HOW TO No. 1, GUACAMOLE

I am starting a new section - the How To Do Stuff Like Wee section! Lately everyone seems to want cooking tips. In honor of my California roots I thought I would start with Guacamole! All the ingredients can be found at Whole Foods or a local farmer's market. Note: this contains a lot of raw garlic, make and eat at the risk of your comapnions! He he!!!

one Haas avocado
some onion or shallot
a bit of crushed red pepper flake
3 garlic cloves
10 cherry tomatoes
1/2 jalapeño
lemon juice
plain yogurt or creme fraiche
mexican spices


collect all your ingredients, one large bowl, fork, small bowl (for trash), large knife


clear your work space


look my garlic sprouted! no matter




finely mince the garlic, it will become fluffy




next coarse chop the jalapeño (for less heat seed first)




now coarse chop your onion (I used a shallot because that's what I had)


for size comparison


time to quarter the tomatoes (you can cut smaller if you prefer)


dust with the mexican spices


I use this kind (it's great with lime juice on melon!!)






all in the bowl (don't forget the red pepper flake)


now slice the avocado and remove the pit -- do NOT discard




cut the flesh into small squares and add to the bowl


take your fork and mash, mash, mash (it will remain chunky, for a smoother texture mash avocado separately then combine with the other ingredients)






add creme fraiche or yogurt to improve the creaminess


creme fraiche can be overpowering, add slowly, taste often




you can see the chunky texture


finally, dress with a dash of lemon juice and add the pit to keep from going brown


serve with chips or pita


throw out the small bowl of trash and you are finished! Now enjoy!