EASY GUACAMOLE

this is a mexican classic that everybody should know how to make! it's a simple, refreshing, and healthy treat that can be snacked on with tortilla chips, spread into tacos and fajitas, or dolloped on top of chilies and soups! a ripe avocado fruit when gently mashed becomes creamy and buttery- therefore the tang of some lemon and lime juice and a sharp sprinkle of salt makes a perfect evenness of flavors. so i suggest, as well as many health specialists, to utilize this recipe and get the most out of this super food!

INGREDIENTS:
1 ripe hass avocado (the dark green/black, bumpy looking kind)
1 small tomato, seeds removed and chopped
2 tsp small diced red onion
2 tsp lime juice
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small fresh garlic clove, minced)
1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
-slice the avocado in half, remove pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the avocado fruit
-place the fruit into a medium sized mixing bowl, and mash with a fork (mash it as smooth or as chunky as you prefer)
-add tomato, onion, juices, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cilantro and mix to combine
-enjoy!
SHOUT OUTS:
my version of a classic.. delicious with tortilla chips, in fajitas, or on top of enchiladas. can't go wrong!

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-try mixing in add-ins like blue cheese, black beans, or bacon
-a ripe avocado should slightly give when pressed lightly with your finger
-if the avocado is not ripe when you buy it, ripen it on the counter for a few days, or you can ripen it quicker if you place it in a brown bag with an apple, banana, or tomato to speed up the process
-you can certainly leave out tomatoes, onions, or cilantro if you'd like, or if you don't have them on hand. it'll just then be a delicious, simpler version of my guac!
-spread the guacamole on a piece of sandwich bread instead of mayonnaise
-to learn how to easily cut an avocado, check this out!

LESSONS LEARNED:
-why keep it with fruit? because the ethylene gas released from the fruit helps to quickly ripen the avocado
-if your avocado is ripe before you are ready to use it, keep it in the fridge to stop it from going bad (but eat it soon! the fridge can only keep it from going bad for a few days)
-besides being tasty- eating an avocado can help lower cholesterol, prevent strokes, provide breast and prostate cancer prevention, enhance memory, keep your heart healthy, and help your body better absorb certain nutrients
-eat in moderation! though high in monosaturated fat ('good fat'), beware of calories. 1/2 of an avocado (roughly 170 calories) is a good daily amount to intake; providing you 3 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber