughly mashed. Serve with crackers.

Best Damn Guacamole

It’s just about that time of the year: hot chocolate is united with peppermint schnapps, white elephant gifts are given, and bad sweaters abound.

Yes, the holiday party season is upon us.

Being someone who loves to cook, I of course opt to bring an amazing food item as my contribution. My desire to “wow” the other partygoers, however, often conflicts with my ability to get out the door on time. In other words, I’m always running late; but at the same time, I still want to bring something that’ll knock their socks off.

Over the years, I have come to realize that the perfect party dish is my Best Damn Guacamole.

Sure, it looks unassuming, but wait ‘til people try it. Not only does everyone say it is the best guacamole they’ve ever had—even those that claim to dislike guacamole say it is delicious. And the best part? It takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

Go ahead, bring it to your next holiday party. You—and they—won’t be disappointed.

Best Damn Guacamole
4 large avocados
1/3 cup diced red onion
1 medium tomato
1 clove garlic
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 small lime (optional)

Slice the avocados in half length-wise and remove the pits and the peels. Place two of the avocados and the onion in a bowl. Dice the tomato and finely chop the garlic. Add these, as well as the cilantro, cumin, and salt to the bowl. Use a fork to break up the avocado and mix the ingredients. Cube the remaining avocado and gently fold into the guacamole. 

If the guacamole will not be served immediately, squeeze half of the lime over the guacamole and gently mix it in. Finally, cover the guacamole with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the guacamole, and chill until ready to serve.