Guacamole

 Ingredients (makes about 2 cups)

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 small onion, minced

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 pickled jalapeño chili, seeded and minced (optional)

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Halve and pit the avocados and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados coarse with a fork; stir in remaining ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Guacamole may be made 2 hours in advance, its surface covered with plastic wrap, and chilled.