Simply Amazing Guacamole

Simply Amazing Guacamole

This is a healthy treat that is great as a dip, condiment or sauce. Classically it goes with tortilla chips. However, I love to dip romaine lettuce instead of chips as a healthy alternative. This is best made fresh and consumed immediately.

Hass avocados are available throughout the year, though they are the most abundant and at their best during the spring and summer in California, and October in Florida. During the fall and winter months, you can find Fuerto, Zutano and Bacon varieties which are fine for making guacamole.

Avocado is derived from the Aztec word "ahuacatl."

Health Benefits: Although avocados are fruits, they have a high fat content of between 71 to 88% of their total calories - about 20 times the average for other fruits. A typical avocado contains 30 grams of fat, but 20 of these fat grams are health-promoting monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe Haas (or avocados the size of your fist) avocados. To check for ripeness, the avocado should be soft, but not mushy to the touch. To ripen avocados, keep them in a closed plastic or paper bag over night.

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• Half a small red onion, small dice

• 1 tomato, seeded (take out the meat! Cut it in half and scoop out the insides), small dice

• 1 tablespoon of chili powder

• Juice of a fresh lime

• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Bowl

• Whip or potato masher

• Measuring spoon


Preparation (Do it!)

1. Cut your tomatoes, garlic and onions and set aside.

2. Using a chef's knife, cut the avocado in half. To do this, plunge your knife into the flesh and cut around the seed in the fruit. Twist off the halves with your hands. Take your knife, plunge it into the seed and pull it out to to remove it. With a spoon, scoop out the meat of the avocado. Put it in a bowl and whip or mash it.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to taste.