Happy Cinco With My Homemade Guacamole

Hope everyone is having a happy and safe Cinco de Mayo.  Whether you're out partying or staying in and making your own fiesta, I wanted to provide you with a fun recipe for something simple and quintessentially Mexican - Guacamole. 

I've made the below recipe on so many occasions that I've lost count.  It's always well received and people comment on how flavorful it is.  I have to say, the secret to making really good guacamole is to not skimp on salt.  There are so many mediocre guacs out there that would be oh so fabulous with just a pinch of salt.  You can make the version below chunky or smooth, that's up to you.  Enjoy it with good homemade tortilla chips.  See recipe for that below as well.

Foodista's Homemade Guacamole (serves 6)

Ingredients:
3 large, ripe avocados

The juice of 1/2 lemon or lime

1/4 cup or less (eyeball it) of chopped red onion
Small handful of golden raisins

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Cut the avocado in half and take out the pit.  Scoop out all the avocado flesh and place it in a medium bowl.  Add the onions and the lemon/lime juice and mash with a fork or a pestle.  Mash to the consistency that you prefer (I like it slightly chunky).  Add golden raisins at the end and mix roughly with a fork.  Season with salt and pepper.

I like to save the pit and serve it in the guacamole for a fancier presentation.

Homemade Tortilla Chips (serves 6)

Ingredients:
10-12 rounds of soft flour tortillas
Vegetable oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large deep pot (I like to use my Les Creuset), pour enough oil to cover about 1/3 of its depth.  Put the heat on medium - high to make sure the oil is super hot.

Cut the tortillas into eights and separate the pieces with your fingers.  When the oil is very hot, submerge the tortilla pieces into the oil.  Let them fry for about 2 - 3 minutes or until they look crispy and golden and float to the surface. 

Remove with a spider and drain.  Season with salt and pepper.