Book of Days Tales

The Mayan Long Count is calculated to have begun on this date in 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar, with each universal cycle lasting 2,880,000 days.  This cycle ended – according to some calculations – on 20 December 2012 (that is, the symmetric 20/12/2012).  Some superstitious people, with little to no understanding of Mayan culture, thought that the world would end in 2012, but contemporary Mayans were perfectly aware that cycles end – and then begin again.  Cycles are like that.

The Mayans invented some form of guacamole, the name of which in English (via Spanish) comes from Nahuatl —  ahuacamolli, from ahuacatl ‘avocado’ + molli ‘sauce’ – suggesting that colonists first encountered it made by Aztecs.  All you need is a general account of how to make guacamole at home in order to enjoy it, and it is much better made fresh than packaged in supermarkets.  You will need:

fully ripe avocado(s)

limes

tomatoes

shallots (or onions)

cilantro

garlic

hot chiles (optional)

Squeeze lime juice into a large mixing bowl.  Scoop the flesh from 1 or more avocados into the bowl and mash the pieces with a fork to the desired consistency – some people like the guacamole very smooth, others prefer it chunky.  Dice one tomato per avocado and add.  Peel and finely chop one shallot and one (or more) cloves of garlic, and add.  If using onion, be sparing – ½ per avocado is plenty.  Chop cilantro leaves to taste, and add. Chop one chile and add it if you like a little heat  Mix all of the ingredients well together and serve.