Guacamole recipe

guacamole:
For my first recipe, I figured I would start easy. This is an oldie but a goodie.  What says a good time like guacamole?!  I know it is December, but I made this for my mom the other night, and it reminded me that guac is never out of style...

The wonderful thing about guacamole is that you can add whatever ingredients you desire, and the amount you use is at your own discretion. I will give you a basic recipe, but you should absolutely take creative liberties with this one. 

The main ingredients EVERY guacamole should have:

  Avocados (1 for each person as an appetizer)

Course Salt- approx. 1 tsp

Cilantro- at least 1/4 cup

Freshly squeezed lime juice- half a lime

Finely chopped red onions-at least 1/4 cup

Optional Ingredients depending on your mood:

Chopped tomatoes for a sweet touch

jalapeño peppers (or hotter peppers) if you're adventurous

sour cream if creamier is better

 

 I have several small suggestions that make a BIG difference:

1. Because red onions are so strong, be sure to finely chop them in order to preserve the flavor but lessen the shock. (see picture above)
2. Also, in choosing chips, less is more. Don't choose a "hint of lime" or this or that. Just stick with the basic tortilla chips and let the guac take the spotlight. This shouldn't be a competition...
3. Cut the avocado in small chunks, but then mash them to your consistency before adding the other ingredients. If you want it really smooth, pop it in the food processor.
4. Use something like this for an authentic feel: Vasconia 4-Cup Granite Molcajete

  
And finally, add it all together. You will figure out what you like. As every chef knows, taste test before you serve! If it is too acidic, add a little more tomatoes or sour cream. If it is not punchy enough, add salt, cilantro, or peppers. Keep adding until it melts in your mouth. This is one of my favorite recipes because if I have had a bad day, shazam! Pop in some serious sour cream and extra cilantro. If I'm mellow, I just stick to the basics. Enjoy, and have fun with this!

¡Buen Provecho!

Lindsay 

p.s. if you want to learn more about the history and variations of guacamole, check out Gourmet Sleuth's Guacamole page