You might think that this post is going to be about the utter
redundancy of candles on a table that is clearly being lit with a photographic light
with a mega wattage resembling that of the sun. The vegetables are practically
cowering from it as their shadows attempt to escape.
“What we need here to complete this picture are several
candles,” someone thought as they adjusted their shades. “They will set just the
right tone by providing a warm and cozy glow to offset the harsh reality of
being served an entirely raw vegetable platter.” Perhaps the cook imagined that
the camera lights would flash-cook them when the photo was taken.
There was a time, in the late 1970s, when food stylists
reflexively added candles to every shot, as if candles suggested class and
comfort. But every type of candle has clearly been lit only seconds from the
shutter clicking, so that no wax be allowed to spoil the elegance. The candle,
perhaps is also meant to suggest the hearth, the cooking flame from whence the
food has so recently been removed.
But you’re wrong.
This isn’t about that at all.
It’s about using untoasted sesame seeds for a garnish.
Dandruff, anyone?
Gourmet Christmas
Cookbook, Ideals Publishing Corp., 1978
Also from this book: Ho Ho Ho Hum
