This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
One of my absolute favorite things to do during the summer is to have a ‘micro-gathering’ of just a few close friends, and either enjoy the balmy weather on my porch, or sit at the table beside my bay window overlooking the garden, while enjoying conversation across a spread of late afternoon appetizers.
While summer entertaining is synonymous with big barbeques and poolside parties, smaller gatherings allow for an added layer of care, a closer eye for detail, and a greater range of table options. While the oversized, the grand, and the loud certainly have their place, some of my fondest summer evening memories are of smaller, more intimate affairs. For example, I recently had two friends over for a late lunch, and it ended up turning into an early dinner since we were able to linger on the porch until well after sunset.
To start things off, I knew that we would want something light and summery, while still being a satisfying introduction to the meal ahead. To achieve this, I decided to put a spin on a classic warm weather tapa, and prepared a creamy guacamole with roasted garlic and fresh lemon juice for savory acidity, a roasted jalapeno with the seeds intact for a bit of subdued flare, and fresh parsley and olive oil to enhance the body.
However, I didn’t want to put the guacamole out on the table on its own, instead I wanted to do something a little extra. Since there were just a few of us I decided to prepare the guacamole on almond crackers, which I find lend a distinct crispness while at the same time adding an underlying savory note. I prefer the Blue Diamond brand for this. After dolloping each cracker, I crumbled almonds over the platter with parsley for garnish. Dates and grapes rounded out the spread.
Wanting to avoid conversations interrupted by kitchen intermissions, I did this all ahead of time, and had the table set out on the porch before they arrived. Needless to say, the spread was a success, with our late luncheon turning into an impromptu dinner party.
Almond Rice Crackers & Spicy Guacamole
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Nut Thins
Spicy Guacamole:
- 2 avocados
- 3 large cloves of garlic - grilled
- 1 jalapeño - grilled whole
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup of fresh Italian parsley
- 3 - 4 tbs. olive oil
- 3 - 4 tbs. lemon juice
- Almonds and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron frying pan and place the garlic with its skin and the whole jalapeño in the pan to grill.
- When the garlic starts to gain color and the jalapeño is slightly charred; turn the heat off and remove from the pan. The garlic will pop out of the skin with a gently squeeze.
- Place the avocado along with all of the other ingredients in a food processor and process until creamy.
- Using a piping bag; pipe the guacamole on each nut thin, topped with a sliver of almond for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
xo
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
Oh wow, this looks too good. The guacamole is calling out to me!
Comedy Plus says
What a great thing to serve on a boating weekend. This would be fabulous.
Have a terrific day Catherine. Big hugs. ♥♥♥
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I very much prefer small intimate gatherings. Guacamole is one of my favorite foods. The rice crackers and almonds make for such a beautiful presentation!
Wanda says
Good Morning Christine...just popping by to day Hi, and those sure do look good. If it's too spicy I can't have it, but looks geat. Going to our grandson's graduation from High School today....Wonder what we will eat???
gloria says
Catherine almonds and guacamole look amazing!! DElicious!:)
marcie says
I make guacamole weekly...I never get tired of it. This spicy version sounds delicious, and I love Nut Thins! What a delicious snack. 🙂
allie@Through Her Looking Glass says
Catherine, I love your impromptu dinner party. I can imagine how lovely it was at sunset on the porch, and to have this amazing spread and excellent company to enjoy was truly an evening to remember. XO
Liz says
I adore guacamole---and could eat my weight in these lovely appetizers! Perfect summer nibbles 🙂
Mary Frances says
Those crackers are so good! I never thought I'd be a nut cracker kinda gal, but oh my goodness, yes I am 🙂 Love that you paired it with guac! I believe you can never go wrong with avocados - what a fantastic appetizer recipe!
David Myers says
Catherine, My wife loves guacamole and this recipe is right up her alley! Thanks and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Tianna says
yum!! I love anything with avocado and I recently discovered these rice crackers and they're so good! thanks for this idea!
Aida@TheCraftingFoodie says
That spicy guac sounds delicious, Catherine! I totally agree with you that small gatherings are often much more enjoyable than larger, blow-outs.
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine and Michael....
What a lovely day you must have had with your friends. I enjoy a big party with lots of people, but I like you seem to enjoy more a small group of people. It does seem to be more of an intimate time and a lot less leisurely. This recipe is so delicious looking, and not difficult to make plus what a beautiful presentation you have made. If I was one of your guests, I would have loved this dish and think you have spend the whole day creating it. Love Guac and all the other ingredients. Great post and so glad that you had such a wonderful day with your friends...Have a wonderful weekend...
Dottie 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I would never turn down guacamole prepared any which way, but on these rice crackers it looks great! Creamy, crunchy, and delicious!
Marla says
Love the guacamole recipe. Perfect for summer weather. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Stephanie says
Yum! I love guacamole, but never thought about putting it on rice crackers. What a delicious treat! So glad you shared this with Roses of Inspiration. Have a wonderful Monday!
swathi says
Looks delicious almond rice crackers sounds delicious. thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop.
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I really like the idea of almond rice crackers.
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
Great pairing and love the addition of the jalapeno to the guac - nice kick!
Janie says
What a great mix of colour, texture and flavour! Don't suppose we get those crackers here in the UK but I shall keep an eye out just in case as they look yummy.
Janie x
Chaya says
Since hubby can't eat gluten, this is an idea way to get around it. I have to check the crackers out. The Guac is spicier than what I make and I think, I would love it this way. Thanks Catherine.
Patty Haxton Anderson says
You have made this into an elegant appetizer just by the presentation alone, never mind that it must taste delicious. Great job.
Diana Rambles says
Looks delish!
Phoebe @Feed Me Phoebe says
These are great, summery, gluten-free appetizers! Will definitely have to try out the recipe soon!
swathi says
looks delicious thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning, tweeting and sharing in google plus.