Fresh and Simple Guacamole

I have to confess that I've made this guacamole recipe a few times. The problem is that I'm usually whipping it up so fast I forget to take pictures of all the steps.  Now, I think I have enough pictures to piece together for a blog post.  I just made this for a Cinco de Mayo potluck and quadrupled the recipe. I rarely have leftovers.  I remember one time that I was making batches as fast as people were eating it. This is a good basic recipe for guacamole. The avocado, lime, garlic, and cilantro flavors meld and soar together in this simple recipe.  However, depending on who you are serving (kids, adults, or a combination) feel free to add more or less of the basic ingredients, and any or all of the optional list.

Fresh and Simple Guacamole

3 to 4 ripe avocados (I usually use 4)

1 lime, juiced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves, minced

sea salt

Other great ingredients to add to taste

1/4 cup of red onion, minced (optional)

tomato, diced (optional)

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)

chili powder (optional)

cumin (optional)

cayenne pepper (optional)

1. Cut avocados in half.

2. Carefully hit the avocado seed with a large sharp knife. Instead of holding the avocado half in your hand (as pictured) it will be safer to place it on a cutting board. 

3. Lift the knife to remove the seed.

4. Cut a criss cross pattern in the avocado without cutting through the skin.

5. Use a large spoon to scoop out the avocado cubes into a bowl.

6. Mince the cilantro and garlic clove, and add the juice of the lime to the avocado mixture.

7. Mix the guacamole with a fork until you reach the consistency that you like. I like my guacamole chunky, but if you prefer it completely smooth you can use an immersion blender to make it smooth. Add salt to taste.

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