FRESH GUACAMOLE

YIELD: about 3 cups

Guacamole is best made with a knife and fork rather than a processor. This standard version allows for a range of "hotness" with the optional addition of jalapeño pepper.

INGREDIENTS

* ¼ small red onion

*1 tomato, seeded

*2 large avocados (3 if using the smooth green variety with large pits), peeled

*1-2 cloves garlic, mashed and chopped
*1 tablespoon olive oil

*3 tablespoons lime juice

*salt and pepper to taste
*1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Cut the onion, tomato, and avocado flesh into rough 1/-inch chunks. Mash them in a bowl with a sturdy fork, then add the remaining ingredients. Made in this way, the guacamole is particularly good as a substitute for salsa when the main dish is grilled meat or fish.