Yummy, easy guacamole!

I was at Ralphs this weekend and came across some beautiful Haas avocados. When living on the East Coast, my girlfriends and I would regularly go to Mexican restaurants for their fresh guacamole, made table-side. After one too many high restaurant bills, I decided it was time I learned how to make that guacamole at home so I can enjoy it any time, for half the price! I introduced my husband to my fresh guacamole when we were in grad school, and he really loves it, so I bought two avocados to surprise him with this refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

1 juicy lime

2 large, ripe avocados

1/8 to 1/4 of a raw red onion, chopped

1/2 of a small bunch of cilantro, chopped (but not minced)

1 roma tomato, seeded and finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Remove the insides of the avocados and place in large mixing bowl. Discard inner pit and skins. Juice lime and pour juice over avocados quickly. This prevents the avocados from turning brown and keeps your guacamole bright green. Mix in the chopped onion, roma tomato, and cilantro. Taste and add salt and pepper accordingly. Mix again. A few cilantro leaves make a great garnish. Serve with chips.

A few things to note: If you want your guacamole spicier, you can add finely chopped chilies, or other chili sauces. While I use a roma tomato for this recipe, you can use any other tomato you like. The reason I like to use roma tomatoes is that they are denser, so they hold up well during the mixing. They are also sometimes brighter, and that adds a nice visual element to the food.