a BOAT LOAD of guacamole...

Several heritage varieties of avos all ripe!

 If you ever need to make a TON of guacamole (not a real ton...but you know what I mean!) here are some tips on how to do it.

Recently the Diva's in-laws celebrated their 50th anniversary (congratulation Diva-in-laws!!). The MIL asked for guacamole for the big party - so here are a couple photos of how much I made... and some tips for making a BIG bowl.

TIPS: 
1. Buy the avocados ahead of time to ripen. Buy MORE than you think you will need - as they will not all ripen correctly. (Some will get too ripe, some will not ripen. 80% will be perfect).
2. Use a food processor to help you cut up the onions and cilantro. Do NOT process avocados - that will make them too processed and the avocados will be too watery or oily. Hand mash those with a potato masher.

A HUGE bowl of guac ready to be mixed

3. I recommend using small tomatoes (e.g. - cherry or tiny grape tomatoes). It's easier to cut them in half than to chop big tomatoes and take all the "goo" out of them. You don't want to leave the tomato gel and seeds ("goo") in such a big batch, as it will cause the dip to go watery. I did it the hard way... but that's 'cause I'm a Diva. I just gotta roll that way...
4. Use a LOT of sea salt - and FRESH ground pepper. I would also use granulated garlic to save time (v. fresh garlic). Make sure you taste as you make the avocado portion. Avocados are BLAND and need spice. If you want to make it SUPER easy - use my Guacamole Spice Mix.

Finished - with plastic RIGHT on the dip

5. Go light on the "heat" - whether you use chilis or a hot sauce (e.g. - Tapatilo or Tabasco).  You can always put a bottle next to the big bowl so people can add more heat if they like (especially at a 50th anniversary party - the older peeps preferred less heat than younger folks).
6. Be sure and use FRESH lemon or lime (and a lemon or lime squeezer makes the job MUCH easier!).
7. Make the guacamole ahead of time (24 hours or less) so the flavors meld. Cover the guacamole TIGHTLY (right on the dip) with a plastic wrap. Store in a non-metal dish (plastic or glass).  The top may get a bit brown - simply scrap off and throw away the top layer if it gets a bit dark.
8. Enjoy the party!!  Your LARGE bowl of dip will be a BIG hit!!  (get it...big...?!  ;-)