Summer Guacamole

Summer is almost over, but avocados are in season right now. I adore avocados. When I see one that is so perfectly ripe and fresh, the most delicious thing I can do to it is cut a slice, then sprinkle salt and lime before eating it. It's also great on sandwiches. I've tried a croquette sandwich with just tomato and avocado on Cuban bread, and it is worth repeating. I truly appreciate the simple, creamy flavor of avocado but on the other hand, who doesn't love guacamole?

Two ingredients that will make your guacamole: fresh lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Two tips for using these: use every part of the cilantro- those stems are not taboo! They are flavorful, edible, and chopping them with the leaves reduces a lot of work involved in their separation. As far as the limes go, I read a great tip from Budget Bytes: if you microwave them for 20-30 sec. you can get more juice out of them! Lo & behold it is true! Just don't burn yourself. This guac will be sublime, just you wait and see. 

Here's what you need:

2 large, ripe avocados

2 small cloves of garlic, crushed

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

2 fresh limes

pinch of cayenne

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tomato, finely diced

1/2 large onion, minced

3 tbsp washed & minced cilantro (stems and all!)

Quarter your avocados and peel off the rind. Throw them in a large mixing bowl and mash them. I used a hand mixer. Add the garlic, salt, spices, olive oil, and lime juice and mix well into the avocado puree. (sorry, no picture of this step!)

I mixed in the cilantro, onion, and tomato last.

The avocados were the perfect texture! Look at that good stuff!