With Labor Day Weekend quickly approaching, I was looking to spice up some old BBQ favorites to celebrate the end of a wonderful summer. We are a family who LOVES our guacamole, and I am always playing with recipes to give it more of a kick, or a different flavor than usual. Guacamole is such a simple recipe, and is always sure to be a crowd pleaser. While I was brainstorming how I could make my guacamole even MORE delicious than usual, I was mixing up my morning shake and it hit me: Kefir is NOT just for smoothies! I have long been a fan of Kefir to mix in my smoothies and shakes not only to give them a smooth, creamy flavor, but for their probiotic benefits as well.
“Probiotics, which literally mean “beneficial to life,” are live cultures that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Most probiotics include the live active cultures often added to foods like yogurt. Researchers have studied bacteria extensively and considerable evidence indicates that there are several strains of essential good-for-you bacteria that have an ability to promote healthy gastrointestinal functions. Lifeway Kefir containsseven to ten billion CFU’s of 10 strains of bacteria, plus ProBoost, our exclusive pair of probiotics. That’s 12 live and active cultures per cup to produce a wide array of health benefits.” ~Kefir website FAQ
I have always either drank the flavored Kefir, or mixed it into smoothies. I never considered all of the possibilities until I visited their website, www.lifeway.net, and browsed through some of the recipes. So now it’s time to mix up my summer favorite! What you will need:
- 3-4 Ripe Avocados
- 1 Lime
- 1 Jersey Tomato
- 1/4 c Onion, chopped fine
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Plain Kefir
- Cayenne Pepper (to taste)
The beauty of guacamole is that you really can make it your own. Some like it HOT (like me), so I will add more cayenne. Some like it mild (and may add none… or simply wave the jar over the bowl quickly). Some like cilantro… although personally I don’t use it in my recipe because my husband says it tastes like soap, but you can add it if you like. Tweak it to make it your own, chunky or smooth, mild or hot, full of robust garlic flavor or not. This is just my personal take on it, and I will take you through step by step. First, let’s start with some MUST HAVE tools in my kitchen:
From left to right, the trusty Potato Masher (for the perfect texture of your guacamole, whether you like it chunky or smooth will depend on how much mashing you do); a Lemon/Lime Juicer (get every last drop of that juice into any recipe with no seeds!), and my absolute favorite kitchen gadget of all time: The Mandolin!! If you have never used one before, I highly suggest you invest in one if you ever slice, dice, or chop and want to save time and hassle in the kitchen. Also, if you’re like me, and onions make your eyes bleed while chopping, but you love their flavor and want to add them to everything, this is a lifesaver! You can literally finely chop an entire onion in less than 30 seconds, with NO tears! Now that you have your ingredients and your trusty tools, it’s time to get started! Half, scoop, and mash your avocados in a medium bowl. **Trick if your pits do not come out smoothly: Take a sharp knife, and with a quick chop, cut into the heart of the pit, then twist. Voila!
After you have mashed your avocados to your desired consistency, add your Kefir. 
Stir in your Kefir, and then add your minced garlic, chopped onions, and cayenne pepper to taste. Finally, squeeze both halves of your lime over your guac and give it a quick stir. Taste to see if you need any more cayenne (and because you’ve been waiting long enough after all haven’t you?) 
Finally, add those chopped tomatoes and fold in. ENJOY!! (And don’t forget to share!)
Visit Kefir’s website to explore even more creative recipe options!
One winner will receive a Lifeway Original Kefir.
Giveaway ends September 8th at 11:59pm, open to US and residents, ages 18+. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!
Disclosure: All opinions seen in this publication are those of the writer and may differ from your own. MomtoBedby8.com may have receive product or payment as a condition of this publication. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment to the winner. This sweepstakes is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to have your product featured on Mom to Bed by 8, email Teri at [email protected].
