Holy Guacamole!!! This stuff right here is sooooo good that it keeps me from emptying a bag Ruffles chips and a container of onion dip (most of the time). Good news is that it’s also sooooo good for you! The avocados alone contain more potassium than bananas and are loaded with heart healthy types of fats. And then, there’s the laundry list of vitamins that tomatoes gift to us. We’ve all heard rumors about garlic helping combat sickness, but what you might not know is that limes can give us beautiful glowing skin! This does it for me right there. We like to snack on this during a good movie together or dollop it on top of my home made quesadillas. (I crave quesadillas regularly, like a preggo girl craves pickles and ice cream.) This recipe originated from Ina Garten’s guac recipe (of course), but as time went on I realized that I have veered further from her recipe and developed one of my own! I must say, I’m semi-famous for it – at least with my hubby. 😉 If you want to be famous for your guacamole, here ya go!…

3 ripe avocados, pits removed and diced into big chunks

1/2 a lg tomato, seeded and diced

1/4 C finely diced onion – red is my favorite, but any variety will do

1/8 – 1/4 C freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro

1 lg minced garlic clove

1 – 1 1/2 tsp salt

Mix ingredients together in a bowl, being careful to keep chunks in tact.

*These measurements are a starting place. Feel free to play around and add everything to taste – if you prefer a strong garlic taste, then go for it. If you like a good zing, add more lime juice or cilantro. You may also need more salt, depending on the type of chip you use for scooping.

Some helpful tips:

*Rinse onion under very cold water before dicing, and it will save you some tears

*If your avocados aren’t fully ripe, place them in paper bag on window sill in sunlight, and voila, within a few hours they will be ready to go!

*Dice guac pieces large, as they will break up when you mix in other ingredients.  I much prefer fresh home made hearty guac over that overly pureed grocery store crapola! Give this a try, and you will too! Prep time is no more than 5 min.

*to help preserve leftovers, spritz guac with some lemon or lime juice and then store in refrigerator with saran wrap pressed directly over top (not just over the bowl).

*Food Pictures by: Rebecca O’hara Photography