Posted by Robyn Lee, July 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM

After seeing VerySmallAnna's cute paintings of animals and food, I knew I had to make a request. A week later, Monsieur Manatee was born. This red beret-clad manatee likes to nosh on crusty baguettes and bags of treats from Pierre Hermé—just like me!
Thanks so much to Anna for making my office space a little bit cuter. If you commission a painting from her, I'd love to see what you end up with.
Posted by Carey Jones, June 30, 2009 at 6:30 PM

Something about apricots begs to be photographed—perhaps it's their vibrant colors, or delicate fuzz, or the smattering of freckles across their blushing cheeks. These Northern Californian beauties are brought to you by the superb photographic eye of Jeeyon Shim.
A few more apricot money shots, after the jump.
Continue reading »
Posted by Carey Jones, June 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM

We’re big fans of yogurt here at Serious Eats, and this homemade yogurt with a strawberry-rhubarb compote, from Laura Flowers at The Cooking Photographer, looks perfect for summer. Any other homemade yogurt fans out there?
Posted by Carey Jones, June 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM

Photograph from That Blonde Girl in the Serious Eats Flickr Pool
It may not feel like it in many parts of the country, but summer has officially arrived. And in New Jersey, that means tomatoes—like these guys, at the Sorbello Girls Farm Market in Elks Township. Let the eating begin.
Posted by Erin Zimmer, June 19, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Photograph from cooklocal on Flickr
Meringuesm may not be a word, technically, but it really should be. How else would you define the wispy peaks and valleys made of whipped egg whites and powdered sugar? Don't you just want to poke it?
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Posted by Robyn Lee, June 12, 2009 at 6:30 PM

Photograph from snoboogie on Flickr
You really want a red velvet cake for your wedding, but you also want a model of the town square from Back to the Future? No problem: here's a Back to the Future-themed red velvet cake, brought to you by Caryn's Cakes. [via BuzzFeed]
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Posted by Carey Jones, June 5, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Photograph from The Official White House Photostream on Flickr
That White House garden isn't just for show—all sorts of veggies are feeding the First Family and friends, like these radishes and greens picked for the Congressional Spouses Luncheon. [via Flickr]
Posted by Robyn Lee, June 3, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Photograph from tres.jolie on Flickr
This lovely photo of bisected citrus by photograph and blogger Megan Fizell of Feasting on Art makes me wish I had an orange on me right now.
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Posted by Lizy Yagoda, May 22, 2009 at 5:00 PM

Photograph from Library of Congress/Flickr
A soda jerk working in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1939. The term soda jerk came from the motion of the arm while adding soda water to an ice cream soda. Soda fountains were once ubiquitous at drug stores. [via Howard]
Posted by Erin Zimmer, May 15, 2009 at 7:30 PM

In anticipation of Where the Wild Things Are, the Spike Jonze-directed film adapting Maurice Sendak's children's book that will be released in theaters this October, this cake honors Moishe, the yellow-eyed monster from the story. Coco Cake Boutique in Vancouver baked the chocolate base and topped it with peppermint buttercream and fondant. Otherwise, it's just another cute cake with a face on it. [via We Love You So]
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, May 10, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Photograph from jasonlam on Flickr
It's good to know where your food comes from. This banana sponge cake clarifies the "banana" part. Jason Lam of Me So Hungry scored one at this office along with some other interesting Japanese snacks.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, April 29, 2009 at 5:45 PM

Photograph from blinkenpilzen on Flickr
While browsing through the Serious Eats Flickr pool, this photo of a bitten chocolate-covered popsicle against a bright blue sky caught my eye as a sign of relief from the sweaty summer days to come. But upon closer look...wait, that's not chocolate-flavored—it's salmiakki-flavored, or salty licorice! And it has a licorice core! Oh sweet Jesus, that poor vanilla ice cream.
Of course, if I loved licorice (and I wish I possessed such power; it makes me a bit sad to dislike a whole category of sweets) I would be singing a different tune. Alas, my taste buds have not developed a licorice-loving part yet. I'll give it a try if I'm ever in Finland.
Posted by Robyn Lee, April 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM

Photograph from Rakka on Flickr
Artist Rakka is posting an image of a deer every day this year for her project Year of Deer. Today's deer: a pun-tastic chocolate fawndue.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, April 15, 2009 at 6:15 PM

Photograph from pyza* on Flickr
Just like a human making spaghetti can't match the cuteness of a parrot making spaghetti, a human having a picnic isn't nearly as cute as Chmurka the hamster surrounded by a picnic spread. There's even an accompanying video. But this photo is all you need to enjoy the cuteness of the fuzzy rotund creature and her bounty of food.
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, April 14, 2009 at 4:45 PM

The bird is actually of Japanese origin according to Japanese Bird Cooking Spaghetti. For the record, there's nothing else on the site. Its sole purpose: to document a winged creature making your average fictional meal.
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, April 8, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Photograph by Comrade Bo
After being microwaved, decapitated, and stored in drawers for stale-ification, the Peeps have had it. Seriously. They are pulling out the toothpick-et signs and taking it to the streets. This photo was submitted by the anonymous Peep Liberation Front (PLF), who feels especially connected to the movement. Look, the squishy brigade recognizes that being eaten is their destiny, but can they at least die with some respect?
Posted by Robyn Lee, April 1, 2009 at 5:25 PM

Photograph from doisedois on Flickr
Luisa P. documents her eating habits in a creative manner with her "Eatphabet" series. For more letter-shaped foods, check out the EATphabet pool on Flickr. [via notcot]
Posted by Erin Zimmer, March 26, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Photograph by Dad Gansie of Endless Simmer
The folks at Endless Simmer share some NCAA March Madness pancake art, fit for today's Sweet Sixteen matches.
Posted by Adam Kuban, March 23, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Photograph from NYCviaRachel on Flickr
Seems like an encouragement to tailgate—both kinds. Looks like it's on a Jeep Cherokee.
Posted by Robyn Lee, March 19, 2009 at 6:45 PM

Photograph from hello_naomi on Flickr
Newcastle, Australia-based baker Naomi, creator of many cute and unique cupcake designs, made this awesome Pac-Man wedding cake out of 80 cupcakes. (Whether or not the rest of the wedding was Pac-Man themed is unknown.) To order your own cupcakes, visit hello naomi. [via Unique Daily]
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, March 18, 2009 at 6:40 PM

Photograph from MidtownLunch on Flickr
While in Austin for South by Southwest Interactive this week, Zach Brooks woke up to arguably one of the best complimentary motel breakfasts. The downtown Austin branch of La Quinta had a DIY Texas-shaped waffle iron. You know state pride runs deep when waffles are involved. The iron is actually available on Amazon for $59.95.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, March 12, 2009 at 7:15 PM

Photograph from MyLastBite on Flickr
My Last Bite uses the best cutting board ever to display her slices of pork loin baked in salt.
If you want your own pig-shaped cutting board, there are loads to choose from. This one is pretty damn cute.
Posted by Robyn Lee, March 5, 2009 at 6:45 PM

Photograph from floridapfe on Flickr
What do polar bears like to eat? Giant blocks of ice embedded with melons! I had no idea. [via Unique Daily]
Posted by Robyn Lee, February 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM

The word "butyraceous" has not appeared on Serious Eats...until now. I first saw this word last weekend while playing Cranium with some friends—it's probably the only new thing I learned from the game. My friend and I guessed the correct definition: "like butter." God knows comparisons to butter frequently come up on Serious Eats and in my daily conversations (really, it does); I ought to use this word more often. As should you.
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Posted by Adam Kuban, February 17, 2009 at 6:25 PM

Ye Rin Mok
Born in Seoul and currently residing in Los Angeles, Ye Rin Mok has taken photos for Bust, Monocle, Spin, and other publications. Her photos were prominently featured in the Lions Gate Film Hard Candy, which opened in theaters in early 2006.
Mok's nonfood photos are just as intriguing: yerinmok.com. [via Swiss Miss]
Posted by Erin Zimmer, February 12, 2009 at 5:30 PM

More chocolate mousses should have a swirly-wirly spiral shape like the gumball machine slides. Friends of the bloggers at LUNCH made this, and we can't stop staring at it.
Posted by Robyn Lee, February 9, 2009 at 7:55 PM

What happens when you take all the fillings from a 36-count pack of Double Stuf Oreos and stack them into one Oreo cookie sandwich? Jason Edmond Beaird tries it and ends up with a Duoseptuagenuple (72) Stuf Oreo. [via Neatorama]
Posted by Robyn Lee, February 4, 2009 at 7:30 PM

During a dumpling-making party I held at my apartment last weekend (featuring Michele Humes' recipe), I got this neat shot of my friend Greg as he pan-fried the dumplings.* If you squint a little you can kind of pretend that the dumplings are flying out of the pan like a flock of birds. ...Use your imagination, people.
* Some dumplings may have fallen on the floor shortly after this photo was taken.
Posted by Adam Kuban, February 3, 2009 at 8:30 PM

Jamón Ibérico de bellota. At $169 a pound, this is definitely a treat in this day and age. Gastrodamus says, "Let a piece sit on your tongue for a little bit to really taste the different flavors. The acorn flavor is in the fat. Should be thinly sliced with a knife, not with a machine." [via The Serious Eats Flickr Pool]
Posted by Robyn Lee, January 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM

That's not just any field; it's a field of your nasal passage's worst nightmare. Kayoko of Umami Mart took a photo of a field of fresh wasabi while visiting Joren waterfall in Izu, Japan. If you visit there, you can buy fresh wasabi stems and wasabi-flavored soft serve.
Related: Photo of the Day: Rice Field
Posted by Adam Kuban, January 20, 2009 at 8:30 PM

Photograph from Heather on Flickr
Beer bacon? Praise be.
Posted by Robyn Lee, January 19, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Photograph from stickygooeychef on Flickr
Methinks the English would approve of this perfect bite of Caesar salad from food blog, Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy. That's quite a tidy stack of lettuce, tomato, and steak.
Related: Snapshots from the UK: How the English Eat
Posted by Robyn Lee, January 15, 2009 at 6:30 PM

I love the retro illustration on this box of Gerrit's Satellite Wafers, even if I have no idea what's going on. Snow capped mountains? Check. Giant tongue-wagging sun? Check. And...is that a crown peeking out from behind the satellite wafers? Uh. What? Okay.
I could've owned this lovely box for just $9.95 from Economy Candy, my favorite candy store in New York City, but as I find Satellite Wafers to be one of the most pointless candies I've ever eaten, I couldn't do it. But if you like eating flavorless styrofoam-like wafers filled with 5% sour powder and 95% air, then go for it.
Posted by Robyn Lee, January 6, 2009 at 8:45 PM

Photograph from cakespy on Flickr
At first glance, I thought Jessie Oleson of Cakespy made a cake-topped version of candy salad, but it's a cake on top of a real salad—and the cake batter contains mayonnaise. Are you cringing? Jessie says this:
If you're disgusted by this cake but you're one of the many who indulged in bacon-flavored baked goods in the past year, you take a long look at yourself in the mirror before you judge the mayo cake. Because what makes up mayonnaise—egg yolks, oil, vinegar—is all stuff that would go into a cake anyway.
She said it was "the most dense, moist, rich cake we've ever made." Sounds good to me!
Related: Photo of the Day: A Candy Salad
Posted by Erin Zimmer, December 22, 2008 at 5:15 PM

Photograph from Sarah Serendipity on Flickr
If cookies were to congregate on a wooden surface for something really important in the cookie world, this might be the result. They seem to be paying homage to the center oatmeal lace one, which is clearly a deity in the cookie community. Though not all are pictured, this was part of one woman's 40-ish dozen retro cookies baking project, inspired by a recent Gourmet spread. You can make the same volume with 10 pounds of flour, five pounds of butter, a lot of sugar, and some swearing.
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, December 18, 2008 at 5:15 PM

Photograph from jasonlam on Flickr
Holiday potlucks bring together foods of all colors, nations, and flavors. When else would this slice-and-bake snowman cookie get to sit on a pile of pasta, near a salad and what appears to be a black bean patty? Jason Lam of Me So Hungry has the right potluck strategy—just pile it all on good.
Posted by Robyn Lee, December 11, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Photograph from abbietabbie on Flickr
It's hard to believe that Christine Hamilton, abbietabbie on Flickr, only makes cakes as a hobby considering how beautiful her cake designs are. Her intricately detailed Jack and Jill cupcake as part of her nursery rhymes series is particularly eye-catching. [via Boing Boing]
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Posted by Adam Kuban, December 9, 2008 at 8:10 PM

Serious eater Cybercita forwarded this photo to me last night. At first I thought we had blogged about this lil' dog in a hot dog bun, but a quick search of the SE archives shows that, nope, we haven't. And that's sort of surprising, considering the panoply of weird-animal-food photos we've got on the site. So, in the interest of being completist—and because it's been a bit of a hot dog day today, here you go.
Posted by Erin Zimmer, December 3, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Photograph from manda_wong on Flickr
Sometimes ice cream sandwiches stretch the truth a bit. Where's the white bread and mustard? OK, forget the mustard. But at least one Singaporean street vendor is taking the "sandwich" definition more seriously with this taro ice cream squished between multicolored bread. With crusts! Justice prevails.
Posted by Michele Humes, November 25, 2008 at 10:45 PM

To Jack Donaghy's declaration that New York is "off cupcakes and onto donuts", I say: holiday ceasefire! Lay down your weapons and coo over Wild Cakes' Lilliputian turkey dinner, crafted entirely from fondant.
Yes, potatoes are perhaps over-represented (mashed and boiled?) on this Thanksgiving table, but who's counting? Not I. [via Yes But No But Yes]
Posted by Robyn Lee, November 20, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Photograph from spiffae on Flickr
I've found myself in this same position many times while trying to figure out what to eat in the food court at Japanese shopping center Mitsuwa in New Jersey. It's hard to choose from so many enticing bowls of meticulously arranged plastic food—plastic food that looks surprisingly close to the real thing. This display doesn't actually glow green in real life, but I like the eerie feeling it gives the photograph taken by Ben Duchac.
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, November 19, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Photograph by David Hagerman of Eating Asia
If you find yourself in Jakarta, this looks like the man you'd want to buy your satay (or "sate" in Indonesian) from. Between his happy face and confident stance holding that wad of stick meat, I would trust anything he cooks. Robyn Eckhardt of Eating Asia was lucky enough to try his food after waiting in a long line. (Smiling Satay Man seems to have a following.)
Posted by Adam Kuban, November 18, 2008 at 6:30 PM

The striking images above are by Corey Arnold, whose website bio reads as such:
Corey Arnold is a photographer and Alaskan crab fisherman. During October, January and February he can (or cannot) be found aboard the F/V Rollo in the Bering Sea. The rest of the year is packed with travel, gallery exhibitions, magazine and ad photography assignments with a bit of backyard gardening, cat maintenance, and skateboarding in Portland, Oregon.
Arnold's photos from his Fish-Work series go on view tomorrow at Charles A. Hartman Fine Art in Portland, Oregon (134 NW 8th Avenue, Portland OR 97209; map; 503-287-3886), and will be up through December 20. [via Sullivan]
Posted by Robyn Lee, November 14, 2008 at 5:15 PM

Photograph from Elijah on Flickr
"The Delicious Parts of a Whale Explained" may not be the real name of this diagram from Japan, but I like it. Methinks the whale looks a little too happy considering the context though.
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, November 13, 2008 at 6:15 PM

Photograph from passiveaggressivenotes on Flickr
I'm surprised my turtle hasn't left me a note like this yet. My roommate Jessica is by far the better parent of Cecil, our red-eared slider turtle (named after the old man-voiced turtle in Looney Toons). This is a non-passive-aggressive thank you to Jessica for making sure Cecil is not dead. Jessica and Tiffany should be friends.
Posted by Adam Kuban, November 12, 2008 at 6:00 PM

This photo caught my eye while I was paging through my Flickr contacts. It's a wall mural comprising cuts of meat at the restaurant Fette Sau in Brooklyn. Taken by Mintyfresh of the knitting blog Pepperknit.
Posted by Kerry Saretsky, November 11, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Just when you thought no gecko could be any cuter than the Geico gecko, along comes this Hawaiian hottie. According to National Geographic, who voted it one of the best photos of 2008, the lithe lizard shimmied down the restaurant wall, stole a lick of a vacationer’s dessert, and ran off. He may not have good table manners, or be able to speak or save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance, but he has a very refined palate. How can you be mad at something so cute for running out on the check?
Posted by Robyn Lee, November 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM

I had to do a double-take when I saw this photo of a steamed mini crab dumpling in Renée Suen's Flickr. I've seen some creatively shaped dim sum in my life, but never a pink dumpling in the shape of a crab, complete with pincers, a speckled "shell," and black sesame seed eyes. Renée says that the dumpling was filled with fresh crab meat, shrimp mousse, and vegetable sprouts. To get your own pink baby crab dumpling go to Lai Wah Heen in Toronto.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, November 6, 2008 at 5:15 PM

Photograph by Michele Humes
If your first reaction to this photo isn't, "BUUUNNNNIIIIIESS!!! AHHHH!!! EEEEHEEHEE! BUNNIIIESS!!!" then something's wrong with you. Because that was my reaction, and God knows I'm the definition of normalcy.
These rabbits, Brodsky and Peanut, belong to Michele Humes of the food blog Fine Furious Life. In an entry about innate likes and dislikes with food, she explains that while Brodsky loves carrots, Peanut won't touch them. Michele's dislikes include floral note, tarragon, and fennel. I would try to think of my own, but I'm too distracted by the adorably fluffy bunnies.
Posted by Robyn Lee, November 5, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Photograph from shastio on Flickr
There are a lot of Barack Obama–themed baked goods out there, but a picture of Obama made from 1,240 cupcakes is a whole other level of Obama food art. Zilly Rosen of Zillycakes in Buffalo, New York, made this cupcake mosaic yesterday to show her support; I hope that it was eaten today in honor of our next president. [via Cupcake Takes the Cake]
Posted by Robyn Lee, October 30, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Photograph from Mightyohm on Flickr
It appears that Japanese TV mascot Domo-kun is pro candy corn! Look as he so joyously flings unsuspecting candies into his gaping mouth! That mountain of candy corn doesn't stand a chance. See more of Domo-kun's candy corn love, after the jump.
Continue reading »
Posted by Erin Zimmer, October 28, 2008 at 7:10 PM

Next time you eat a Rice Krispie Treat, make sure a fluffy cat isn't inside. Cute Overload has quite the list of pet costumes, some of which are food-related.
Posted by Robyn Lee, October 23, 2008 at 6:45 PM

These cute ginger skeleton cookies made by artist and plush toy-master Heidi Kenny of My Paper Crane are perfect for Halloween. Just make sure you have some knowledge of skeletal systems before you pipe on the frosting.
Posted by Robyn Lee, October 20, 2008 at 6:15 PM

Chicken feet are nothing surprising to the frequent dim sum-eater, but to others a bowl of this stuff might look strange and inedible. During a meal at 88 Palace in New York City's Chinatown (which you'll soon read about on Serious Eats New York), we shared an order of steamed chicken feet. One of my Chinese friends said that she's seen them referred to as "Phoenix Claws," which sounds way cooler than it actually is.
What do "Phoenix Claws" taste like? In my experience, mostly bone and insubstantial bits of gooey meat matter. I can't say it's my favorite dim sum dish. But don't take my word for it—some people love chicken feet as though it's a gift from God.
Posted by Robyn Lee, October 14, 2008 at 8:00 PM

If someone in your office ever sends out a mass email about a missing peanut butter and jelly sandwich, retaliate by making a "MISSING" flyer for the sandwich. In my friend's office, one of her coworkers responded to the cry for help by making a flyer for the lost sandwich, which another coworker followed up with by posting a fake newspaper article. The story has a happy ending; my friend informed me, "The sandwich was eventually found and left unbitten."
Related: Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Serious Eats Special Report
Posted by Robyn Lee, October 13, 2008 at 6:44 PM

Photograph from franjmc on Flickr
Australian cake designer Fran made this awesome rainbow with a pot of gold cake for a seven-year old's birthday. Zoom in on the pot of gold for more detail. Fran explains that she made the gold coins out of thinly rolled icing that she cut out with a number 4 icing tip. After allowing them to dry, she shook them in a jar with edible gold dust.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, October 6, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Behold, the best barbecue smoking team logo ever. Adam mentioned Transformer BBQ's logo in his post about the American Royal Barbecue Contest, but the logo's awesomeness warrants its own post. Compare the original Transformers logo to the porky version, after the jump.
Continue reading »
Posted by Erin Zimmer, October 3, 2008 at 7:45 PM

Photograph by Robyn Lee.
Yesterday, Robyn and I traveled out to quaint Tarrytown, New York to see Andrew Bird perform. Before the show, we popped our little heads into a nextdoor coffee shop, Coffee Labs Roasters, only to find this sign on the glass case.
Too many muffins is never a bad thing. Because it only means that, somewhere, it's raining muffins! Wherever "they" are.
Posted by Robyn Lee, October 2, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Kenny Shopsin doesn't make just any fried chicken; he makes taco-fried chicken coated in spicy buffalo wing sauce. And it's goooood. Random shards of tortilla chips provide pockets of crispy, corny deliciousness in every juicy bite chicken. If you can't make it to Shopsin's restaurant, try out the recipe at home. Now you have a use for those tortilla chip bits at the bottom of the bag.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, September 25, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Add this to the list of Things I Have Not Eaten, But Would Like To: waffle sandwiches. James Starmer made toasted nutella and banana waffle sandwiches and shares instructions for how to make your own. Unfortunately I am missing the crucial waffle maker and the sandwich toaster components to this recipe, but someday...someday....
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Posted by Robyn Lee, September 19, 2008 at 8:30 PM

Photograph from balsamia on Flickr
Don't let that melted ice cream go to waste—it can be repurposed as an ephemeral piece of artwork! Painting a version of Edvard Munch's The Scream is especially appropriate. [via Swiss Miss]
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Posted by Robyn Lee, September 18, 2008 at 6:30 PM

This photo accompanying The Kitchn's guide to freezer burn made me wonder what the freezer did to deserve such a high level of neglect. Assuming that its owners didn't die.
I also thought, "It's missing something." After the jump, my preferred vision of the freezer.
Continue reading »
Posted by Robyn Lee, September 17, 2008 at 6:30 PM

You tell me!
[f you want to spoil the surprise, here's the answer, but I want to see how many different answers people come up with first.]
Posted by Robyn Lee, September 15, 2008 at 6:30 PM

"If you don't know why they're called Danger Dogs then you've never had one," says sunnyd1225 on her photo of a tray of Danger Dogs, bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with sautéed onions and peppers. The knowledge of its composition plus the sight of the glistening pool of fat in the tray makes the "danger" part pretty clear. Yet the more I think about it, the more I want one.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, September 12, 2008 at 8:00 PM

Photograph taken by Stephanie Shapiro
The 200-year celebration for Enoch Pratt at Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library featured a special cake by star cake designer Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes. This edible stack of books included H.L. Mencken's The American Language, Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat, Anne Tyler's Breathing Lessons, and Laura Lippman's Every Secret Thing, and was topped with a small figurine of Pratt wearing a suit and a birthday hat.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, September 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM

Designer and food blogger Jenn made these cute cupcakes modeled after beloved Japanese TV mascot Domokun using red and white fondant for the giant mouths. What does their expressions say? Are they happy to see you or screeching in terror in response to their impending dooms? The possibilities are endless! [via Craftzine]
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Posted by Robyn Lee, September 8, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Photograph taken by Alyssa Heumann
Oscar's Adirondack Smoke House may be known for smoked meats and cheeses, but never having eaten their products I'll only know it as "the restaurant with the unsettling anthropomorphized cartoon-like pig figures out front." They're so excited to serve you their own flesh! It could only be better if the pigs eyes glowed red at night, which I'll assume doesn't happen.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, August 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Photograph by Raphael Brion
Last time we saw Ed's beagle, Brass, he was poking his head in a dishwashing machine. This morning when he visited the office he hurriedly waddled toward Raphael's trash can (hence why he's a smidge blurry) and rifled through its contents until he found some day-old Chinese barbecue rib bones. If Ed hadn't dragged Brass out of the office, he probably would've sniffed our trash cans for the rest of the day, then moved onto other offices to rifle through their trash cans.
And no one could resist, because he's such a cute dog. (I made an indecipherable squeal of happiness when he shuffled into the room.) Check out more photos I took of Brass after the jump.
Continue reading »
Posted by Erin Zimmer, August 26, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Photograph from moriah. on Flickr
Though to-go boxes are not endangered, this one was rare. "Did you see that box? Whoa. It wasn't like any other box." Even if this had something to do with the meat inside, I prefer picturing a list of endangered food container species.
Posted by Robyn Lee, August 15, 2008 at 8:00 PM

Can you eat a hot dog and get clean teeth at the same time? No, not really. This photograph by Brian McMullen is part of a trilogy of "Non-Essential Stock Photography" available in postcard form at The McSweeney's Store. A 30-postcard pack (10 of each design) is on sale for only $5.50! Buy it now! Send them to your loved ones! And confuse them!
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Posted by Robyn Lee, August 14, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Sara Rosso of Ms. Adventures in Italy posted this photo of a gelato-stuffed brioche from Sicily to remind us to contribute to her Tour del Gelato project. The Tour del Gelato blogroll links to reviews of gelaterias in Italy and around the world. Make sure to contribute if you know of a good gelateria!
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Posted by Robyn Lee, August 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM

I know I just posted a photo of creative cupcakes, but I couldn't pass these up. Holly Klein of Unfurled made these adorable poodle cupcakes, which she named White Sandi Cupcakes after her childhood poodle, using marshmallows, cinnamon dots, chocolate chips, and black icing. [via Craftzine]
Posted by Robyn Lee, August 12, 2008 at 6:30 PM

I wish I had been the recipient of Susan's box of colorful ice cream cone cupcakes; alas, they were for her son's birthday. I'll have to follow Susan's recipe at her blog Slice of Sueshe so I can make these for my next birthday. You're never too old to eat cake out of an ice cream cone.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, August 8, 2008 at 5:15 PM

When Danny visited Eton in Brooklyn, New York, he witnessed one of the most beautiful sights known to food-loving man: a tray of plump, freshly made dumplings. Read more about the dumplings at Danny's blog, Food in Mouth.
Posted by Robyn Lee, August 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM

chickencrap.com
This is easily the most epic story I've ever read on a "Closed" sign in my life. I wish my nickname were as awesome as Cucumber Dip. Read the story below:
We will be closed the week of July 4th in remembrance of the great Greek victory in the Battle of Tabouli, where General Baba Ghannouj triumphed over the Cretan forces of Falafel Baklava. Despite being badly injured during the battle, Baba Ghannouji's whife Gyro still managed to give birth to 13 more children despite losing both her legs. Th youngest of her son's Mythos, known to his peers as Cucumber Dip, went on to set an Olympic record in the Skull Toss. A record which reminds unbroken today. Re-Open July 9.
[via Neatorama]
Posted by Robyn Lee, August 6, 2008 at 6:45 PM

When I attended the Louisa County Agricultural Fair in Louisa, Virginia, last Saturday, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by locally grown produce. The first place winner in the "garlic" category practically gave off a glowing aura of perfection (or maybe that was due to the reflection of the sun's rays, but let's go with divine illumination). I ooh-ed and ah-ed, wondering why I had never seen such pristine garlic before. That's what the loving Louisa farmer will get you.
Posted by Robyn Lee, August 4, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Photograph from Pabo76 on Flickr
Mister Softee may not be the best soft serve you'll ever eat, but on a hot day, a cone full of creamy goodness may just be what you need. Young Yun captures the beauty of Mister Softee's chocolate-dipped and strawberry-dipped cones.
Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 29, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Photograph from Neatorama
These two munchkins don't know how lucky they have it. When their mom planted a seemingly normal zucchini seed in their Santa Clarita, California, garden, she wasn't expecting this monster to appear. Good thing the children aren't actually the size of normal zucchinis—that would be weird. This makes me wonder if my mom really loved me; my childhood lacked grossly giant vegetables.
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 25, 2008 at 7:45 PM

There's something beautiful about a marshmallow on fire. This photo of a flaming marshmallow by Mike of Another Pint Please reminds me of the first time I roasted marshmallows in a bonfire in 6th grade—they came out looking like charcoal and tasting only mildly better. Mike's marshmallows look like they've endured just the right amount of toastiness.
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Photo of the Day: Peppermint Marshmallows
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Posted by Robyn Lee, July 23, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Photograph take by Gunnar Hafdal on Flickr
I feel proud knowing that the premium fruit we export to Iceland "meets or exceeds U.S. fancy standards."
Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 22, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Photograph from Cybele on Flickr
Licking presidential hopeful Barack Obama may seem weird, but if his face tasted like corn syrup, well, American voters might reconsider. Made by Kai's Candy Company, these lollies showcase the dying Japanese art form "kumi ame," or "rolled candy." Obama's lips aren't usually that hot pink, but it's not a bad look. [Via Candy Blog]
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If Obama and McCain Were Food, What Would They Be?
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 21, 2008 at 8:30 PM

These curvy, voluptuous-looking tomatoes seem so carefree, so removed from the everyday burdens of delicious tomato lifestyles. But like many sunbathers, they're on a direct road to skin cancer. No SPF, ladies? Ouch, talk about sunbaked. Piggybacking off the 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes, this lovely photo by métrogirl could inspire Fried Red Tomatoes, a box office hit about stubborn tomatoes who choose vanity over health one fateful summer.
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 18, 2008 at 6:45 PM

Photograph from Another Pint Please... on Flickr
When I first saw this photo, I thought it was funny because the chickens were positioned in such a way that made them look like they were casually sitting down and having a chat. "Hey, I have a can up my butt." "Yeah, me too." Then I saw the title "Limbo!" and got a different perspective.
Either way, anthropomorphizing headless roast chickens is weird.
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 17, 2008 at 6:15 PM
When Nat King Cole came into this world, his parents must have wondered what cabbage-based sides his name would sound like. The legendary jazz musician looks pretty happy about his face rendered in creamy cole slaw gunk.
Other genius creations by the artist Suspect and Fugitive include: Tomato Pasty Cline from tomato paste, Anchovy Bon Jovi from anchovy paste, and Flight of the Concord Grape Juice from the purple liquid. Picnic barbecue with only pun-honoring dishes, anyone?
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 16, 2008 at 7:15 PM

Photograph taken by Gwen Turner-Juarez
Look at that turtle go! His expression of happiness and determination is simultaneously cute and maniacal. That strawberry is so dead.
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 15, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Few things are as alluring as the golden crust of "deep fried." Kelly Schmickle made a dinner out of frying morels in a simple beer batter and seasoning them with salt and pepper. This is definitely not what I'm having for dinner tonight, although I wish it were.
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Photo of the Day: Deep-Fried Octodogs
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Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 11, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Photograph from c.buras on Flickr.
Next time you're at the market, be wary of one-eyed, one-horned flying purple pepper eaters. Overall, they're pretty harmless creatures. It's the one-eyed, one-horned flying purple human eaters you have to watch out for. Brutal, and far less tasty.
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 10, 2008 at 7:30 PM

I opened my new bottle of grapeseed oil bought from a Korean grocery store expecting a run-of-the-mill spout. but instead flicked open the cap to reveal a tube-like protrusion. My first thought was, "Damn, that's awesome!" But then I took a closer look and realized the tube was part of a larger design: an elephant's face. The spout was elevated from "awesome" to "BEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN (related to bottles of oil)."
But seriously, isn't that an awesome design? Is anyone else's mind totally blown? (Please say yes, or else I'll think I'm insane.) I've lost count of how many times I've poured oil out of a bottle with a too-large spout and cursed the spout for releasing more oil than I wanted, aside from not being an adequate drip catcher and making my fingers slippery. Since I've used this bottle, I haven't had any problems with excess oil use or undesirable drippage. If any oil manufacturers are reading this, get those elephant spouts on your bottles, stat!
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 9, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Something about Darren Elliott's photo of a bowl of tonkotsu Taiwan ramen is making me unable to think of much else besides scarfing down a huge bowl of noodles. I only just looked up what tonkotsu ramen was after looking at this photo, which Wikipedia explains uses a "thick broth made by boiling pork bones, fat, and collagen over high heat for hours on end, suffusing the broth with a hearty pork flavor and a creamy consistency that rivals milk or melted butter or gravy." Melted butter. I'd drink it.
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Posted by Robyn Lee, July 7, 2008 at 7:00 PM

That's no ordinary check; it's a cup-eating monster! The horror!
Actually, it's a check with a large circle cut out of it and some eyes and choice words written along its side, but just use your imagination.
My friend Ian, creator of the "Om Nom Nom Nom Check," sent me this photo knowing I would get a kick out of it. It also gives me the excuse to employ the underused "om nom nom nom" tag.
Posted by Robyn Lee, July 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM

"It is hard to argue that the frank at Nathan's is not the quintessential American hot dog," says Nick Solares in his post about the original Nathan's at Coney Island. The frank's patriotic quality stands out in his photo of the hot dog against a backdrop of the American flag—it's an ideal food for the 4th of July.
We first saw this photo in Nick's Photograzing post. Be sure to share your most photogenic eats at Photograzing, Serious Eats' new food photography-sharing site.
Posted by Robyn Lee, June 30, 2008 at 7:00 PM

"Oh my god, yes," is one of the first things I think of when I see grilled corn. (Other thoughts include, "Get in my belly," and drool.) Serious eater unarata contributed a photo of her homemade Cuban grilled corn with queso fresco to the Serious Eats Flickr Pool. In response, my stomach is a-growlin', just in time for dinner. Check out the recipe at her blog, Una Rata En La Cocina.
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