While fruits like bananas and peaches show telltale signs of being ripe, other fruits can be a little trickier to read. Case in point: pineapples and avocados, two gems from the produce department that seem to go from underripe to spoiled in the blink of an eye. Here are a few tips to help pick pineapples and avocados at their peak.

Pineapple
Choosing one of these spiky bromeliads at their peak can be tricky. While some say that green pineapples can actually be ripe, your best bet is to seek out fruit that's 1) uniformly golden yellow and 2) doesn't show any signs of deterioration, i.e. leakage,  wrinkled skin, mold, or browned leaves. The base of the pineapple should smell sweet and mild.

Avocado
Unlike pineapples, avocados continue to ripen after being harvested, which means that avocados that are underripe at the market will continue to ripen at home. That said, skip overripe avocados—avocados that are wrinkly and mushy to the touch. An avocado at its peak will yield slightly when pressed, while an underripe avocado will be very firm. A perfectly ripe avocado should be consumed within a day or two. Miss the ripeness window? A slightly overripe avocado makes great guacamole!

A Guide to Choosing a Ripe Pineapple [NY Times]
Pick & Buy Hass Avocados [Hass Avocados]

The Sundance Cafe and Wine Bar offers impeccable coffee and quality food. The menu contains a fantastic assortment of baked goods, ready-made panini sandwiches, and fresh soups and salads. All of the coffee is carefully chosen to ensure a world-class product, and the same can be said for the wine. With numerous options representing a range of price points, it's easy to find the right glass or bottle to accompany your meal or help you unwind. The wine smoothies make a unique addition to the menu, as well. Refresh with combinations like mango riesling and melon chardonnay, or make your own combination! The inside is very cute, and there's outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. Whether you're sitting down to a meal or a cup of coffee, The Sundance Cafe and Wine Bar is always a great choice.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!