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Makes 1½ cups (375 mL), enough for a nibble for 6 to 8 people

This is not guacamole, but a deliciously creamy combination of avocado and mint. Tortilla chips provide crunch with the dip, but chunky vegetables such as sweet pepper wedges or short fat celery sticks are also nice for scooping it up. Consider doubling this recipe if it is the only nibble served long before dinner or serve it at a drinks party.

Ingredients

1/3 to 1/2 cup (75 to 125 mL) reduced-fat sour cream
2 tsp (10 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh mint
¼ tsp (1 mL) salt
Dashes of hot sauce to taste
2 large ripe avocados
1 bag (230 to 300 g) tortilla chips

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, stir 1/3 cup (75 mL) sour cream with juice, garlic, mint, salt and hot sauce. (If making ahead, this mixture can be covered and refrigerated for up to a day.)

2. Cut avocados in 2; remove stones. Using a knife without a sharp point, score flesh into ¼-inch (5-mm) dice right down to leathery skin. Scoop flesh out into sour cream mixture. Mix, breaking up avocado dice as little as possible. Add more sour cream, tablespoonful by tablespoonful, as needed to achieve a thick yet creamy consistency.

3. This keeps well for up to half a day if plastic wrap is pressed directly onto dip surface and refrigerated. Pile mixture into a serving dish; garnish with sprigs of mint. Serve with tortilla chips.