THE TEXTURE IS THE THING…

As I began this journey, I quickly realized that a large portion of my  “new” relationship with food was going to be about the texture. Over the last couple of months, I’ve realized that there are a number of foods that I no longer enjoy because of the texture. Clearly, I overlooked that aspect in the past because I enjoyed the flavors. The latest item to join my list of “no longer enjoyed food items?” Smoked Salmon. How unfortunate!

In my “previous culinary life” I was a sucker for Bagels and Lox with a schmear of cream cheese. Add to that red onions and capers and I was a happy girl! So this weekend, I decided to try soft scrambled eggs with chives on sour dough toast with a “schmear” of avocado and smoked salmon. Even though I can’t taste all of these great flavors, I still yearn to try out new things, so this was my opportunity.

Let’s just say it was a disappointing experience. The creaminess of the soft scrambled eggs and avocado with the crunch of the toasted sour dough bread was lovely; however, the texture of the smoked salmon completely missed the mark! It had a much firmer, smoother texture than I recall and it did not appeal to me at all. I’m sure the texture hasn’t changed since I lost my senses, so the flavor is definitely a critical component for me. Needless to say, I don’t think I’ll be having smoked salmon until my senses return.

On a similar note, I LOVE sushi and know that smoked salmon is sometimes used in nigiri and maki rolls, so that will be a critical question for me in my future sushi forays.

As I continue my journey, I continue to add items to my “do not enjoy anymore” list because of the texture. Next week, I am trying another one of my favorites for the first time since losing my senses: Oysters. Now yes, I had one last week at the wine dinner, but it was topped with other flavors. This time I’m trying them in their purest form and I can honestly say that I will be devastated if oysters end up on the list. Fingers crossed!

Stay tuned…and as always, I am the Tasteless Gourmand!