Preserving Traditions: Cooking and Connecting Through My Mother's Recipes

Losing a loved one is a deeply profound experience transforming our lives in ways we never could have anticipated. When my mother, Monett, passed away in 2008, a piece of my heart went with her. Yet, during my grief, I discovered an unexpected source of comfort and connection that allowed me to keep her spirit alive – her cherished recipes.

A Culinary Legacy Begins:

My mother was more than a mere cook; she was an artist who painted with flavors and textures. From a young age, she was drawn to culinary creations. Growing up in a family that revered traditional recipes and the act of sharing meals, her love for cooking was nurtured early on by her mother and grandmother. As a child, she would watch her grandmother work magic in the kitchen, absorbing the secrets of time-honored dishes that would later become the heart and soul of our family gatherings.

The Kitchen as a Tapestry of Memories:

The kitchen was more than just a space for preparing meals – it was the epicenter of our family's shared experiences. Our home was always filled with the enticing aromas of simmering stews, freshly baked bread, and spices that evoked nostalgia. It wasn't just about the food; the laughter echoed off the walls, the stories told as ingredients melded, and the joy radiated from a well-cooked meal. My mother's love for cooking infused each dish with her unwavering affection for us.

Every Meal a Journey:

Mom was able to transform even the simplest ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Her dishes were a fusion of tradition and innovation, a delicate balance between recipes passed down through generations and her creative twists. She approached cooking as a journey, experimenting fearlessly with new ingredients and techniques. As a family, we eagerly awaited her latest culinary creations, each meal an exciting adventure that never failed to surprise and delight.

Cooking as an Expression of Love:

For Mom, cooking was a way to express her love and devotion. Birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments were all celebrated with her carefully crafted dishes. She believed that a well-cooked meal embodied her affection, a way to communicate emotions that words often fell short of conveying. Her love language was the scent of herbs, the taste of perfectly seasoned sauces, and the comfort of a warm, home-cooked meal.

The Healing Power of Shared Meals:

When my mother passed away, it was as if a piece of our family's tapestry had been gently woven away. Yet, her recipes served as threads that still connected us to her. Cooking her dishes became a way to relive her presence's warmth and carry forward the traditions she held dear. It wasn't just about the recipes; it was about the stories behind each dish – the mishaps that turned into tales, the secret ingredients passed down through generations, and the lessons learned in the kitchen that extended far beyond cooking.

A Legacy Rekindled:

As I embarked on recreating Mom’s recipes, I immersed myself in a symphony of flavors that resonated with memories of our shared experiences. Through the sizzle of pans and the gentle stirring of sauces, I could almost hear her laughter and feel her guiding hand. Cooking her recipes was more than just a means of keeping her memory alive; it was a way to honor her passion, love, and joy in our lives.

Introducing "Monett's Kitchen" Series:

In honor of my mother's culinary legacy, I'm excited to introduce a new series – "Monett's Kitchen." Through this series, I'll be sharing her most cherished recipes and the stories and memories that make them truly special. I hope these recipes will allow you to experience the flavors that brought our family together and offer a glimpse into the heart of the woman who made every meal an unforgettable journey.

Our first featured recipe will be Monett's famous "Heirloom Tomato Pasta," a dish that encapsulates her love for blending the freshest ingredients with a touch of creativity. Join me in the upcoming posts as we step into Monett's Kitchen, where every recipe celebrates love, family, and the enduring legacy of a woman who continues to inspire us through her culinary artistry.

Stay tuned…

Three Tips for Photographing Borough Market

Photographing Borough Market in London has been on my bucket list for years.  This Market dates back as early as 1014, with its current architecture dating back to the 1850’s.  It is located on Southwark Street and Borough High Street just south of Southwark Cathedral on the southern end of London Bridge.  What I enjoy so much about photographing Borough Market is it is a venue where food culture, history and photography blend together seamlessly.  To walk through Borough Market is to walk through London history.  Each nook is a story unfolding before your camera.  A baguette seller here, a cheese seller, fruit seller there.  My day was spent with the sellers so delightful and more than happy to tell you about their food, their process in making it.

Here are three tips for photographing Borough Market:

1.) When walking through the Market, pay attention to your surroundings and lines of the scene, which makes great compositions.      They way Borough Market is laid out makes putting together a composition a breeze.

2.) Capture details of the merchandise being sold.  There’s so much to choose from!

3.)  Don’t be shy capturing merchants and their interactions with the patrons – makes for a great story!

If you are a foodie and photographer, this market is a MUST for your bucket list!  I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.  What’s your favorite market to photograph?  If you have photographed Borough Market, what were your impressions?  I’d love to hear more in the comments!

Cheers,

Carrie Ann

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Friends! I hope everyone had a nice holiday and ready to rock 2019!

My holiday was some much needed down time with family and dogs while catching my breath while sipping cups of tea. I love to fill the house with the smell of fresh baking bread and take time to reflect on the year. Especially it’s the time of year I love to reflect on my goals for my photography. How about you? What are your goals this year?

To show my appreciation for your support, I have a free 2019 Calendar gift for you.

Enjoy!

Cheers,

Carrie

Dark & Moody Food Photography

Hello Friends,

Welcome to my first Blog Post!  Although it feels like summer outside,  I feel inspiration for making dark and moody shots of food.   Now, one would think it is easy, but for me, it was a little tricky.  All my career as a photographer, I have heard “use reflectors to add more light’, so this goes against the grain of my logic.  The key for making a dark and moody image is manipulating the light with black cards to soak up the light to create dynamism.   Then in post, working the highlights and shadows to emphasize “dark & moody” is essential for the story (yes, I feel every image has a story).

I really had a blast practicing “dark & moody”.  I can’t wait to do it again!

Here is my workflow screenshot and other dark and moody images to help you with your dark & moody food photography..  If you have “dark & moody” images to share,  feel free to leave a link to them in the comments.  I’d love to see your work!

Enjoy!

Carrie Ann