Happy Thanksgiving! Black Truffle Stuffing, Pear Kuchen, and a Delicious Leftovers Sandwich at The New York Times, and Gooey Eggnog French Toast at Cup of Jo

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Here's to the soon-ending what's-turned-out-to-be an amazing year. May you all experience a memorable and love-filled holiday.

I produced four of the Fifty States of Thanksgiving in the latest New York Times Food section. The group was a lot of work to cook, style, and shoot. I am very happy with the results. And, needless to say, folks around here ate well in the aftermath….  Each of these is a fantastic dish, if you're still on the hunt for delicious food for your holiday gathering. :)

Above: Delaware, the DuPont family Black Truffle Zucchini Stuffing.

The Elsen sisters' South Dakota Pear Kuchen.

Kansas Harvey House Candied Sweet Potatoes.

A Turkey French Dip from Nevada. This one was the biggest surprise. Totally delicious (keep in mind, it's all in the proportions….).

Once the tryptophan has worn off, here is an indulgence with just enough eggs and sugar to welcome the weekend.  I was asked to produce this for Cup of Jo. It was even better than it looks….

There are some end-of-year goodies I'll be sharing next. Another great giveaway, a giving (and buying) guide, and of course, more really delicious food.

What plans do you have for the last days of 2014?

I need to slow down so I can be a little more deliberate. Time is precious. Our loved ones are gold. More time for loved ones, that's what I'll be doing with the remaining days this year.

Provencal Fish Stew, Ribollita, Ginger-Daikon Chicken Stew, and Pork with Porcinis and Cream: New Features at The New York Times

As you may guess from the title, I am eating as well as ever. I was tasked with cooking, styling, and photographing these soothing winter recipes, and I love each.

Really, please take the time (which isn't much at all, as it turns out) to make these recipes. The first story, by one of my heroes, Mark Bittman, is a totally no-nonsense bit and each is deceptively easy to prepare. Do it. The pork with porcinis isn't any more difficult. The rewards will show themselves immediately.

Some great photos which didn't make the final cut....

One which did make the cut - and one of my favorites. Glowing gorgeous chicken stew, you...

And the pork - lentil - porcini - slab bacon - celery - cream recipe.... need I say more?

I enjoyed these recipes immensely and it didn't hurt that two rounds of snow hit Alabama - aka the snowpocolypse - while working on them. Oh, the good eating.

If you prepare any please let me know what you think, or, if you have any favorites. I've had a difficult time deciding.

We all want spring to hurry up and make its way on the scene, but if we have to suffer in the cold, there's no better food than stuff like this! 

Chinese Chili at The New York Times, Leading Ladies at Birmingham Magazine

I am producing some exciting new stories with the New York Times, one of which debuts today.

Somehow the writers managed to marry the Chinese New Year with the afterglow of the Superbowl in a story about warming Syrah. I prepared, styled, and photographed this recipe which ties them nicely together. And it is quite warming; great for the northeast which is still being hammered by snowfall, as well as my hometown, where my parents report record-breaking snows... It would have been quite at home too with the Snowpocolypse the South experienced a week ago.

Here are a couple of my favorite outtakes, and the link to the full story.

Here in Birmingham the February issue of Birmingham Magazine is out and it looks really good. My photography is of three prominent women who laid the groundwork towards the recovery of this fair city. It looks gorgeous, if I do say so myself. Here they are:

May the contributions along my journey resemble - even a teeny bit - the accomplishments of these women.

Right now I am working on a wonderful recipe for my next Anthology feature. Here's a peek...

Look forward to it soon... :)

French Rustic Collards, Melted Onion, Mushroom Pie and New Work at Birmingham Magazine

I've been on a pie kick. If you didn't see the fabulous meat pies I made for Anthology, you can check them out here. They're part of my monthly column where I produce, cook, and style - and of course shoot! - the process and results. Every bit yummy. I love my work!!

Since it's winter - it SNOWED here yesterday, and I'm in Alabama! - it is the perfect time for soothing foods. So many of us have been affected by the strange turn in weather, with new concepts like Polar Vortex becoming commonplace. That can't be a good thing....right? But, I was temporarily seized by the snowy wonderland outside my windows as I bustled around preparing this dish.

Inspired by the collaboration between Goop and Food52, I thought to throw a recipe in the hat and see what fun it would produce. I had lots of fun making and eating this delightful pie, and I hope you will, too.

The full recipe is here. I'd love to hear if you try your hand at it! And when the time comes to vote, I'll let you all know. :)


Here now are some of my favorites from my feature with the wonderful ladies at Birmingham Magazine. Asked to produce a lifestyle story about a small Basque community relocated to The 'Ham, I spent a day photographing a delightful couple and their three equally sweet young daughters. Full story - minus the images :( -  here. You can request a printed copy by contacting the publisher.

 

It has been tremendous producing diverse work with such good people. I feel blessed.

There's lots to come, like an extra special story at Anthology. It will debut on Valentine's Day. And more... Join me on Instagram for peeks into the projects as I produce them.  Thanks for visiting!!!

My New Website! And, Savory Pies at Anthology, too

Yes, you read that correctly. My website received some needed retooling and it is now live! A perfect addition to this already great year...

Check it out for yourself at Melinaphotos.com.

...With all the blustery cold so many of the States have received of late, my most recent feature at Anthology comes as the perfect remedy. Savory, warming meat pies that conjure a hearth (and the comfort that comes with it), a soothing gift brought by friends in a snowstorm... the quintessential comfort food. It's the stuff of nostalgia.... See for yourself and tell me what you think!

Here are the vittles. Don't miss the full story and recipe over at Anthology -

It's the perfect time for savory and soothing pies, and maybe a nice warm toddy while perusing my new web galleries.... Stay warm. Get cozy and enjoy.