How to Make Great Guacamole

Thank you Vicki for this fabulous naturally gluten free recipe that is full of flavor and vegetables. Whenever we have a family get together, my good friend Vicki ( by request) always brings her homemade guacamole. For some reason, her guacamole is a crowd pleaser. Mine is usually good, but hers is actually great every time. I finally asked her for her recipe and am sharing it with you today.

A great guacamole recipe starts with a perfectly ripe avocado.
Choosing a ripe avocado can be tricky. Picking ripe avocados to use for guacamole reminds me of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Sometimes they are too soft,
sometimes they are too hard ,
but sometimes they are just right!

But how do you know? Here is how to pick a perfect avocado for guacamole. 

A Simple Trick to tell if an avocado is ripe

One simple way to tell if an avocado is ready to be used for making guacamole is to remove the stem. The stem will reveal the condition of the avocado flesh without having to open the avocado. 

1. If the stem comes off easily - the avocado is ripe- but is it too ripe?
2. Once you remove the stem, if under the stem, it appears white- it is perfect
3. If under the stem, it appears brown- the avocado is too ripe and probably will be brown inside and won't be usable. 

Now Let's Talk Health- 
Avocados are an important source of healthy fats that are really good for you. 
They are also high in fiber and loaded with vitamins. So, guacamole makes a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer at a party. Guacamole is allergy friendly as it is gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and egg free. 

Do You Like Cilantro? 
Vicki's guacamole recipe calls for cilantro. If you do not like cilantro , you can leave it out completely. Personally, I think it adds a great taste. 
However, I know there are those that hate it. 

Did you know that cilantro tastes like soap to some people? It actually is has to do with their genes. Some people are genetically predisposed for cilantro to taste funny to them. So, if you are one of the 14% of the population who just can't stand the taste of cilantro, there is a good reason!

The New York Times ran an article called, Cilantro Haters, It's Not Your Fault and 
The Huffington Post ran this article, Science Explains Why Cilantro Tastes Like Soap for Certain People  

How do you feel about cilantro? Do you love it or hate it? 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Serves: 6 

Ingredients: 

2 Haas type avocados, peeled and sliced. Need Help?  How to peel and cut an avocado
2-3 large organic tomatoes, diced

3-4 scallions, chopped 

1/2 bunch of organic cilantro, chopped

Himalayan Salt and Cracked pepper to taste

Juice of 1 large organic lime ( Trader Joe's sells them by the bag very economically) 

Directions:

In a large bowl, mash the avocado, then add the tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro. Add the juice of 1 large lime and mix gently. Season to taste with the salt and pepper. 

Optional: you could add some chopped up cucumber if you like

My notes: 

**If you are not sure how to peel and cut an avocado check out this link:  How to peel and cut an avocado

** If you make the guacamole in advance, place the avocado pit in the guacamole to keep it from turning color.

I'm linking this post to my list of weekly blog carnival