Mama Perez's guacamole

If you are like me, you are ready for freakin' summer already! Or, if you live where I do, you are ready for spring to work it out. The other day I was feeling summery and one of my favorite summery foods is guacamole. My mom used to make some awesome, out of this world guacamole and it was always a favorite at family gatherings, birthdays and summer parties. Guacamole for some reason is really intimidating for most people. Do not fear! The following recipe is an easy winner!

Mama Perez's Guacamole

2 ripe avocados*
1 small onion finely chopped
1 small tomato (or a couple Roma tomatoes) diced
1 lemon
salt and pepper
1/4 cup cilantro (optional)

*A note about choosing avocados: choose avocados that are black- the blacker the better and generally, more ripe. Sometimes they will put stickers on that say "ripe." Do not be fooled! What you do is, feel the avocado and give it a little squeeze. If is gives a little very easily, it is ripe. If is does not give at all, it is not ripe and it will be nearly impossible for you to make anything with it. Remember: dark black and soft.

To make the guacamole begin by slicing the avocados in half long ways:  

Next, use a large spoon to scoop out the avocado from the shell. Place in bowl. Scoop the seed out and set it aside. Use a fork or potato masher to mash avocado.

When avocado is mashed, add onion, tomato and cilantro, if you would like.

Mix all ingredients together. Add the juice of one lemon (watch for seeds). Add salt and pepper to taste. I think what make my mom's guac was that she knew the exact amount of salt to use so that it was yummy but not too much.

Lastly, place the saved avocado seed into the middle of the guacamole. It will keep the guacamole from going brown right away. Avocados are one of those foods that go brown pretty quick. If your guac starts to go brown, just give it a stir. I would definitely say to keep it cool, store in a fridge and try to eat within 1-2 days after making it for best taste and least risk of food poisoning. :)

Ta-da! Super-easy! Salud!