Earlier this week, I listened to this fantastic interview with Sally McKenney from Sally’s Baking Addiction. Her blog gets literally millions of hits every month, and it was really interesting to get a glimpse behind the scenes. I was so relieved to hear that of everything–recipe testing, writing, social media, back-end website stuff–she spends the most time working on her photography. Me too!
For every decent photo you see here, there are dozens upon dozens that are blurry, overexposed, underexposed, or just plain gross. It was really encouraging to hear such a successful blogger talking about how hard it is to basically teach yourself how to be a professional-level food photographer.
I have good days and bad days. This past Wednesday I was tearing my hair out, trying to photograph two dishes that I just couldn’t get right. Finally, I realized that I was way too angry and frustrated to work thoughtfully and compose a tasteful shot. It just wasn’t going to happen.
So I gave up and made lemonade. Because, when life gives you lemons… right?
(It’s actually limeade, but let’s not split hairs.)
But before we get to the recipe, how about some fun and interesting links from across the web?
Reading this New York Times article was a bit like looking in the mirror: “I find myself going to 8,000 different stores to replicate the experience of going to Sahadi’s.” Yes!
What your toddler wants for breakfast and Beach Day: Toddler View vs. Mom View.
Dogs get MRIs! And it turns out they really are the best animals ever.
We’re going on vacation next month to the beach in Rhode Island (where I also went to high school). Here are six swoon-worthy RI homes.
Obama is the first president to visit a federal prison.
Move over Goop! Lena Dunham is starting a newsletter.
Breakfast, please: gluten-free zucchini pancakes and chai tea latte milkshakes.
Back to that cucumber rosemary limeade. I know, I know. I’ve been making a lot of lemonade-y things lately. Are you sick of them? Good, me neither. Besides, as with photography, practice makes perfect, and this version just might be my best one yet. Cooling cucumber, woodsy rosemary, and tart lime are combined into an incredibly flavorful, decidedly grown-up drink. Dare I say mocktail? I like to mix mine in a 1 part limeade to 2 parts club soda ratio. Last night Alex added a splash of gin and reported back that it was delicious.
Cucumber Rosemary Limeade
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 springs fresh rosemary
- 1 large cucumber peeled
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, sugar, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the rosemary. Transfer sugar syrup to a pitcher.
-
In a blender, combine the cucumber and remaining 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth. Strain into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer liquid to the pitcher. (Discard solids.) Stir in the lime juice.
Kristina says
with photography, I have decent days and BAD days too.
THESE photos look great, and the limeade sounds refreshing – cheers!
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
It is 90+ degrees here and awfully humid, so this post is about the most refreshing thing I cold find to read and stare at. Can I please sip off the screen:)? Unfortunately the rosemary in our area seems not to be thriving, otherwise I’d be out tomorrow picking some to make this wonderful drink. Maybe I’ll have to break down and buy some at the store – this drink looks that good.
Lisa @ Panning The Globe says
Lucy, I can so relate to your woes about food photography. I spend tons of time on my food photos too, and i had a similar frustrating experience last week trying to photograph a stew recipe – I kept running from one side of the house to the other to find decent light and in the end I gave up. I’m thinking that as the seasons are changing, so is the light. Fall and winter are much more challenging times to take food photos in natural light because the days are so much shorter. Anyhow, you did a fantastic job with the limeade photos – they are artful and gorgeous! And the recipe looks refreshing and delicious!