Avocados and how to pit them:

We prefer hass, the medium-sized pebbly skinned avocado from California and Mexico, for all our cooking because of its rich, nutty flavor. To peel and pit, first cut the fruit in half. Then place on a counter and hit the pit with the sharp edge of the knife so it plunges in. Lift in one hand and twist with the other to remove the pit and knock the knife on counter to dislodge the pit. Cut in quarters and peel.