Spicy Tomato and Avocado Shrimp Dip

Perfect Pairing: Organized grocery list

I think the original concept for this dip came from a Super Bowl party my mom attended years ago.  I have adapted it through many trials and it is always a hit.  It seems like a big bowl of dip, but there are usually no leftovers. 

I have to admit that the measurements are more of a suggestion than an exact science.  I don’t measure anything; I just toss in what looks good.  It requires multiple tastings throughout the process to adjust the seasonings…. A tough job, but someone needs to do it!   I like the Cajun Chef Hot Sauce but I am sure any Cajun flavored hot sauce would be fine.  The blackening spice can usually be found near the fish counter.  While you are there pick up some pre-cooked shrimp or buy it frozen.  This is one dish that does not really benefit from peeling, deveining (yuck) and cooking your own shrimp.  Serve it up with some salty tortilla chips!

Admittedly, this recipe does have a number of ingredients that you may need to pick up at the store.  That is why the Perfect Pairing for this dip is my trusty organized grocery list.  Hold on to your hats people, this will revolutionize grocery shopping for you.  I first got this idea from, who else, The Barefoot Contessa.  The idea is to split the list into six sections: produce, meat, dairy, shelf, freezer and miscellaneous.  I am always buying for a few recipes at once, so I will go through the recipes one at a time and note the ingredients in the appropriate section.  It may be helpful to keep a list folded up in your purse, or wallet, and add things as you think of them for your next trip to the store.  At the store I fold it so I am only looking at the produce list in the produce department, or the meat section in the meat department and so on.  Click here for a blank list template.

If you are going to the store for just a few items the list is not necessary but it is incredibly helpful for the bigger trips.  My family entertains a lot at our lake house in the summer and it is not unusual to serve in excess of 50 meals over a holiday weekend.  I think on our craziest week we calculated that we served 268 meals. That requires a LOT of groceries!  The lake is about 20 minutes from the nearest grocery store so we have to be really organized.  Below is a sample of a list from one of those crazy shopping trips. 

Spicy Tomato and Avocado Shrimp Dip

Lindsay at Perfecting the Pairing

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

·         5  Roma Tomatoes, Chopped ¼ inch

·         1 Large Sweet Onion, Chopped ¼ inch

·         ½ Cup Cilantro, Chopped fine

·         1 to 2 Jalapeno Pepper, Chopped fine and deseeded

·         ¾ Cups Heinz Ketchup

·         1 to 2 Tb. Red Tabasco Sauce

·         1 to 2 Tb. Green Tabasco Sauce

·         1 to 2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

·         1 to 2 tsp. Cajun Chef Hot Sauce

·         1 tsp. Blackening Spice

·         2 lbs Cooked Shrimp, Chopped

·         Lime Juice to taste, usually about 2 limes

·         ½ Cup Cold Water, optional

·         2 Ripe Avocados, Chopped into bite-sized chunks

Directions:

Combine the chopped tomatoes and the next 11 ingredients (through lime juice) in a large bowl, mix well.  Taste and adjust seasoning.  If you would like it a little saucier, add up to ½ cup cold water.  Lightly mix in avocados and serve chilled with tortilla chips.

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