FOOTBALL FANS TO DEVOUR MORE THAN 262 MILLION POUNDS OF AVOCADOS DURING THE REGULAR SEASON
Hass Avocados Offer a New Twist on Tailgaters' Meals

IRVINE, Calif. (September 6, 2006) - Tailgating season is about to kick off and avocados are a must-have item at parking lot parties around the country. In fact, according to the Hass Avocado Board, football fans consume more than 262.5 million pounds of avocados at their tailgating celebrations during the regular football season.

"Tailgating doesn't have to mean the same old party foods," said celebrity chef and grill master, Jet Tila. "Fans are learning that avocados are so much more than guacamole. Hass avocados add a creamy and delicious flavor that will transform ordinary game day snacks into tantalizing meals."

Tailgating has become a competition among football fans. Custom-made tailgating trailers, fold-out bars and satellite television systems are just a few of the extravagances that parking lot grill aficionados use to take parties to the next level. However, with bragging rights on the line, delicious food is the most important element of any tailgating event; and Hass avocados are just the ingredient to help tailgaters create dishes that will separate the amateurs from the professionals.

Avocados are an easy ingredient to work with and will add a burst of flavor to game day meals. Some simple ways to incorporate Hass avocados into tailgating recipes include:

• Avocado burgers and dogs - top a burger or a hot dog with fresh slices of Hass avocado - the marrying of warm grilled meat with cool and creamy avocado is delicious
• Home team guacamole - make a base of guacamole dip and set up small bowls of "add-ins" so that each partygoer can personalize his or her own game day dip
• For a portable option, make wraps or sandwiches using mashed avocado as a spread along with your favorite meats
• Planning on grilling some steak, fish or chicken? Create a chunky salsa of Hass avocados, corn, bell pepper and chilies, and top off your barbecued creation
• For make-ahead salads, avocados are a great addition. They can bring a velvety texture to potato salads, pasta salads and green salads that you serve at your pre-game party
• The ultimate grilling experience - try grilling Hass avocados right on your barbecue

• 2 Hass avocados
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime or lemon juice
• 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
• Seasoned salt to taste
• ½ cup fresh salsa, optional for half shell version

1. Cut avocado in half, seed, peel, and slice.
2. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Gently place slices on grill over hot coals for 2 minutes on each side.
4. Season with salt to taste.

1. Cut avocado in half and remove seed.
2. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Gently place cut side down on grill over hot coals for 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Optional: fill with fresh salsa.

• 1 (1-oz.) packet ranch dip mix
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup minced red onion
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 Hass avocado, peeled, seeded and mashed
• 4 slices sourdough bread
• ¾ cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 4 romaine lettuce leaves
• 8 tomato slices

1. Place ¼ of the dry ranch mix in a small bowl; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining ranch mix, ground beef, onion and barbecue sauce; mix well.
3. Form into 4 large flat patties and grill over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Top each burger with about 3 tablespoons shredded cheese while still warm.
5. Grill bread slices until lightly toasted.
6. Add mashed avocado to remaining dry ranch mix and mix well.
7. To assemble, top each bread slice with a lettuce leaf, 2 tomato slices and a burger patty.
8. Add a heaping spoonful of seasoned avocado.