Since starting Mike’s weekly cooking challenge, I have been slowly making a cookbook. My grandma’s recipes are written out on old, fading paper, and many of them are literally falling apart. I want Annie to have copies of everything, so while I am scanning my grandma’s handwritten cards, I am also typing out every recipe into a word document. I found a great free template for this and it’s been really easy to slowly add a page to the book each week.

Speaking of cookbooks, I was reading this awesome booklet on handmade Thanksgiving ideas, and it occurred to me I should also make seasonal cook books – both my family and Mike’s family have lots of great holiday recipes. So I will be taking lots of pictures of food this week. And taste-testing. Mmmmm.

I am no great shakes when it comes to food photography, but I do well enough by following the basics. Use solid-colored dishes (white if possible), use natural light (or lots of artificial light – my kitchen doesn’t get any natural light), and take photos when your food is “fresh,” meaning, as soon as it’s done. Getting in close to capture little details doesn’t hurt either.

savory monkey bread

Getting a picture of the finished product is key! I have forgotten to do that way too many times.

I have eight finished pages so far that I have in a nice binder.

I printed them out on 8.5 x11 photo paper, but brochure/flyer paper would also work really well.

For more tips on food photography, check out this guest post by Meghan. You can find more cookbook creation tips here. And be sure to look at this adorable Handmade Thanksgiving booklet from HP – there are some really cute and fun ideas!
Next week – Christmas tips start! I am ridiculously excited.