The Only Guacamole Recipe You Will Ever Need

My cousin Michelle (Big Cous) and I (Lil Cous) often like to refer to one of our college terms as, Winter of 08, in a not so loving way.

Winter of 08 was a little rough. For starters, it was winter. Neither one of us enjoy winter, especially in Corvallis, Oregon. Winters at OSU can get downright gloomy, especially when you come from an area who's slogan is, "Over 300 days of sunshine a year." 

Secondly, we were both getting over severally broken hearts, which I think know, contributed to most of our hatred for the term. 

To get through the term we would watch a lot of Food Network and cooking shows, sometimes on mute. Don't judge, it is actually very relaxing, just try it. In turn, we discovered a lot of great recipes but also gained some poundage since we were eating our emotions and not partaking in much physical activity. Just add that to the list of something else we would have to deal with once we pulled ourselves out of our funk.

One morning, as we were leisurely lying around, drinking coffee and watching Martha Stewart, we discovered two things on her show that would change our lives.

1. Ironing your bed linens before putting them on your bed.
2. Eva Longoria's guacamole recipe.

For the record, I do not always our iron bed linens, ain't nobody got time for that. However, I have ironed my pillowcases on occasion and it sets the feeling of getting into a freshly made bed, over the top. Take five minutes and try it the next time you are changing your bed sheets.

Moving on to more important things though, mainly Eva Longoria's guacamole recipe. Now, I do not remember if this is the EXACT recipe she shared that morning, but Big Cous and I have been making a version of this since Winter of 08. In my opinion it is the only guacamole recipe you will ever need and if you are currently using the powder pouches of guacamole seasoning to make this dip, please stop doing so and replace it with this recipe.

Keep the Cinco de Mayo celebrations going this week and try out this recipe! What are you doing today to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Winter of 08 Guacamole

4 ripe avocados (or 2 large Hass Avocados)
2 jalapenos
1/2 small red onion
2 tomatoes
1 bunch of cilantro
1 lemon
2 tsp. kosher salt

Before you start, DO NOT mix anything until instructed, this is a secret to guacamole making. 

Seed and chunk avocados and jalapenos, place in a medium size bowl (save one avocado seed/pit to place in guacamole once you are finished, this helps prevent browning). Dice onion and tomato and add to bowl. Dice tops off of cilantro, also add to the bowl. Sprinkle one teaspoon of kosher salt over the ingredients in the bowl. Cut lemon in half and squeeze the juice, of both halves, over ingredients, being careful to not let any seeds fall into mixture. Stir all ingredients together. Take a tortilla chip and taste, adding more salt if necessary. Plop avocado seed into bowl, cover with saran wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. 

Simple and fresh ingredients. Notice there is no powder packet?

Creamy avocado, mmmmm.

To get easy chunks, slice diagonally one way and then diagonally the other way. Then just scoop out with a spoon!

I like to live life on the edge so I leave the seeds and membranes in for extra heat. This is the part that the spiciness comes from.

If you look really closely you can see a heart, awwww.

Do not seed your tomatoes, the juice adds to the guacamole.

Some people are opposed to cilantro, I think they are crazy. Just kidding, but seriously. I would not suggest leaving it out in this recipe.

To catch the seeds while juicing the lemon, cup your hand and use it as a strainer.

If you do not have kosher salt you will want to only use 1/2 tsp. of table salt. Table salt has a much stronger, harsher taste than kosher salt.

Once it has chilled, serve in your favorite chip and dip bowl... Or just eat it straight of the mixing bowl. No judgement here.