Blog Swap!

Howdy! Well, the good folks over at 20SomethingBloggers have hosted something called a Blog Swap. It's where bloggers are randomly chosen to post on each other's blog. I've been paired up with Lauren, who has a delightful blog that's a blend of food, life and photography. So, I get to guest post on her blog, and this is her post on mine. Pretty cool, huh? The theme was summer, and this is her post on 'The Perfect Summer Snack'. You can find mine over here. 

The Perfect Summer Snack

Summer is here, and suddenly everyone seems to be hosting barbeques or going to the beach. Eating copious amounts of ice cream is suddenly justified, because, well, it’s summer and everyone knows that it’ll be over in a flash. Here in Massachusetts it’s true that summer is short. Three months maximum and then back to the crisp fall and bitterly cold winter. So people like to take advantage of their summer and eat accordingly. My father grills outdoors whenever possible, my mother uses fresh blueberries and raspberries to make homemade jam and delicious summer pies. But what is the perfect summer snack? To be honest I couldn’t quite decide. I’ve narrowed it down to my top 5 American summer favorites. Do you agree?

1. Cold and juicy watermelon:  There is nothing better that this sweet and fresh fruit on a hot summer day. I like it plain, but also in fresh juices, salads, and the occasional martini!

2. Dad’s homemade burgers: I’ve never been a big burger eater, but this year something just changed. When made with very fresh ground meat and topped with local onions and tomatoes it’s not quite your McDonald’s burger.  Served on top of a fresh baked roll and I’m happy to be home.

3. Crispy fisherman’s platter: When eating at the beach there is nothing better than stopping by a snack shack and ordering a plate of fried seafood. Simple but good. Shrimp, haddock, scallops, and clams are the usual fare in New England, with a few lemon slices on the side.

4. Italian Ice: Forget about ice cream. This snack is found primarily in the state of New Jersey (although other places claim to sell it but it is NOT the same) and it is amazing. Cold and refreshing without all of the heaviness (and fat) of ice cream. I wish I could have it all year long!

5. Key Lime Pie: Yes, another dessert, but for me it is summer in one bite. This pie is made with the small lime varietals that grow in the Florida Keys and creamy condensed milk. It’s both sweet and tart, and best with a homemade graham cracker crust.

Just thinking about all this food has made me hungry! What are your favorite summer snacks?

Lauren is a 24 year old Massachusetts girl currently living with her husband in Spain and trying to find an outlet for her food fascination (that hopefully materializes as a fun and highly paid job!)