Roasted Garlic Guacamole with Help-Yourself Garnishes

Servings: 4 cups serving 12 as part of a party

INGREDIENTS

For the Guacamole
6 garlic cloves
6 medium (2 1/2 pounds) ripe avocados
1/2 cup loosely packed coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus a little more if necessary
Salt
For the Garnishes, Chips, and Bread
3/4 cup (about 3 ounces) Mexican queso fresco or queso añejo or other garnishing cheese like salted pressed farmer’s cheese, firm goat cheese, mild feta or romano, finely crumbled or grated
3/4 cup (about 3 ounces) toasted pumpkin seeds
3/4 cup sliced “nacho ring” pickled jalapeños (you’ll need half of an 11-ounce can)
3/4 cup (about 2 ounces) coarsely crumbled chicharrón (Mexican crisp-fried pork rind) OR ½ cup crumbled, crisp-fried bacon (you’ll need to start with 2 to 3 medium-thick bacon slices)
1 ½ to 2 pounds sturdy chips (preferably homemade or from a local tortilla factory) or small (2- to 3-inch) tostadas OR 2 baguettes (about 1 pound each), diagonally sliced ¼-inch thick, brushed with olive oil and toasted on a grill or under a broiler

INSTRUCTIONS

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, roast the unpeeled garlic until it is soft and blackened in spots, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool, then slip off the papery skins and finely chop. Cut around each avocado from stem to blossom end and back up again, then twist the halves apart. Dislodge the pit and scoop the avocado flesh into a large bowl. Add the garlic, cilantro and lime. Coarsely mash everything together. Taste and season with salt, usually about 1 teaspoon. Scoop into its serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

Scoop the garnishes into small serving bowls and the chips and bread into a large basket or bowl. Set out everything—put spoons in all the preparations and garnishes--for your guests to enjoy, encouraging them to spoon a little guacamole on a toast or chip, top with a garnish that appeals.