I’ve been bringing guac and chips to parties and get-togethers for years. I first started with the powder packets that tell you to add the avocados, but soon found them to be flavorless or too salty. I then came across a basic recipe of avocados, onions, salt and lime. Over time I added somethings that worked and others that sounded cool, but didn’t really change or enhance the flavor to any noticeable degree. I tried other folks’ guacamole and shamelessly stole and tried to recreate their recipe. That’s the wonderful thing about guacamole, it lends itself to tweaking and experimentation quite easily. So check this out. Add more or less of what I’ve written and see how that tastes. Toss in some corn or tomatoes if that’s what you like. Sprinkle it with some cinnamon and nutmeg. Be creative and maybe you’ll hit upon that magical combination that will have people asking you for the recipe or to bring it again. And again.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Avocadoes (mashed)
• 1/2 small Onion (minced)
• 1 Jalapeno (minced) – I use Serrano Chilies and I keep the seeds for that extra kick.
• 1 clove Garlic (minced) – I usually substitute 1 tsp. of Garlic Paste just to keep my hands from smelling like garlic.
• 1/2 tsp. Ginger paste (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. ground Cumin
• 1/2 tsp. Salt – to taste
• 2 Tbsp. Cilantro (minced)
• juice of one Lime

Method:

Cut the avocados in half. With a spoon, discard the pit and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. Mash the avocados until mostly smooth. If you like your guac a little on the chunky side, then ease up on the mashing.

Mix in the onion, jalapeno, garlic, and ginger. I like to mince these up as fine as I can so that I don’t get a chunk of onion or garlic when I eat. Now add the spices – cumin and salt. Then mix in the cilantro and lime juice.

It usually takes 5-10 min. for the flavors to blend together. Then check for taste. Often, the quick fix is a little more salt to bring out the flavors. If you want a bit more heat, I suggest a small sprinkle chili powder or, for the fearless, another minced jalapeno.

Serve and enjoy with your favorite chips!