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.