**I’ve gotta make this quick! I’m already running late for a blogger meet up!
This morning, I woke up to pouring, freezing, bone-chilling rain. In fact it’s been raining all day long–I’m almost certain all of the world’s water supply is in our area right now. However, nothing could bring me down this morning for I had my Culinary Cultures class to go to! I can safely say that this is the first class I have ever actually been excited to attend. Sure, some classes I look forward to but I wouldn’t be bummed out if class were to be cancelled. I would cry if a snow day were to ever fall on a Friday. Now that’s saying something!
Today’s topic? Food Photography! We looked at back issues of Saveur Magazine (where my professor worked), as well as Gourmet, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit. We analyzed cover photos that successfully sold magazines and those that did not. The cover of the best selling issue of Saveur Magazine had a photo of….
French Fries. You know it!
Conclusions? I’m ready whenever you are, Santa, for my DSLR 
***
Two students brought in food today. Up first:
Caramel Apple Pie (made from scratch). This was the real deal….as in 1 lb. of butter just in the crust. I don’t even know how much butter is in a pound–4 sticks!? I’ve said this and I’ll say it again: Real ingredients make such a difference when it comes to baking. A little goes along way. When I bake ‘healthy’ treats, I always end up eating more than if it were not-as-healthy. It all balances out in the end.
Then we had a Ceviche de Chocho (vegetarian) made with white beans. Her blend of lime + orange juice with the olive oil and spices was perfect–not too sour, not too tangy, and not too sweet. It brought me straight back to Mexico, where I studied abroad one summer.
***
After class, I ventured to the gym for 45 min. on the elliptical and 35 min. full body strength training. I don’t think my body had fully recovered from last night’s workout because I was dragging a little bit. The resistance on the ET was 2-3 levels lower than normal.
It still felt great though and it felt good to pump some iron.
***
Tonight, I am going to Jessica’s house for a 2nd Triangle Blogger get together. Our first one back in November was so fun and I can’t wait to see them again. THIS TIME, their husbands/fiances are coming and we’ll have proper food blogger lighting Hooray for great food photography opportunities!
We’re taste testing some pizzas and each bringing a little sumthin’. Of course, I baked!
You’ll have to wait and see what I baked because I am already [fashionably] fashionably late….
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, there are 4 sticks in 1lb. of buttah =) That class is so awesome. Have fun tonight!
P.S. That’s 1 impressive apple pie!
Holy moly, now THAT is an apple pie!
Have fun tonight hun!
What a fun class! Definitely one not to be missed.
Enjoy the meet-up — sounds fabulous.
Have fun my dear! It has been snowing all day here in VA. Couldn’t make to our tennis tonight
I agree completely! I always eat more of “healthy” desserts than of the real thing
That caramel apple pie looks amazing! I definitely agree that sometimes you needd the real thing!
Have fun at the blogger meetup!! I’ll be snowed in.. we’re supposed to get 30 inches of snow!
I agree about having REAL food for treats, as opposed to the fake foods with no taste — they never satisfy. There’s nothing wrong with a little butter if you’re craving it.
Have fun at the meet-up!
That pie is outrageous! Wish I had a piece right now.
Hope your meet up was loads of fun!!
I am still SO jealous of that class of yours!
Have fun at your blogger meetup. I can’t wait to see the photos!
I am so jealous of your food class! The vegetarian ceviche looks delicious. Have fun at the meet-up!
hey! that’s really cool that you’re taking a culinary class! i totally agree that baking from scratch makes suchhh a difference. it’s devine! have a great weekenddd
amy<3
i am so interested in your cooking class- hte food looks great- that apple pie, especially!
culinary cultures? food photography? caramel apple pie? sounds like a great day
happy weekend!
Hehe, hello there, Ms. Aspiring Food Photographer.
A pound of butter sounds like a lot… okay, well, it is a lot! I think the most I’ve used in a baked good is 1/2 pound. Which still sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t seem like that much when I’m actually using it.
aww have fun tonight!
DANG that pie looks aweesome!
How interesting that the best selling cover had fries on it! Doesn’t really say much about today’s ‘healthy’ society…:P
I’ve woken up to a lovely sunny morning!!
Haha I think your country must be getting all the rain we had over here yesterday
ONE POUND of butter!? Goodness that’s rich! I suppose when someone eats something like that, you have to keep saying ‘quality over quantity’…cos those things do taste betterwhen the rel stuff is used!
Have a great day
oh that pie looks amazing! You’ll have to share some of the photo tips you learned with us!
Awesome class! Have you watched Top Chef Masters? That show is all about Saveur magazine and amazing cooking skills. For some reason, I associate your class with this show. Yes, TV is my reference point for real life!
Wow, this class sounds exciting – it’s great to have something to look forward in the morning!
That class sounds so awesome! I wish we had a class like that here, I’d love it! And that apple pie…DROOL. I agree, with baking the real deal is always best. Hope you had fun at your meet up!
That class sounds awesome! Have fun at the meet-up!
wow, a whole BOX o’ butter in the crust! i feel like i’ve made homemade crusts with less before (still a lot though — maybe 2 sticks?)
sometimes the real stuff is just WORTH IT though!
ps: luuved the almond butter bars!
I’m with you that it’s better to have a little bit of the real deal. Much more satisfying and still balances out like you said
It’s totally acceptable that you were late since a) you ha you to blog! and b)you were baking the most delicious blondies EVAH.
So good to see you last night!
I totally agree with the baking thing! The real thing is so much more satisfying-but I do love when whole grains and less refined sweeteners are used and it is just as good and satisfying! That makes it an amazing recipe!
learning about food photography sounds so fun! I wanna hear more!
That blogger meet up sounds super fun, can’t wait to catch up and read about it!
It’s so true, quality ingredients can make such a difference! A pound of butter is A LOT, but I’m sure it tasted quite good.