Mario Lopez Brings Feliz Navidad Holiday Traditions to Life by Partnering with Avocados From Mexico

TV star/author shares recipes that meld Mexican and American holiday traditions

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Dec 17, 2013, 07:00 ET

FALLSTON, Md., Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Host of Extra and The X Factor Mario Lopez has partnered with Avocados From Mexico (AFM) to celebrate this holiday season by showcasing how his family combines Mexican and American holiday traditions, including the use of fresh avocados from Mexico in his favorite recipes. Those recipes and more are available on the AFM website to encourage consumers to embrace some Feliz Navidad flair by adding fresh avocados from Mexico to their own traditional holiday fare.

"Holiday traditions, especially the foods we prepare and serve together, are extremely important in my family, and fresh avocados from Mexico are a staple in many of those dishes because they are so versatile," Lopez said. "With busy schedules, family commitments and so much entertaining to be done, putting together a tasty spread needs to be simple. And these avocado-inspired dishes are just as easy to make as they are delicious."

Lopez is sharing some of his favorite holiday dishes to enjoy with family and friends this season. For breakfast he recommends an Egg Scramble – adding avocado and tomato for delicious flavor and nutrition, as well as festive holiday colors. At lunch or for a casual dinner, the recipe for Chicken Enchiladas w/Black Bean, Avocado and Corn Salsa brings to mind a traditional family staple. And for a dinner to impress holiday guests, Mario recommends Grilled Lemon and Herb Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Aioli.

"Mario is a natural fit to help us spread the word that holidays are the perfect time to begin incorporating fresh avocados into recipes," noted Ed Figueroa, Chairman of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA). "Since avocados from Mexico are available all year long, consumers can expect the same quality and freshness at the holidays as they get making a refreshing salad during the summer."

Additionally, the AFM Holiday Entertaining & Feliz Navidad program encourages consumers to incorporate Mexican traditions through a partnership at retail with Modelo beer. The promotion features a coupon offer: buy three avocados from Mexico and save $3.00 instantly on a 12-pack of Modelo (with beer purchase), or buy three avocados from Mexico and save $2.00 instantly on any fresh pork purchase of $5.00 or more (without beer purchase). The retail promotion is also supported by display bins with high-impact holiday campaign creative and recipe tear pads highlighting a custom recipe from Chef Rick Bayless – the Avo-Chipotles Cemita Sandwich.

To learn more, visit the Avocados From Mexico Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AvocadosFromMexio, or website, http://www. AvocadosFromMexio.com.

About Avocados From Mexico

Avocados From Mexico (AFM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Mexican Avocado Producers & Packers (APEAM A.C.) have combined resources to fund and manage AFM, with the intent to provide a focused, highly effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. AFM is headquartered in Fallston, MD.

SOURCE Avocados From Mexico