Makes 1 cup

Add a Latin twist to your party fare with these easy-to-prepare crowd-pleasing dips. Use fresh Hass avocados from Mexico, and serve the dip with healthful accompaniments, such as vegetable sticks like celery or jicama. There is also a wide variety of baked bite-size crackers available on the supermarket shelves.

1 fully ripened Mexican Hass avocado, cut into ¼-inch cubes (see Tip) 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice ¼ teaspoon minced garlic ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, taking care not to mash the avocado.

For Fiesta Avocado Dip: Combine half of the above mixture with 2 tablespoons shredded pepper jack cheese, 2 teaspoons finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained), and 2 teaspoons finely diced jalapeño chili. Gently fold in the remaining avocado mixture. Makes about 1 cup.