Guacamole with Chili Garlic Paste

This is Big Spazz's last day of vacation relaxed look. Perhaps it's because we get free Starbucks coffee for the month of January, or that we have enjoyed our evening walks together, but more likely it's his capsaisin kick. He puts chili pepper water, wasabi paste, or sriracha on almost every meal.

The health benefits of eating spicy foods include (from SELF magazine) :

• increased metabolism (the capsacin in chilies burn bonus calories for 20 minutes after eating)
• reduce damaging effects of LDL (bad cholesterol)
• cancer prevention
• lower blood pressure
• boost in feel good seratonin

In addition, spicy foods make his nose and cheeks sweat so it's like a sit-down workout with the benefit of clearing his sinuses.

We tried the Alan Wong Asian guacamole for a spicy alternative to the regular guacamole.

2 avocadoes, peeled, pitted and cubed

1 small sweet onion, finely chopped (Maui onion, red onion)

3 T lime juice

3 T rice wine vinegar

1 T green onion, thinly sliced

1 T finely chopped cilantro (or more)

1 T grated fresh ginger

1 t chili garlic paste (or sriracha

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mash gently to  mix, keeping avocados chunky. Serve with pita chips or tortillas. Want more spice? No scared em.