Don't dip! Fresh Food Concepts, Inc. is voluntarily recalling a variety of Layer Dip products containing guacamole over concerns that the avocados used may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the FDA.
Unholy Guacamole: Layer Dip Recall For Potential 'Avocado Pulp' Contamination
No More Local Guacamole? California's Avocado Industry Could Face Severe Threat
If it happens, some are calling it the end of California's avocado dominance. The state's $300 million-a-year industry -- it brings the United States 90 percent of the nation's avocados, much of it from Southern California coastal areas -- has been facing competition from Peru since January. But competition is not what the industry is, at least, publicly fearing, it's what imported avocados can bring.
Do It Yourself: California Avocado Tacos from the Border Grill Truck
We are fortunate in California to be the home of the avocado, and the velvety, creamy and good-for-you fruit happens to be really versatile. Although sometimes there's nothing quite like cutting a ripe avocado in half, dusting it with salt and pepper, and digging in with a spoon, there are plenty of ways to get cooking with avocados.
Eye Nosh: Hungry Cat's Avocado Cocktail
Food bloggers What You See is What You Eat are back in the LAist Featured Photos pool with this refreshing and unusual cocktail from The Hungry Cat in Hollywood. They said: "Where else are you going to see the bartender take a slice of avocado, muddle it up with some hard spirits, and then give it to you like it is normal to muddle whole slices of fruit and put it in a drink?" Yes, $13 might be a bit pricey for some, but the Cat's original cocktails are always worth the splurge.
Extra Extra: Less Fire, More Donuts!
As firefighters sought to contain the smoldering remains of California, officials are keying in on how the fires started. One of the largest fires, the Santiago fire that burned 22,000 acres was, reportedly set by an arsonist. President Bush toured parts of California and declared, "We're not going to forget you in Washington D.C." I guess he didn't visit any poor children. There's at least one good story to come out of this tragedy....

