QUESTION: I am looking for two salad dressings that have to do with avocados. First, I want to find a recipe for a good dressing for an avocado salad — but not your typical vinaigrette, something that will enhance the flavor of the avocados. The second dressing is one like my mother used to make that had avocados in it. She called it Avocado Goddess Dressing. Other than avocados, I know it also had anchovies and it was creamy. Thank you for your attention.ANSWER: My whole life I've been told I have a "zero attention span" — so I really appreciate being thanked for what there is of it. However, when it comes to avocados, you might have a hard time getting me to focus on anything else because they're among my favorite foods.Avocados are mysterious for a lot of people, so let's put an end to some of the myths surrounding them. First of all, the avocado is not a vegetable, it is a fruit that is native to the New World. Though food historians generally agree that they originated in Central America or South America, it's not quite clear exactly where the first avocados grew. They do know that avocados have been cultivated for more than 7,000 years.Secondly, Alligator Pears are not the Bartletts you left too long in the fruit bowl, the term is just a nickname for avocados because of their shape, texture and color. Third, and most importantly, you are not a health daredevil playing Russian roulette with cholesterol and fat by enjoying a great avocado. In fact, avocados are cholesterol free and have only five grams of fat per serving. And the fat they contain is mostly the monounsaturated kind, which is good for you. Add the fact that they are sodium free, and you've virtually described a health food.I do understand what you are talking about when you say you want a dressing other than vinaigrette to put on your avocado salad. Because of the delicate richness of avocados, I like to use citrus juice instead of vinegar to balance the creaminess without detracting from the flavor. The recipe I'm sharing calls for orange, lemon and lime juices — but you can experiment and use the juice combination that you like best.There are many, many variations of Avocado Goddess dressing. Try the one I'm suggesting and e-mail me back to let me know if we are close. I would want to make sure it's one your mother would approve of.

2 ripe Hass avocadoes½ cup light mayonnaise½ cup light sour cream5 anchovy fillets, rinsed and chopped2 green onions, chopped1 tablespoon lime juice2 garlic clove, mincedKosher salt and pepperPeel and pit the avocadoes, place the flesh in a blender or food processor. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth and creamy. Chill for 12 hours before serving. Check for seasoning and add a dash of hot sauce if you think it needs more zing.

3 tablespoons orange juice½ tablespoon fresh lime juice½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon1 tablespoon honey1 teaspoon grated orange peel3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oilKosher salt and pepper to tasteCombine everything but the oil in a mixing bowl and let the flavors blend for 15 minutes. Then whisk in the oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste.