Holiday Hass Avocado and Au Gratin Potatoes
  Serves: 4
  (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/LATU046-a)

  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 1/2-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 1/2 cup Jarlsberg
     cheese.
  5. Pour into baking dish, making sure that all potatoes are submerged in
     the liquid.
  6. Bake in 350 degrees F 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 Saute
  Serves: 4

  Ingredients
  -- 1 1/2 Tbsp. avocado oil or olive oil
  -- 2 tsp. garlic cloves, finely chopped
  -- 1/2 large shallot, finely chopped
  -- 1/2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
  -- 3 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and
     sliced 1/4-inch thick
  -- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
  -- 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
  -- 1 1/2 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, saute 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.