THE HASS AVOCADO BOARD ANNOUNCES ALL-NEW SIDE DISH RECIPES JUST IN TIME FOR THE WINTER HOLIDAYS
Avocados are the Perfect Addition to the Season's Family Meals

IRVINE, Calif. (December 4, 2007) – The holidays are almost here, bringing with them the wonderful food of the season - those savory and delicious homemade dishes that the family loves and looks forward to year after year. For this year's get-together, complement your favorite holiday meals by simply including creamy, fresh Hass avocados in some of your best-loved side dishes. They'll enhance the flavor of your traditional holiday favorites.

The delicate and delicious flavor of Hass avocados is perfect for adding a new twist on holiday classics, like scalloped potatoes, casseroles, sautés and fresh salads. Beyond its flavor, this luscious fruit has many nutritional properties that can be part of a healthful diet. In fact, avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Holiday meals are meant to be warm and inviting. The following original recipes, created by the Hass Avocado Board, are wholesome and satisfying dishes perfect for holiday entertaining. For additional recipes that feature fresh Hass avocados, visit the Hass Avocado Board Web site at avocadocentral.com.

Holiday Hass Avocado and Au Gratin Potatoes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
• 2 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz.) package reduced-fat cream cheese, placed at room temperature and cubed
• 1 (4.9 oz.) package Au Gratin Potato mix
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 ripe fresh Hass avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup grated Jarlsberg cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Do not follow package instructions.
2. Prepare an 8 x 8 inch baking dish, pan or similar sized oval casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a medium sauce pan, bring broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and contents of Au Gratin Potato seasoning packet.
4. Mix in dry potatoes, onion, thyme, avocado and ½ cup Jarlsberg cheese.
5. Pour into baking dish, making sure that all potatoes are submerged in the liquid.
6. Bake in 350ºF oven for 30 minutes.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake an additional 15 minutes.
8. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Holiday Vegetable and Hass Avocado Sauté
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 ½ Tbsp. avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 tsp. garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ½ large shallot, finely chopped
• ½ Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 3 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced ¼-inch thick
• ½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
• 1 ½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 ripe fresh Hass avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and cut into chunks

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, shallot and thyme, sauté for 3 minutes.
2. Mix in zucchini, bell pepper and lemon peel, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Lower heat and cover, cooking for 3 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice with avocado. Add to skillet and gently mix. Cook for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

*Large avocados are recommended for these recipes. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.

About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) was established in 2002 after approval by producers and importers of Hass avocados in a national referendum. A 12-member Board administers the program. Over 20,000 producers and 100 importers are involved in the HAB, which covers fresh domestic and imported Hass avocados sold in the U.S. market.