The two most common varieties of avocados are the Florida Fuerte, which has a smooth green skin and a relatively firm mild-flavored flesh, and the pebbly-textured, almost-black California Haas. Because of their rich buttery flavor and creamy, higher-fat flesh, Haas avocados are better for puréeing.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, spokesperson, freelance food writer, and the award-winning author of 13 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with gourmet flair. Paulette's most recently published cookbook is "The Complete 15-Minute Gourmet: Creative Cuisine Made Fast and Fresh." She is also the author of "A Beautiful Bowl of Soup" and "The Spirited Vegetarian," which was voted "Best Book in the World on Cooking with Wine" at the 2005 Gourmand World Media Awards. Paulette says that international travel is her favorite source of culinary inspiration.