This smoked trout dip is a fabulous appetizer that packs a ton of flavor into each bite.
Earlier I was chatting with Kim, another food blogger, and we discussed how we were both at a conference last year but never actually met. She wondered how that could have happened but it made a lot of sense to me.
I’m pretty comfortable writing about my life here and chatting with others on social media. I have wonderful friends and am a fairly social person in my day to day life. But I’m also extremely shy in certain social situations. In a room full of strangers I’ll often become introverted and stick with the people I know. I really hope it never comes across as being snobby. I just find engaging with people I don’t know well to be somewhat draining after a while. I never fully relax. It would be so convenient to be an extrovert at parties and blogger conventions! But that’s just not who I am.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be attending several more food blogger conferences. First up will be Camp Blogaway in California followed by Eat Write Retreat in Philadelphia. Later in the summer I’ll be attending the Big Summer Potluck and in the fall I’m heading to Seattle for IFBC. Phew, that’s a lot of conferences!
And while I’m very excited, I also feel nervous. I’m never totally sure who will come out to play at these events. Will it be the extroverted version of myself that appears after I’ve had a few drinks? Possibly, but for obvious reasons that’s not really sustainable. More likely than not people will meet Awkward Jen, a gal who smiles a lot and listens to others but often struggles when it’s her turn to talk. Sometimes Awkward Jen becomes preoccupied with how she feels awkward and then realizes she hasn’t been paying attention to the conversation at all. Which totally makes things more awkward.
Hopefully I won’t feel too shy and I’ll be able to mingle. There are so many people I’m looking forward to meeting! In order to meet them all I will really need to push myself out of my comfort zone.
Do you ever experience social anxiety? What are your tricks for handling it?
This smoked trout dip is inspired by an appetizer I had last month while dining out with friends. It really packs a lot of flavor punch and is a great way to whet the appetite before a large meal. I recommend letting it sit for awhile before serving to let the flavors combine and absorb into the rye bread.
Smoked Trout Dip
Ingredients
- 6 ounces smoked trout, skin removed, diced
- 1 heaping teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, with some of the juice from the jar
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonaise
- juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup rye bread, chopped (I used marbled rye)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- For best flavor, allow the dip the sit for 20-30 minutes before serving so the flavors have a chance to blend.
- Serve with crostini, crackers or celery.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Okay first the trout, I mean seriously woman, this is divine. I grew up with a fish loving father so we ate trout quite often. It always makes me nostalgic when I see trout recipes.
And secondly, I’m pondering whether we actually did meet and we were both being Awkward Jen and Awkward Kim and weren’t paying attention. We could be super heroes with names like that.
We are going to meet for real this time and both come out of our shells. After I come out of mine you may want me to go back in. It’s crazy town. 24/7!
Okay in all seriousness, I can totally relate to this as I’m the same way. I’m so nervous to go to mine this week but I’m also so excited. I’m really glad we talked. I have to tell you, after we gabbed I emailed a friend who is a seasoned conference gal and her advice is to be completely yourself. Don’t try to “network”, don’t force any thing. Just be comfortable in your own skin and you’ll be fabulous. Cuz you are fabulous. I can’t wait to meet you! Thanks for the talk and posting this. Signed, AK
” we were both at a conference last year but never actually met. ” — I have done that with at least 20 people. We both realized we were at xyz dinner for 25 or some conference or meeting and year(s) later we figure it out! Like..no.way. Also, to be fair, lots of people I only ‘know’ what they look like from the 1 thumbnail image on their blog and if they look at all different IRL than that picture, I may not connect the dots. And conferences can be overwhelming and it’s so easy to get social anxiety and feel overwhelmed by it all! You are signed up for SO much stuff! Keep us posted how things are!
I’ve never been to a conference! I can only imagine the excitement! Sigh…
That dip is absolutely beautiful!!! Can I borrow that light?! :-)
Wow This dip is amazing, I can already kind of taste it. Pinned :)
I’d love to go on a blog conference too! I’m a natural extrovert and love meeting new people. My advice is to relax and don’t put too much pressure on yourself! Remind yourself that everyone else there is just like you, and that you’ll always find something in common with whoever you speak with :)
Wow, that is quite the full schedule you have! I don’t think I’d be able to do it, but I know you’ll be your fun self :). Your dip looks so good, it reminds me of one Jean from Lemons & Anchovies has shared. I’m sure the smoked trout imparts so much flavor!
Oh man you totally described me at the first EWR. I swore the for the second one I was going to be more outgoing, and for the most part I succeeded. I think. The square dancing helped!
Love the dip!
I’m heading to FBF Orlando this week and have the same concerns. I’m super, super shy even in a room of people I actually know, nevermind those I’ve only met online :)
I’m still not on the smoked salmon bandwagon, but my husband loves it – I need to make this for him before long!
I am social but something thrown into a situation I become numb. Love the smoked trout dip btw. Yum! :)
Just go for it and start to talk. I’m reading your blog for a longer time now and I know you’re a grat person. The others will think the same :) Great recipe, I pinned it so I won’t forget to try it out.
Jen,
Awkward Kirsten here. I can relate to what you wrote.
The dip–I’m so excited to see the incorporation of rye bread–what a great idea. Conveniently, my spouse left with 2 full loves of his favorite German Dark Rye bread untouched in the freezer, so I am glad to know that I don’t have to foist all of it off on the kids, and instead can save some of it. I love peppered mackerel, and smoked whitefish, and smoked salmon, and I have no idea if I’ve ever had smoked trout but I bet if I find it I would like this dip.
It looks stunning.
Thanks!
Kevin buys smoked trout ALL the time. I think we have about 5 cans in our pantry right now. He would LOVE this stuff Jen! I bet it’s so flavorful. I hope you enjoy all of those conferences Jen. Just remember to breathe during these busy few weeks!
I know social anxiety all too well! Just be your gorgeous self, get enough sleep, and don’t have TOO many drinks haha. This dip looks incredible!
Great post! We frequently have smoked fish as appetizers, especially at the lake house and this dip takes that idea one step to the next level, love it! Thanks for the inspiration, and once again, beautifully presented!
You’re going to be a busy lady., I hope you enjoy all those conferences and just be yourself.. :) This dip looks amazing..I Love smoked trout.