Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 ripe avocados (should be soft to the touch but not mushy)

• 2 lemons, juiced

• 1/2 clove garlic, pressed or minced

• salt to taste

• paprika or cayenne for color

Directions

Although I have encountered a number of guacamole recipes over the years this is my favorite — it’s pure and true to the featured fruit. If you are looking to spice things up a bit you can always add a chopped jalepeno, habanero, or green chile.

Halve avocados removing pits *. Scoop the fruits’ flesh into a bowl. Add the juice of two lemons and the garlic that has been thoroughly minced or pressed. Start with just a pinch of salt and check in as you go to see if you have enough. Using the back of a fork mash the contents of the bowl together until you have no lumps left and all ingredients are combined. Check once more for correct seasoning, add whatever might be needed, mix again as appropriate. Then place pit in the center of the dip, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving remove the pit the pit and sprinkle with just a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for color.

NOTE: save the pits if there is any lag time between making the guacamole and serving it. Place one in the center of your dip to keep it from browning quickly.