Easy Guacamole

I’m game for guacamole any day. What could be simpler (or more delicious) than mashing a few fresh avocados with some chile peppers, lime juice and cilantro?

There’s lots of debate about what makes the best guacamole recipe. I think the best guacamole recipe is the one you customize to your personal tastes. (Makes sense, huh?) Here’s my base recipe for guacamole. They key is to start with ripe avocado, and then modify the recipe based on your flavor preferences and what you have on hand.

Ideas for customizing basic guacamole recipes:
-To increase the heat add a dash of hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper. Or, leave the seeds and ribs in the hot chile peppers.
-Add a clove or two of chopped fresh garlic or roasted garlic.
-Stir in chopped white or green onion.
-Add a spoonful of salsa verde or chipotle salsa.
-Top with pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh mango or cucumber.

Easy Guacamole
2 medium ripe Hass avocados
1 to 2 jalapeno or serrano chile peppers, seeded and chopped
1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Cut each avocado in half; remove and discard pits. Spoon flesh of avocados into medium bowl. Coarsely mash avocado with fork or potato masher. Stir in chile pepper, tomato, cilantro and lime juice. Season to taste with salt.

Serve with fresh veggies and tortilla chips or pita chips. Also makes a great spread for sandwiches, wraps and burritos.

Makes 4 servings