What makes a good guacamole?

Cooking techniques were fresh in our mind after Monday's cooking class. So we put ours to the test with a Guacamole contest. Students put it all on the line and took risks to earn the title of Best Guacamole. Students worked in their Spanish level groups and took a trip to the famous market of Lucas de Gálvez to buy their ingredients. Each group had the task of choosing a secret ingredient that could either make or break their Guacamole. 

The elite group of judges made up of CIEE Staff were looking for four specific things, 1) Flavor 2) The presentation of the plate 3) How the group verbally presented their dish and 4) the secret ingredients. Level 1 chose takis and green orange as their secret ingredients- a little spice and acidity. Level 2-A played it safe and chose garlic as their secret ingredient and presented it to the judges with a choreographed dance. Level 2-B went big with pineapple guacamole and got major points for their presentation. Level 3 chose not one, but three secret ingredients; mango, tajin and green orange and recieved the highest points for flavor. Each group collaborated and came up with a tasty dish. There was a tie in the final decision so Level 2-B and Level 3 were both named winners. It was great to see the students work together and take the compeition so seriously. Students now have a better idea of what goes into making a great guacamole. 

Stay tuned for blog posts about our big overnight trip this weekend!