Last week I worked on a holiday shoot for Bon Appetit magazine. It was for holiday 2013. Made me realize I was falling behind as I did my holiday promo shoot for this holiday season two days later.
It had been in the works for a few weeks. I had a trip to NYC between the planning and execution which caused a delay. But I did have the opportunity to find the lovely wreath and garland I used at the Union Square Farmer’s Market. I was going to ship it back to myself but decided to pack it in my suitcase instead.
My family mixed it up as far as Christmas meals. We went through a shrimp and crab legs phase, occasionally had turkey and prime rib, but the thing we always went back to was cornish game hen stuffed with wild rice. As a kid, I loved having a hen all to myself. And I absolutely love wild rice.
So my holiday spread image is a nod to my past with a little bit of my modern tastes added in.
Growing up with a German mother, Stollen was a Christmas staple at my house. This fruitcake was dense and lasted forever. While dating an Italian girl, I was introduced to the Italian version, Panettone. It was much less dense and a little less sweet. I love doughy breads that I can pull apart to eat. It was hard for me to not eat the entire Panettone before it was photographed.
Here is a behind the scenes video of the shoot:
Happy Holidays to everyone. May your holiday season be filled with joy and laughter with family, friends and good food.