Super Lemony Smoked Trout Spread

I sooooo heart smoked fish.

Have you noticed, attentive readers, how much I love smoked fish? (Permit me to introduce into evidence Exhibit A and Exhibit B.) This is because smoked fish has a very delicious flavor! For lack of a more articulate explanation!

A few weeks ago, a multi-block power failure compromised the menu of the blowout cocktail party my mother was about to start cooking for. Mom’s next-door neighbor, Marsha, came to the rescue by contributing this delicacy, which requires no electricity to prepare. I am in no way using hyperbole when I say that I could eat this dish every minute of every day forever. It makes me wish I were a circus seal in training at a really nice circus where they reward obedient seals with this spread, on baguette slices, with a glass of wine. And a crisp green salad. And the seals live in luxury hotel rooms with an ocean view, spotless bathrooms, and cable TV. That would be cool.

Super Lemony Smoked Trout Spread
8 ounces smoked trout*, skin and any bones removed
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon white pepper
3 – 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped chives

* You can buy either canned or vacuum-packed smoked trout. If canned, go by the dry weight, not the net weight—and drain off the excess oil before using.

In a small serving bowl, mash trout well. Add lemon juice and white pepper. If you’re using canned trout, stir in about 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise; if using vacuum-packed trout, use about 5 tablespoons. (Give or take, depending on how  moist you want the spread to be.) Sprinkle chives on top of spread.

Serve with crackers or sliced bread.