HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE

Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you’re eating something spicy. It’s easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that’s too hot.

—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX


Start to Finish: 10 min. • Make: 2 cups

3 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped, optional

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup mayonnaise, optional

1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

In a small or medium-size bowl, mash avocados with garlic and salt. Stir in remaining ingredients.

HOW TO PEEL AN AVOCADO

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 Cut into the ripe avocado (not too hard, not too squishy!) from stem to stern until you hit the seed. Repeat to cut the avocado into quarters.

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 Twist to separate.

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 Pull out the seed.

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 Pull the skin back, just like a banana peel. Slice it or dice it as you like.