Many a snack for your long weekend

and a guacamole that is ugly, but life changing.

Here’s the thing - I believe food is the most beautiful visual medium. (Sorry Van Gogh, but you painted fruit so you know it’s true!!) It has texture, layers, color, shape, and even if you are just plating for yourself, it is so satisfying to make it look pretty.

However, not all foods are drop-dead gorgeous. But usually those taste just as (if not more) delicious. Enter scene, Smoked Trout Guacamole. Probably the best guacamole I’ve ever made, inspired by my favorite casual margarita spot, Chavela’s.

But man, is it ugly.

This guacamole *looks* oxidized, but really it’s a touch dark because of the heaps of adobo sauce thrown in. Not enough to be too spicy, but just enough for a kick of “Wow, this is the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted” - which I hope you’ll say! There are chunks of smoked trout throughout, giving it a subtle smoky flavor and not even a hint of fishiness. If you are looking for a good long-weekend dip, consider this my hard sell for this one.

Of course, there are other things to make this weekend, and I’ve included some of my favorites below. Some are new, some are old, but all are worth bookmarking.

Many a snack for this long weekend

Apricot & Strawberry Polenta Shortcakes - these feel like a good Fourth of July breakfast. It’s fruit after all!

The Original Blueberry Cookies - three years ago I made these, and every year around summer the world gets all hot and bothered for them again (which I love!) Plus, July is National Blueberry Month, so resharing them only feels right.

Aleppo Pepper Pasta Salad - you saw her recently, but that doesn’t mean she’s still not perfect for summer. Subtle heat, just the right amount of salty olives, tons of tomato, so so good.

And of course, don’t forget the guac! She’s ugly-delicious in her prime.

This is just a round-up of a few of my favorite things since I don’t really do holiday-focused recipes (I’d get overwhelmed). But if any make it on your long weekend list, I’ll be more than honored.

Until next time, enjoy the sun!

Xoxo,

Ugly_Snacks