Vegetable Pick-ups

Ingredients

• 2 California avocados, seeded, peeled and mashed
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 4 to 6 drops hot pepper sauce
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 3-inch pieces
• ¼ pound fresh mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 each green and red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thick strips
• garnishes: fresh chives, parsley sprigs, radish slices, olive slices, pecan or walnut halves

Directions

1. Blend avocados, cream cheese, butter, lemon juice and hot pepper sauce in blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Spoon filling into celery pieces, mushroom caps and pepper strips or use pastry tube to pipe filling onto vegetables.
3. Garnish each as desired and serve.