Perfect Guacamole

In mortar, combine jalapeño, cilantro, onion, and salt; with pestle, grind until mixture becomes juicyand thick (onion can still be slightly chunky).

Cut each avocado lengthwise in half around seed. Twist halves in opposite directions to separate. Slipspoon between pit and fruit and work pit out. With spoon, scoop fruit from peel onto cutting board.

Cut tomato crosswise in half. Squeeze halves to remove seeds and juice. Coarsely chop tomato.

If mortar is large enough, add avocado and chopped tomato to onion mixture in mortar. (If mortar is small, combine avocado, tomato, and onion mixture in bowl.) Mash slightly with pestle or spoon untilmixture is blended but still somewhat chunky.

Guacamole is best when served as soon as it’s made. If not serving right away, press plastic wrapdirectly onto surface of guacamole to prevent discoloration and refrigerate up to 1 hour. Serve with chips. Makes about 13⁄4 cups.

Nutritional information is based on a 1-tablespoon serving.