When I first started taking pictures of food, I hoarded food and travel magazines. I stared at beautiful photography and tried to analyze the light, the photographers point of view…
…trying to decipher their technique and how they worked the light.
I discovered Mikkel Vang‘s work in that process. His editorial stories for Donna Hay, Vogue Living, Elle Decor, Gourmet and so many more are evoking, lush, colorful – always telling a story of people, places and food.
I feel we arrived at the peak of spring with wildflowers growing everywhere, the fields lush and green, the sun shining but with enough morning fog and coolness to remind us that it was still May.
Quinoa salad with peas, favas, feta mint and lemon
I returned from Tuscany last Saturday night where I had spent ten amazing days teaching a food and lifestyle photography workshop.
My head jet-lagged and full of beautiful scenery. The rolling hills, the wildflowers everywhere, the faces, the food. I miss it.
I miss our students who enthusiastically joined us in every trip and every exercise.
I returned home to some beautiful handmade Mother’s Day presents that Jon and Miren had made for me while I was away. A birdhouse, a clay basket for my rings, drawings and paintings. And yesterday, we spent Mother’s Day at the farmer’s market where I procured so many vegetables for the week.
I arrived in Tuscany a few days ago and I keep pinching myself. I am here teaching a workshop surrounded by tall green grass and fields covered in wildflowers. Green, yellow, purple and red.
Red poppies on every corner make me happy.
I cannot wait to tell you all about what we are doing here. Yesterday we met the most generous people and ate the most amazing food. Will share more soon.
In the meantime, I wanted to tell you that I will be hosting a cooking demo and book signing at the Williams-Sonoma store in Bellevue, Washington Saturday, May 18th from 12pm to 2pm. I will be demonstrating some recipes from my book including macarons. If you live in the area, please come say hi.
Will be back soon with photos and recipes from our trip.
A few days ago, we took a ferry ride to Vashon island to see our friends, Shauna, Danny and Lu. Yes, you know them – Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef. It was a cloudy Saturday morning. A peaceful one where the fog rolled in through the Sound. It was our first time in Vashon. An island the size of Manhattan with a population of 10,000. Most of them probably operate family farms and just enjoy a very laid back lifestyle.
We had a casual lunch at Shauna and Danny’s house while the children ran around in the garden and jumped on the trampoline.
The most bucolic picture.
I even got a sneak peek into their new book “Gluten-Free Girl Every Day”. A beautiful book with approachable and family friendly recipes, beautifully photographed by our friend Penny. I am so excited for them as this is the third book and they keep evolving, teaching and learning.
The conversation flowed that day. As we flipped through the pages, the dilemma of family meals came up. “How is family dinner at your house?” Shauna asked. C and I looked at each other. “Probably not as glamorous as it might seem” we shared.
