Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Low near 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Low near 70F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Ripe avocado mixed with tomatoes and hot pepper sauce makes a tasty, vegetarian sandwich. Adding a little bought pesto sauce adds more flavor. This sandwich is perfect for a quick dinner.

You may have to plan a little in advance to ripen your avocado. One tip to help avocados ripen is to remove the stem and place them in a bag in a warm spot.

— You can use any type of bread.

— If pesto sauce isn’t available, use a mild drained salsa.

— You can use any type of shredded cheese.

To buy: 1 tomato, 2 small ripe avocados, 1 lemon, 1 small bottle hot pepper sauce, 1 container reduced-fat pesto sauce, 1 loaf whole wheat bread, 1 package Monterey Jack or Mexican-style cheese, 1 package washed, ready-to-eat lettuce, 1 cucumber and 1 bottle reduced-fat oil and vinegar dressing.

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1 small tomato, sliced (about 3/4 cup)

2 small ripe avocados, peeled, seed removed, mashed (about 1 cup)

Several drops hot pepper sauce

1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack or Mexican-style cheese

2 tablespoons reduced-fat oil and vinegar dressing

Slice tomato. Mash avocado in a bowl. Add lemon juice, hot pepper sauce and pesto sauce. Mix well. Toast bread. Spread avocado on 2 of the slices. Add sliced tomato to the avocado. Add cheese over the tomato. Place the two remaining bread slices on top to form a sandwich. Place on two plates. Divide the lettuce leaves between the two plates. Place cucumber slices on the lettuce. Drizzle dressing over the cucumber.

Per serving: 526 calories (57% from fat), 33.2 g fat (7.4 g saturated, 16.9 g monounsaturated), 21 mg cholesterol, 16.5 g protein, 43.3 g carbohydrates, 14.9 g fiber, 499 mg sodium.

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