What You See Is What We Eat

I published a blog column last week about taking a 30+ year hobby of mine to a whole new level. Since then, I have been taking strides to expand my horizons. Step out of the box. Be adventurous. Introduce Lisa to more of my culinary creations that she has never tried. And, reintroduce ingredients that she tried years ago and didn't like. Throughout this journey, I have taken photos and posted them on social media.

A handful of people have replied with suggestions that I open up a bakery. I appreciate the kind words, but that won't be happening. Here is why.

Others have jokingly asked when my cookbook is coming out.

Maybe they're not joking?

I'll be honest, I have thought about publishing a cookbook numerous times. Or, at the very least, create a cooking and baking blog.

For the humans and the pups.

But...

It would not be your "conventional" cookbook or food blog.

Think along the lines of 'Thug Kitchen.'

My cookbook and blog would certainly be candid.

More importantly, the photos would be realistic.

One of the reasons why I am not a fan of cookbooks and food blogs is because of the photos.

Yes, I know the presentation of a finished product is extremely important however, it is often the number one reason why people get frustrated and disappointed when cooking a new dish or a baked good.

If their finished product doesn't look like the one in the cookbook or food blog, they automatically feel as if they have failed.

That is a destructive frame of mind.

It's kind of like finding a photo of a haircut and color that you absolutely love in a fashion magazine. You make an appointment. Get the same style and color. Your hairdresser does a fabulous job. You can't stop looking at yourself in the mirror. You feel like a million dollars.

Then...

The next day, you're in front of the bathroom mirror trying to duplicate the same result. Despite your very best efforts, no such luck. Your hair looks nothing like the photo. You get frustrated. You suddenly hate your new haircut and regret making that appointment.

You eventually put your hair up in a sloppy bun and rush off to work. 

What you fail to consider is that the model in the magazine had a professional do their hair and makeup. And, your hairdresser has years of experience under their belt along with access to the correct styling and finishing products.

Another example that comes to mind...

During the Summer months, food blogger videos kept popping up on my Facebook news feed. It was the same food blogger. Each video was a tutorial on how to get perfect food photos.

The methods used were brilliant, but more often than not, what you see isn't edible.

I'm not saying that all cookbooks and food bloggers use those deceiving techniques. Some rely on various lighting, special effects, and creating the perfect scene to present their dish.

In my humble opinion, presenting those perfect food photos are deceiving. It's not the type of presentation that I lean toward.

Does the Big Mac you ordered at McDonald's look like the one you saw on the online advertisement?

When I take photos of what I cook and bake, it's as is.

What you see is what we eat.

The photos are not doctored or made to look pretty and perfect.

The photos I take of what we eat for dinner are taken minutes before we eat.

Cookbooks and food bloggers should inspire people whether it's those who have been cooking for years or those who have made a recent decision to spend more time in the kitchen.

In our world, perfection does not exist.

We are Wabi Sabi all the way.

And, that includes the scrumptious fare from our kitchen.