super food guac {w/ a surprise!} + spicy organic basil jalepeno margs

Happy Cinco de Mayo, senors + senoritas!  What better way to celebrate than with a power-packed appetizer + healthy{ish} margarita!  This super easy guacamole is full of heart healthy fats, protein (what?!), + fiber (<— blood sugar balancing trifecta right there).  Served with plantain chips baked with coconut oil and sea salt to keep it gluten + grain free (don’t worry – these are premade, phew), or sub in your favorite tortilla chip, or even better sliced veggies or just toss it in a salad.  And this margarita is mixed with an organic tequila – which obviously means it’s good for you a better quality and better tasting elixir.  #guiltfreegrub

Okay so here is what makes the {already super} guacamole superB….sardines!  I know, right?  Who does that?  Hang on here…We all know I consider sardines a super food – and here is why –

1— these little guys are FULL of essential omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega 3’s are anti-inflammatory and are beneficial for heart health, lowering cholesterol + triglycerides, brain health, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer risk + so much more.  The benefits of DHA (found in fish), a long-chain fatty acid that comprises omega-3’s along with EPA, has been well studied – in fact, this study found that healthy school aged children with lower levels of DHA have been linked to have behavioral + memory problems as well as poorer reading skills.  This is why I consider these guys natures fish oil!

2— sardines are a low-calorie, higher protein and moderate fat option for people looking to eat good quality, well-rounded WHOLE foods.

3— sardines are low on the aquatic food chain, feeding primarily on plankton, which in turn means they are lower in mercury and PCB’s (chemical toxins).  Think smaller fish = less mercury = better choice (salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel).

4— sardines are a good source of vitamin D, zinc, copper, phosphorus, calcium, selenium + iodine.  Hello, bone health!

(Did anyone else play the sardine game with friends as a child?)  Moving along.  A question I get often is HOW CAN YOU EAT SARDINES IF YOU HATE THEM??? You hide them!  Mix them, literally, in anything.  What I love about sardines is that they flake so easily, so they tend to get “lost” in the dish.  Toss them in salads, homemade salad dressings, tomato sauces, and….guacamole!  Here is your recipe:

super food guac w/ sardines + optional kick

serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

4 ripe avocados

2 packs canned sardines, chopped *packed in water

4 limes, juiced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp garlic salt (optional – if omitting, use 2 tsp sea salt)

4 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

sprinkle cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place avocado, lime juice, sea salt and garlic salt in a medium sized bowl.  Using a fork, roughly chop the avocado as you mix with juice + salt.  Add chopped onion + garlic, mix.  Add sardines, mix.  Add cilantro, mix.  Lastly, add chopped tomatoes, and carefully combine.  Top with optional cayenne pepper and garnish with cilantro.  Enjoy!

You cannot see the sardines + may or may not taste *a tiny bit* of the them….but if you despise even the thought of sardines, I encourage you to give this a try!  It can be a fun + unique way to eat a super food from the sea!

So let’s recap.  What makes this guac so darn healthy + delicious?

• Trifecta of macronutrients (protein, carbs + fat) that balance blood sugar
• Avocados – great source of b vitamins, heart healthy fats, fiber and potassium.  (This reminds me – who remembers the super bowl commercial from 2015 about avocados?  It is one of my all time faves! Check it out here.  *watch the polar bear (I died laughing at this – most likely the only commercial I actually watched but boy it was a good one)
• Sardines – great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, b12, protein, vitamin D, zinc, copper, iodine, + calcium
• Cilantro – good source of vitamins A + K, folate + potassium, and is amazing for assisting the body in detoxing heavy metals and supporting the liver
• Cayenne – helps with reducing inflammation + heart health, and can help boost immune system

and if I need to redeem myself for trying to convince you to eat sardines on CINCO DE MAYO – here is a margarita recipe to win back your love…

spicy organic basil jalepeno margs

serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

7-8 organic limes, juiced (about 3/4-1 cup)

1.5 Tbsp organic agave nectar

10 fresh organic basil leaves

1/4-1/2 small organic jalepeno, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)

5-6 oz organic tequila (I used Viego Cancun!)

ice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place basil leaves, jalepeno slices, agave nectar and about half the lime juice in a cocktail shaker.  Muddle ingredients together, until mixed well (this can also be done in a separate bowl).  Add remaining lime juice and tequila, fill it with ice, and shake shake shake!  The more you shake, the cooler and froth-ier your margarita will be!  Divide between two glasses with optional salted rims, and garnish with a slice of lime, sliced jalepeno and fresh basil…serve straight up!  Spicy + refreshing.  This recipe can be doubled or tripled and looks great in a glass pitcher with extra lime slices!

Have a great weekend!