Stylish Eats

amateur food photography made or enjoyed by me

[stylisheats]

Pollo Con Arroz (Spanish rice and chicken) - one pot wonder.  

[stylisheats]

Lobster tails on mix of angel hair pasta and zucchini spirals - lemon butter sauce with sausage crumbles and roasted cherry tomatoes - sorry no recipe, it was a mashup of a few ideas 

[stylisheats]

Pumpkin Chili for Fall / Halloween - the mini pumpkins are a perfect size for an appetizer serving or for dips. 

The inspiration recipe came from the Vega website - find it HERE

As is typical, I didn’t follow the recipe, but here are my variations.

- I used a pie pumpkin and cut it into small cubes, tossed it in olive oil and some seasoning (chili powder, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and cumin) then roasted them at 400F until they had a nice brown to them. Set them aside and stir them into the chili near the end

- I used only black beans, and added some poblano peppers for some bite. 

[stylisheats]

For some reason this Fall/Autumn season is making me think of eating grilled octopus. Find the recipe here... www.kalofagas.ca/2009/07/07/grilled-octopus

[stylisheats]

As we shift to Autumn up here in the northern hemisphere the colours of cooking change too. In reality this was taken in August, so technically it is a summer recipe, but when I looked through my photos for Fall inspiration this got me in the mood The recipe was adapted from Food52's Southern peach crumble. I brushed the peaches with cherry balsamic and pepper then grilled them on the BBQ, and used brandy for the liquor. I am not a big recipe follower. Oh I think I added walnuts too, I can't remember if they were in the recipe. The fun of cooking is being flexible. The recipe can be found on Food52 http://food52.com/recipes/22959-southern-peach-crumble

[stylisheats]

Many people have asked me for tips about food photography and how to get better at it. Well, practice is the obvious key to success, but I also suggest getting on the internet to find some group or social media set up somewhere that has food photography assignments to inspire you.  

My outlet for this is Gastropost. It started with the National Post in Toronto as far as I know. My husband saw it in the newspaper and told me about it so I started doing the weekly theme assignments as they came out. Eventually I was invited to be one of the preview team of photographers who gets the assignment a week early in order to inspire next week’s assignment for the public. I am sure I am not the only one who anxiously awaits each week to see if my photo was the one selected to be on the inspiration post.  So this is the collection of photos of mine that were selected by Gastropost.

You can find them on various social media. Mainly I follow them on instagram. 

Gastropost on Instagram

Gastropost Blog

[stylisheats]

It is a beautiful fall day and the garden is still fighting to stay alive. I am not sure how the last of the green tomatoes will fare in the cooler weather, but today I managed a nice little harvest. So, dinner tonight will be stuffed peppers. I suppose I should try to take some after photos too.

[stylisheats]

Let’s face it, I will probably never be a consistent blogger, but every so often I just feel the need to share something that inspires me. As an overweight dietitian, who is also a foodie in the true sense of the term, I find myself in a three way tug of war between my health conscious dietitian self, my self-sabotaging inner overeater, and my cuisine and culture loving foodie self. It is hard to say who will win out at any given time, but this time I feel very happy. (the impulsive over-eater has been taking some downtime lately)

In order to stay well I have to have a good relationship with food, and find a balance so when I am able to enjoy such an absolutely beautiful meal experience like this one at Byblos restaurant in Toronto, well… I have to share this celebration.

Byblos eastern Mediterranean - on 11 Duncan Street in Toronto’s entertainment district, is best shared with friends. Share plates make up the menu and there are so many delights you will want to sample. Three of us tackled a pretty nice selection I think. What you are seeing here are house made labneh, citrus mixed olives, fig salad, Turkish manti dumplings, sweet jewled basmati rice, roasted brussel sprouts with halloumi and mussels in a delightful sauce that we had to soak up with bread so not to waste a drop.

I love when a meal leaves me in a dreamy state of bliss - each flavour was subtle but unique and characteristic. Every so often I would get a little flavour burst of orange, or saffron or honey that would make me smile. I do so love a delicious meal that I can enjoy with all of my senses, and my camera.

Oh, the service was also fabulous. I definitely must get back here.

Byblos Toronto - http://byblostoronto.com/

[stylisheats]

It has been waaaaay too long since I have added anything, so for Canada Day I thought I would make something really pretty.  Pan-seared Ontario whitefish purchased at Heatherlea Farm Market in Caledon. Kale, white bean and chiorizo toss, a modified version of the recipe found in LCBO Food and Drink Summer 2015. 

[stylisheats]

We treated ourselves to an absolutely divine and decadent brunch while on a little getaway to London, Ontario. Beautiful photogenic food. Be sure to check them out if you are in town and looking for a special treat. http://thechurchkey.ca/

[stylisheats]

Chunky Cajun Polenta, home made salsa and an egg on top and we can call it brunch.

[stylisheats]

Salted Pumpkin Spice Caramels from a recipe discovered on my favourite food site, Food 52. Get the recipe here if you are up for the challenge of candy making.

http://food52.com/recipes/7115-salted-pumpkin-caramels

[stylisheats]

Laksa - My take on the Malaysian noodle soup.

[stylisheats]

Kale, Sausage, and Mushroom galette - a rustic pie for an autumn dinner

[stylisheats]

Seared scallop on mixed grain, garlic scape risotto and topped with preserved lemon gremolata

[stylisheats]

Zucchini, radish and cucumber salad with a light dill yogurt dressing.

[stylisheats]

Kale (from my garden) ceasar with sourdough croutons, parmesean crisps, grilled shrimp and halloumi.