By Marlene Parrish, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Now through fall is the California avocado season. Make like Goldilocks when you choose one. Press the skin to determine that it is not too hard, not too soft, but juussst right, the fruit barely resisting a slight pressure of a thumb.

Avocados are super versatile as well as a guilt-free indulgence food. I buy at least two a week. The flesh is green-gold, buttery, silky and delicious. Unfortunately, many women think avocados are "fattening." Truth is, most of the fat is the healthy monounsaturated sort that's found in olive oil, which is why avocados consistently make the top-10 lists of so-called rejuvenating and anti-aging foods.

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