Welcome to tips and techniques at start cooking.com. I'm Kathy Maister. To cut an avocado,

slice it in half lengthwise, and separate the two pieces. Cushion the half with the pit in a clean dish towel.

That's for safety's sake. Rest it on the cutting board and give the pit a thwack with a big sharp knife.

Twist the knife and the pitch should pop out.

Put the back of the knife towards your palm

and pinch the pit off the knife with your thumb and forefinger.

With a spoon, scoop out the avocado and enjoy it. I'm sorry.