Updated to add a new photo on 3.9.13

We are both convinced that there are few things better than really delicious guacamole. It makes a great lunch, snack, or dinner. Our mom likes to buy the guacamole from Trader Joe’s, and we like it too, but homemade is way better. We’ve made this a couple times now but we were unable to get a picture because it disappeared so fast! This guacamole is so flavorful. The lime, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro combined with a few perfectly ripe avocadoes make this a snack good enough to eat on its own. We ate it as a meal, with corn chips, and did not regret it! Best of all, this guacamole is fairly quick to whip up. It is not to be missed! Plus, even though they are high-calorie, avocados are very good for you!

Guacamole

Serves 4-5 people as an appetizer

From the Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook

Ingredients

3 ripe avocados (generally, avocados are 2-3 days from ripeness when you buy them. Let them sit at room temperature to ripen)

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, we usually use about 1/4 teaspoon per batch because we don’t love cumin)

Salt, to taste (start with about 1/4 teaspoon)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

In a bowl, mash one of the avocados with the jalapeno, onion, garlic, cumin, and cilantro. Dice the two remaining avocados (here is a handy tutorial on slicing the avocado. Just dice the slices and they will be the right size for the guacamole.) and add them to the bowl. Sprinkle the lime juice over the diced avocados and stir into the mashed avocado mixture. Add salt to taste. Garnish with extra cilantro. Serve immediately with corn chips (or on these wraps). Enjoy!

Side note: If you prefer a smoother guacamole, simply mash all the avocados with the other ingredients at once (recently, we’ve been making our guacamole smoother).

To prepare ahead, make as directed. Put the guacamole into a bowl and sprinkle with a little more lime juice. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it against the guacamole. Top with another layer of plastic wrap over the top of the bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use, and then stir before serving.