Tailgating Media - Releases

IRVINE, Calif. (August 14, 2008) - Every week, fans across the nation get together for tailgate parties. As the crowds gather for fun with family and friends, one of the most important components is the food. A simple ingredient that can create a new take on tailgating meals is the Hass avocado.

Always in season, Hass avocados are readily available for tailgating parties year-round. Much more than just the main ingredient in guacamole, avocados can serve as a tantalizing and creamy topping for everything from burgers to sandwiches to salads.

For several years, Jay DiEugenio, a.k.a "The Tailgate Guy" and author of the "I Got Your Tailgate Party Right Here!" cookbook series, has traveled and tailgated at stadiums across the country in search of innovative and delicious tailgating recipes. "Tailgaters are always looking for new ways to spice up their menus. Hass avocados are the perfect ingredient to transform ordinary tailgating snacks into flavorful meals," says DiEugenio. "When I'm out tailgating, I love working with avocados - they are quick and easy to prepare and add a great creamy texture and flavor to my dishes."

To help inspire tailgating cooks, the Hass Avocado Board is sharing its recipe for "Stuffed Hamburgers with Hass Avocado and Jarlsberg Cheese." Guests are sure to enjoy this flavorful burger stuffed with avocado and roasted garlic and topped off with Jarlsberg cheese.

1. Combine mayonnaise and mustard, set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine meat, Worcestershire sauce and steak seasoning. Mix well. Divide meat mixture into equal portions per serving and form each portion into two thin patties, set aside.
3. Gently combine avocado and lemon juice, making sure all avocado is dressed.
4. Top half of the patties with the avocado mixture and squeeze the contents of two roasted garlic cloves on top of the avocado mixture on each patty. Then top each with another patty pinching to seal, forming a smooth edge.
5. Grill over medium-hot coals for 5-6 minutes per side or until no longer pink inside. Just before removing from the grill, place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow to melt. Place ciabatta rolls cut side down on the grill to toast. Remove burgers and rolls from the grill.
6. To prepare sandwich: Spread mayonnaise mustard mixture on both sides of each roll. On the bottom slice of each roll place arugula, tomato slices and grilled meat. Finish with roll top.

Tip: To make roasted garlic: Slice 1/4-inch off top of garlic head (opposite of root end). Place in oven-proof pan, root side down, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool. Separate cooked cloves and use as desired. Delicious as a spread on toasted bread.

Per serving: 875 calories; 56 grams fat (20 sat, 18.6 mono, 8.7 poly); 180 mg cholesterol; 1,435 mg sodium; 36 grams carbohydrate; 3 grams fiber; 58.3 grams protein

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

For a quick and easy appetizer, tailgate chefs can serve the Hass Avocado Board's recipe for "Hass Avocado Stuffed Marinated Mushrooms."

1. Using a wet paper towel, wipe all mushrooms to remove any soil.
2. Pop out mushroom stems. Place mushroom caps in a sealable plastic bag and add salad dressing, making sure all the mushrooms are coated with dressing. Marinate the mushrooms for 30 minutes.
3. Remove mushrooms from dressing and set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic salt, onion and avocados. Coarsely mash, combining all ingredients. Spoon avocado mixture into a sealable plastic bag and seal tightly.
5. Push mixture away from one of the bottom corners of the bag. Using scissors cut a small hole in this corner of the plastic bag. Squeeze a generous amount of the avocado mixture through the hole in the bag into each mushroom cap and sprinkle with feta cheese. Serve.

Per serving: 178 calories; 17 grams fat (3.6 sat, 6.4 mono, 5.3 poly); 6.25 mg cholesterol; 253 mg sodium; 6.7 grams carbohydrate; 1.8 grams fiber; 3.4 grams protein

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

Hass avocados are the perfect addition to a variety of game day dishes. For more delicious recipes, visit the Hass Avocado Board Web site at avocadocentral.com.

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.

About Jay DiEugenio - The Tailgate Guy
Jay DiEugenio is The Tailgate Guy, a lifestyle expert on one of the hottest trends in sports and recreation - tailgating. Having tailgated at every stadium in the NFL, as well as numerous colleges, racetracks, and even a Hollywood game show, he has friends and fans in parking lots across the country.

DiEugenio has published two tailgating cookbooks as part of his "I Got Your Tailgate Party Right Here!" cookbook series and is currently working on his third cookbook to be released in 2008. He also hosts a nationally syndicated radio program called, The Tailgate Guy with Jay DiEugenio, which is the first live talk show dedicated to the tailgating lifestyle. You can find The Tailgate Guy in parking lots across America or at OnTheBlacktop.com.

Editor's note: High-resolution image of this recipe available for download at www.avocadocentral.com.