Guacamole

Step 1: Choose avocados by removing the little seed, and do not choose ones that look dark there. Ripe avocados have a slight give to them; when yours is at the peak of ripeness, you can refrigerate to halt any further ripening for a day or so.

Step 2: Halve avocados; easily remove seed by rapping it with a sharp utility knife (just enough so the knife sticks onto the seed), giving a slight twist and pulling out, remove fruit by running a spoon next to skin.

Step 3: Place avocado in bowl and mash with fork; immediately mix in lime juice, incorporating well.

Step 4: Mix in remaining ingredients; serve immediately. What you do not use will begin to turn dark; place plastic wrap right on the guacamole and try to seal out all air- this is not foolproof, but it helps. Dark guac is caused by oxygenation. The lime juice also helps to retard spoilage.