Guacamole in three stages

Choose ripe avocados: the large end gives when pressed.

Cut around the pit, twist apart, lodge the knife in the pit to remove it and scoop the flesh into a bowl.

Add a little garlic and salt and mash with the back of a spoon or a potato masher. This is the simplest guacamole.

Variation: for a second stage, add a little lime juice -- not too much -- and chopped cilantro, and mash a couple of times.

Variation: for a third stage, mash in cut-up onion, tomato and green chili. Taste for seasoning.