Hello all, and welcome to my first recipe!

As a lover of nutrition, I am constantly challenging myself to think of new, healthier alternatives for some of my favorite not-so-healthy goodies. One of those (or one category, rather) is condiments. I freaking LOVE condiments. I put either italian dressing - with extra balsamic! - or barbecue sauce on almost everything that I eat, it is ridiculous. However, it is also ridiculous how many calories and chemicals and preservatives can be packed into these tiny bottles! So, in attempt to ween myself off of my store-bought sauces, I have decided to come up with a few handy recipes for toppings instead! Beginning with....

This stuff is seriously incredible, and my first creation that spurred my love of cooking. It’s like all the goodness of guacamole, with a hint of spiciness, and half the calorie content. In FACT this stuff is less than 50cal per tablespoon! Oh, and did I mention that it is also oil, dairy, and gluten free? It is excellent as a salad dressing, but I use it as a veggie dip, put it on chicken and seafood, or as a taco topper as well! It is good on A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Try it, your mouth will thank you.

Not ONLY is this stuff delicious, but it is super easy to throw together as well. All you have to do is place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and you are good to go! I cant say I take full responsibility for this recipe, as I have seen many like it, but fooled around with it enough to perk up my picky tastebuds. So I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think of it, or if you have any serving suggestions!

Not only are avocados rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated oleic fatty acids, they contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals AND are incredibly abundant in fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Although they are quite high in fat, regular consumption of avocados has been linked to lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, the antioxidants found in avocados are important for regulating the oxidation processes in the body. More specifically, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are key in protecting the eyes and reducing the risks for cataracts and macular degeneration. What an amazing super fruit!

Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Ingredients:

1 whole ripe avocado
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (I use Bragg’s for its added digestive health benefits)
1/4 cup honey (organic and locally sourced, if possible!)
2 limes worth of juice (~3-4 tablespoons)
1 clove of garlic
1/2 to 1 seeded jalapeño (this is to taste, if you prefer it a little spicier, throw the whole thing in! Keep the seeds even, if you are brave!)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup water (to thin, can add more or less on preference)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: