Easy Guacamole

    Nothing feels fresher to me than making homemade guacamole.  You truly control the quality of each ingredient and it's so easy to put together.  Below is the recipe for my take on the classic guacamole.  It has a touch of smokiness.  Keep in mind I like my guacamole a little spicy. 

Easy Smoky Guacamole Recipe

3 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled

1/2 medium onion, diced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced (seeded if mild guacamole preferred)
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced 

Juice of 1 lime, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Combine juice of 1/2 lime and avocado.  Mash lightly with a fork to desired texture.  Add remaining ingredients and fold to combine.  Top with juice of remaining 1/2 lime, immediately cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.  Let sit for 1 hour.  Restir before serving to incorporate lime juice. 

     The key to this recipe is the division of the lime juice.  Letting your guacamole rest is an essential part of the process.  It lets the flavors combine to make your guacamole even that more delicious!  However, when entertaining, most people feel like they have to make it up right before the crowd arrives so that it won't turn brown.  The trick is to add the second half of the lime juice to the top of guacamole just before wrapping it in plastic wrap and sticking it in the fridge.  This slows the browning process and keeps your guacamole fresh and green.

    A couple of other methods for keeping your guacamole from browning:

- Place the pit of one avocado in the bowl 

- When wrapping in plastic wrap, allow plastic to touch surface of the guacamole to reduce air exposure

    When it comes down to it, you probably won't need to keep it green for days because it will probably be gone!  With that said, I've had it keep for at least 48 hours with the lime method alone.  Enjoy!