Rachael Ray poses for FHM in 2003.

Barbara Nitke, an established porn still photographer since 1982, was interviewed by Frederick Kaufman for Harper’s magazine two years ago, but the piece just went online last week. The two sat down and watched food television, as Nitke pointed out the fundamental parallels between porn porn and gastroporn.

You watch porn saying, Yes, I could do that. You dream that you’re there, but you know you couldn’t...That’s exactly the way the porn thing works. The sex, of course, is impossible to replicate.

As she points out, you can hardly ever make the recipes match their gussied-up and perfect on-screen or printed siblings.

Food Network is not ashamed of this fantasy either. According to Bob Tuschman, their senior vice president for programming and production, it's all about creating a "sensual, lush world" luring you inside. "Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that world?” Porn porn strives for the same pleasure-filled Shangri-La alternate universe. Think about all the food show hosts who lean forward after tasting something, open their mouths and ooze with a rouged face of delight. “Classic porn style,” said Nitke. “They’re stretching the moment out."

Previously
Food Network Personality or Porn Star?
What's your favorite food porn?
Tasting Rachael Ray