2 lg. ripe avocados
2-3 tbsp. lemon or lime juice, or to taste
Salt to taste, about 1/2 tsp.
Optional: 1/2 tsp. ground coriander seed or 2 tsp. minced cilantro (sometimes called Chinese parsley or fresh coriander)
Optional: 2-4 canned California green chiles (rinsed, seeded, and chopped) and/or cayenne, liquid hot-pepper seasoning, or minced hot green chiles(jalapeno, serrano, and others) to taste

Cut avocados in half, remove seeds, and scoop out pulp with a spoon, or peel. Mash pulp coarsely with a fork while blending in lemon or lime juice. Add salt and coriander, if used. Add the chopped chiles, cayenne, or pepper seasoning if you'd like a touch of heat. Makes about 1 2/3 cups Guacamole.

Add 1 clove of garlic, minced or mashed, 2 or 3 tablespoons minced onion, or both garlic and onion.

Blend mayonnaise into the mixture to give it a smoother consistency.

Mix in 1 pimiento, chopped, or as much as 1 tomato, chopped.

For a festive appearance, garnish with tomato wedges and cilantro or parsley sprigs, or sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the top.

Season the basic avocado mixture to suit your own taste, but the citrus juice is a must - it keeps the avocado from discoloring.