Quiche Lorraine is the most famous of all quiches. The name stems from where the quiche originated – Alsace-Lorraine in France. It’s in the north-eastern area near Strasbourg/Germany. Quiche Lorraine is traditionally served on May Day. I can’t remember that last time I’ve tasted this dish, so I decided to make some myself. The process was simple and the result was excellent. The ingredients include bacon, onion, cheese, eggs, and cream. Of course, all of those things belong on top of a crispy, flaky crust. Click through to check out what a Quiche Lorraine looks like and to get the recipe. Continue reading…
Eggplant & Parmesan Po’ Boy Sandwich Recipe
You’ve probably heard of a “Po’ Boy,” but have you ever thought about where that name came from? It actually originated in Louisiana. The long roll, with its crispy crust and fluffy center, was used to hold primarily meat, such as roast beef or some sort of fried seafood; shrimp, crawfish, fish, oysters or crab. The sandwiches were used to feed hungry strikers. When a striker approached to buy a sandwich, workers would call out, “here comes another poor boy.” As you’ve probably guessed, “Po’ Boy” is the abridged version of “Poor Boy.” For today’s recipe, I’ve got a vegetarian version of the po’ boy sandwich. This one includes breaded eggplant, tomato sauce, garlic mayo, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an awesome sandwich, so if you’re hungry and are in the mood to make something like this, click through to check it out. Continue reading…
Macro Photography
There are a few different definitions for macro photography. The original definition says that a macro photograph is one in which the size of the subject on the negative or image sensor is life size or greater. Other definitions say that it’s an extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects and living organisms like insects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size. Whatever definition you choose, just know that it’s close-up photography and one that offers some of the most stunning views many of us have ever seen. In this post, I share a collection of ideas that relate to macro photography. Think tips, tricks, and tutorials, but mostly just good information. So, if you’re as excited about photography as I am, click through to see what I have to say. Continue reading…
Skillet Roasted Cabbage with Caraway Seeds & Lemon Recipe
I find this cabbage dish to be a perfect part of a Saint Patrick’s Day meal. For some reason, it just strikes me that way. I prepare this roasted cabbage at least once per year in the spring and have been doing so for over a decade. Ever time I taste this dish, I’m reminded of why I gave it a try in the first place. By pan roasting the cabbage in butter, a charred sweetness emerges and with the addition of a bit of salt, the flavors are just about as good as it gets. If you’ve never tried pan roasted cabbage, I encourage you to do so. In today’s post, I offer the recipe you’ll need to prepare this dish as well as some photos of the process. Click through to check it out. Continue reading…
RAW vs. JPEG – What’s the Difference?
If you’re new to photography, you may not have thought about what types of files your camera is creating when you go out shooting. Can the pictures you take be printed? Are they suitable for social media or a website? How large are they (file-size-wise)? Can you email them to people? What if a magazine contacted you about one of your photos because they wanted to use it in their next issue? Is the quality sufficient for the magazine? As you become more comfortable with photography, answering these questions may become crucial. Because you’ll likely find yourself capturing better images that you might want to print and frame, you’re going to want to learn the difference between two file formats your camera can make: JPEG and RAW. In this post, I discuss these two formats and explain what they are as well as the pros and cons of each. Click through to read all about it. Continue reading…
Camera Metering Modes
There are many different aspects to photography. For most people, photography translates into picking up a camera and finding nice lighting, angles, and subjects. It’s more about the art of things. For the select few, photography is more about the technical aspects of the camera itself as well as analyzing the photographic environment. New camera technology has reduced the necessity to exhaust ourselves with buttons and settings, but if a very specific specification is called for, it’s important to know how and why a camera works. In today’s post, I discuss what’s referred to as metering. I talk about how it works, why it’s important to learn about, and I also offer some sample photographs that illustrate the difference between metering settings. If you’re interested in the more technical side of pointing and shooting, click through to read some good information. Continue reading…
Shrimp Rolls with Garlic, Lemon, & Chives Recipe by Curtis Stone
There’s nothing wrong with a big fat juicy sandwich every once in a while and when the craving strikes, I head towards the rolls. Rolls hold the most stuff. For today’s post, I share an incredible recipe for shrimp rolls with garlic, chive, scallion (and more) aioli. On top of that, there’s lettuce and red bell pepper. So basically, each roll overflows with shrimp, aioli, lettuce, and bell pepper. As long as the flavors are right, this thing is out of this world. And believe it or not, I didn’t even add any salt. It wasn’t necessary. Please click through to check out the recipe as well as the pictures. I think this one is going to win you over. Continue reading…
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
In the south, the Hummingbird cake is a big deal. It was first introduced by L.H. Wiggin in an issue of Southern Living magazine and has been a traditional dessert ever since. The cake features bananas, pineapples, and spice. The ingredient list includes flour, sugar, salt, ripe banana, pineapple, cinnamon (allspice), pecans, vanilla extract, eggs, and a leavening agent. It’s an awesome cake. I can attest to that because I made one. I think this may have been the very first complex or challenging work of baking I’ve ever completed. The icing was the toughest part, but that was only because I had virtually no experience with icing a cake and my temperature was off. Once I figured that out, it was smooth sailing. This cake is moist and rich and delicious. No wonder it’s a favorite. I encourage you to click through for some photos and the recipe. You won’t be sorry. Continue reading…
Homemade Squash Ravioli with Hazelnut Butter Sauce Recipe
This may be the finest dish I’ve ever prepared. I initially thought it was beyond my capabilities, but as I got into the process, I discovered that I could actually do what the recipe was asking me to do. I prepared the ravioli filling, made some homemade pasta, and then put together the butter and hazelnut sauce. It was easier than I thought it would be. The best part is that my photos came out spot on and the dish was excellent. I’m actually quite proud of myself. In today’s post, I very clearly share exactly what it takes to make your own raviolis. It’s not difficult at all. What’s necessary is a pasta maker and lots of patience. And you’ll need some space on your countertop to roll out the pasta dough and to put the filling in its place. Once that’s done, it’s like cooking any other ravioli. The result is a wonderfully tasting ravioli that you can share with family and friends. Click through for the recipe and photos. Continue reading…
How to Photograph During the Blue Hour
The blue hour is that magical time of day that falls behind the other magical time of day – the golden hour. As it relates to photography, the golden hour describes a time when shadows are long and lighting is orange, red, and dramatic. The blue hour comes about an hour after that, when the glow of the sun just peeks over the horizon and the sky gives way to a deep, rich blue. Believe it or not, the blue hour offers a setting for some of the best photography available. With a few simple adjustments, its easy to turn an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. A scene can become completely transformed into something unexpected. Click through to view some example photos as well as read some helpful tips on this topic. Continue reading…