Reflections on summer and avocado cravings..

It's almost the end of July, and already the stores are starting to display their fall clothes. I stare in wonder at the faux fur collared jackets in the windows, as I stand outside sweating and grumbling about the heat, holding my grande iced latte to my forehead. Coats? Already? But I'm just getting started. I'm still trying to build up my summer wardrobe and all the summer clothes are thrown about like unwanted rejects with a huge discount sign everywhere I go. I certainly don't mind a discount but I feel as though someone is going to step out from behind me and say "That is SO June 2005."

Nonetheless, I choose to ignore this pressure to prepare for cooler weather. I'm not ready for autumn yet because, in my mind, that means it's almost winter. And as a girl born and raised in Canada, the thought of winter sends a chill right through to my bones. Granted, I haven't lived in Canada for a year and a half now, but I still can't shake that instinctive reaction.

So fur collars and wool pants aside, I'm going to stay focused on summer. And lately, this has left me craving guacamole. The past weekend proved a perfect opportunity to indulge. G had just gotten back from another business trip and I was ready to prepare us a Mexican feast. There was some foot-stomping disappointment when I discovered that my avocados were dry and mouldy inside. Dry and mouldy? Well, I never. The feast proceeded, but in the absence of guacamole, I was not entirely satisfied.

A couple of days passed, G went away again, and a new avocado was purchased. Now it was just me. My never ending search for single-serving, easy and light recipes can sometimes leave me frustrated and uninspired. Am I asking too much? Yes, I know that I am. But Martha came through for me. Another gold star for Martha.

You can find the original Lemon Tuna Avocado recipe at Martha's website. My variations are listed below. There is a strange part of me that craves canned tuna on a regular basis but I get bored of the same old mayonnaise routine. You know your life is exciting when you use phrases like "the same old mayonnaise routine". But mixing it with avocado was a nice change that I will definitely do again. And admittedly, my canned tuna was pretty substandard and mushy, but it seems to be all that I can find here. A good quality albacore or flaked white tuna would be preferable.

My variations
I did vary the recipe slightly by actually adding cilantro to the mix. She calls for basil just to be added as an optional garnish.
I also left out the sunflower seeds that are in her original recipe, only because I forgot to put them in. Same with the olive oil. Hmm, I guess next time I should bring the recipe into the kitchen with me, shouldn't I.