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There are football fans and there are FOOTBALL FANS. Then, there’s me. My devotion to the sport is extremely questionable, but I still look forward to the season. Why? Two words: football food.  Nachos, salsa, chips, wings — it’s all good. But whether I opt to make chili and cornbread or creamy crab dip, guacamole is one thing that’s always on my table. Here’s what you need to know to make delicious guac every time.

Guacamole: The Keys to Success
I don’t claim to make a super-traditional guacamole, but it is super-delicious. Here are some pointers to make your guac rock:

Pick the right avocados. Hass avocados (the small ones with black, pebbly skin) are much creamier than the larger green variety. If you’re shopping ahead of game day, choose avocados that are heavy for their size and don’t indent when you apply pressure.  To speed the ripening process at home, place them in a brown paper bag on the counter — hard avocados ripen in about three days. Once they’re perfect, store them in the fridge to stop the ripening process. If you plan to use the avocados the day you buy them, use this simple test:  Push gently with your thumb at the top of the fruit near the stem. You want the fruit (yes, fruit!) that indents only slightly when you apply pressure.

Slice and dice. To prep your perfectly ripe avocados,  cut them in half, then remove the pit using a chef’s knife — carefully whack the avocado with the knife, then twist it into a towel. Be careful!

Image courtesy Food Network

On a cutting board, slice the avocado halves in long pieces, then crosswise into squares. This will make it easier to mash evenly.

Image courtesy Food Network

Keep it simple. The best guac is a simple one. Sure, you can add crazy ingredients, but why mess with what works? Here’s the recipe I use every time:

Chunky Guacamole
Serves 6-8

Ingredients
1/2 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 Hass avocados, diced
1 plum tomato,  seeded and diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 lime
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, or to taste

Directions
On a small cutting board, sprinkle the teaspoon salt on top of the chopped onion and garlic. Using a fork or the side of a chef’s knife, smash into a paste. (This will mellow the flavor of the onion and garlic and help it meld with the guac.) Scrape into a bowl.

Add the chopped avocado and the juice of 1/2 lime. Mash until it just holds together but is still slightly chunky. Add diced tomatoes and cilantro, stir to combine. Add the Sriracha sauce. Add more lime and salt to taste. Serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear.

Want more game day inspiration? Find more delicious appetizer ideas perfect for the season.