Ultimate Guacamole | Friday Night Bites

I love a great dip.  Whether it is a perfect caramelized onion dip, spinach dip with crunchy water chestnuts or flavored hummus – it is one of the most simple appetizers to prepare.  Although I don’t indulge too often, a great handmade guacamole is a treat around our house.  It is a beginning of summer type dip that typically in California and other parts of the country comes out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  I missed the boat this year on celebrating this holiday, so I whipped up my Ultimate Guacamole for our Friday Night Bite weekly tradition.

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Sure, there are a million ways you can make guacamole and whatever is your favorite is the right way, in my opinion.  I tend to like to pack a big punch of flavors in mine and it even becomes better the next day.  Not always sure if there will be some for the next day. 

The ingredients and quantities I put into my recipe work for me.  You may want to add more or less of an ingredient.  You could substitute limes for lemons or create a combination of both.  You could use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.  It could be interesting to use small heirloom cherry tomatoes to add a dimension of color.  The possibilities are endless. 

As far as cocktail or wine pairing for guacamole, the standard would be a cold beer.  You could also whip up a pitcher of Sangria, either red or white.  Would love to hear your ideas on unique ingredients you put into your guacamole!

Ultimate Guacamole

4 Ripe Avocados

2/3 Cup Onion, minced

2 Jalapenos, seeded and minced

½ Cup Cilantro, rough chopped

2 Limes, juiced

3 to 4 Garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ Cup Grape tomatoes, cut in half

1 teaspoon Salt

8 to 10 grinds of fresh pepper

In a large bowl add the ripe avocados.  Simply slice the avocado lengthwise and use a large knife to remove the pit.  Scoop out the avocado from the shell.  Repeat until all four are complete.  Use a fork to mash avocado until creamy.

Add the minced onion, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper.  Mix well with a spoon.  Taste to determine if you need to add more of any ingredient.  Last, add the tomatoes and gently toss into the avocado mixture.  Let sit in refrigerator for an hour and taste again for adjustments to the seasoning.  Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.