Go West

My mom brought me a couple of avocados today (amongst other things) that were perfectly ripe and larger than the ones I get in a four-pack from Trader Joe's. I just ate one. I swear it was the best avocado I've ever had. It felt like butter. Amazing.

Is this what people talk about when they talk about California produce?

Not Bland

Mom and I went to CostCo last month and at her suggestion I got some vanilla beans. I've never actually cooked with them before, though I've seen them growing in India. Having just gotten back to Ann Arbor, I opened up the packaging to the most delicious scent of vanilla ever - strong but not cloying, and definitely not like a perfume. And I haven't even opened the vials yet! They look a little like a chemistry set, no? I'm almost too in love with the smell to actually use the beans.