Guacamole Contest celebrates a favorite dish at the 36th California Avocado Festival

CARPINTERIA, Calif.-Heather Giacone credits a friend and coworker named Odelia for teaching her how to make her award winning guacamole.

"I work with this little Guatamalan lady and she taught me how to make guacamole so I kept it simple."

In return Giacone taught her how to read English and work the line at the restaurant where they work.

Giacone said Odelia also taught her how to be a better person.

She said she saw the last competition that had spiced bagel and bacon ingredients.

Giacone said corn helped her dish stand out at the Guacamole Contest at the 36th annual California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria.

"When I do my guacamole to keep it simple it is all about having it ripe and fresh and fresh lime juice, some salt, some tomatoes with the seeds out and some finely diced onion, and corn, really good corn, saute it fresh and then cool it down and then add it in the guac," said Giacone.

She also won second place for presentation.

Giacone, who works as a pastry chef at The Food Liaison in Carpinteria wins her name on a new trophy along with bragging rights.

If a guacamole-maker missed the contest this year, there is always next year.

Anyone can enter the contest.