Whether mashed into creamy guacamole or savored straight, avocados are a cool but healthy summer treat. But the smoothness of their texture belies the difficulty of preparing one to eat. Follow these tips to efficiently pit your next avocado without resorting to a blowtorch and crowbar, aka the Julia Child Method.

Need a bowl for your chips or dip? Shop Goods for kitchen supplies and tableware.

Video: Nathalie Lagerfeld, Groupon. Demonstration: Hillary Proctor, Groupon.

Now that you’ve got your guac, check out these other video guides from our kitchen.

 

 

 

 

How to Strip Cilantro Leaves Really, Really Fast

 

Use a fork to remove cilantro leaves quickly without calling in your last favor with Edward Scissorhands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Peel a Whole Head of Garlic in 30 Seconds

 

This method for peeling garlic saves you time to focus on more important things, like finally telling that gnome family that they've got to move out of your grill.