I've done it. I've taking this food blogging thing too far.
We've all told people not to bite before a photo. We've all shouted at guests to back-off and get out of our light. But have we turned an empty office at work into a live photo set?
Before I left DC, I brought in a slew of desserts that I had cooked, this being one of them. I had a tough time with the meringue, as I had never made meringue pie before.
I woke up at 6 am to complete the pie, thinking it would be the perfect amount of time to go for a run, get back, bake the pie, let it cool, and take some photos.
I followed Dorie's directions to a T. Unfortunately, I followed the wrong directions. Where Dorie said "put the pie under the broiler until the tips are browned slightly and let cool for 15 minutes", I read as "Put the pie under the broiler for 15 minutes."
Well, 7 minutes in, something didn't smell right. I opened the oven and was greeted with meringue that was burnt to a crisp.
After a silent tear fell down my cheek (not really, but it could have happened, as I am an emotional person), I gathered my thoughts and thought fast. I decided that this meringue would not get the best of me. I tore off the top layer and was relieved to see the rest of the pie was salvageable. I made some more meringue to cover the top, baked it again - this time for only 2 or 3 minutes, and removed the pie.
Great stuff, but it was now 8 am and I had to go to work with the pie.
So what did I do? I brought my camera to work and shot photos in a former co-worker's empty office who had the biggest windows, naturally.
I tried to be discreet, but I am sure we all know that DSLRs are not exactly the quietest of electronics. So the Senior Vice President of my company walked in, head cocked to the side, face twisted with curiousity, laughing.
As a little background - many of my coworkers did not know I have a blog. They knew I love to cook, they enjoyed the fruits of my labor, but I hadn't mentioned it to them in my time there. I have no idea why.
So you can imagine my embarrassment as I tried to come up with a reason for why I was in the former CFO's office taking photos of a half-eaten pie (which they had loved).
"Uh... I have to take pictures of all of my food", I stammered.
That was seriously the best I could come up with. No further explanation, no mention of a blog, just "I take pictures of my food." Brilliant. I felt like Bridget Jones.
The SVP laughed even harder and walked away.
I guess he didn't question it much because of how much my co-workers loved this one. And man, is it good. I reduced it by AN ENTIRE STICK OF BUTTER (seriously. Two and a half sticks? Is that necessary?) and it was still as light and creamy as ever. I couldn't taste the ginger at all, however, so next time, I'll up the ginger content.
This pie will always hold a special place in my heart. It the first time I actually had no shame as a food blogger and did what needed to be done to get the right photo.
For the love of the food.
Check out for the recipe and check out TWD for some more pie!
SO FUNNY! People are always taken back when I tell them I have a site dedicated to the food it make! Glad you got some pictures :)
Posted by: Lauren | August 18, 2009 at 06:55 AM
Good for you. Stand up for your food. It's your art! :)
Wow... now THAT'S what a cream pie should look like - it's perfect! And the cream - nice and firm... unlike mine. :)
I'm sure everyone loved it - even the CFO! Perfect - as usual!
Posted by: Mike | August 25, 2009 at 03:14 AM
A deicious looking pie! I could eat a slice right now...
Cheers,
Rosa
Posted by: Rosa | August 25, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Well, the light was pretty nice in the office! LOL
Beautifully done Teanna!
Posted by: vibi | August 25, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Great save! A single tear wouldn't have been enough for - I'd be bawling and cursing the heavens for being so cruel to little ol' me. It looks delicious and seeing how it's nearly all gone by the time you got these pics, your co-workers are going to MIIIIISSSSSS you!
But go ahead and shout it from the rooftops - I AM A FOOD BLOGGER! WATCH ME COOK (and take pictures and type away feverishly)!
Posted by: Tangled Noodle | August 25, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Haha- so true. At my picnic this past weekend, I was all "Nobody touch that food! I need photos!" I've never photographed at work, though.
Good for you for saving your pie (which looks delicious, by the way). I probably would have gone ahead and cried.
Posted by: Ele | August 25, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Loved the reference to Bridget Jones...very funny!
Your pie looks awesome!!!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 25, 2009 at 12:03 PM
It looks amazing!! Love the Bridget Jones moment - it happens to me all the time!
-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com
Posted by: Amy (Sing for your supper) | August 25, 2009 at 12:12 PM
The pie looks great. Love the picture of the burnt meringue. Doesn't everyone take pictures of their food? Great post.
Posted by: Kim | August 25, 2009 at 12:26 PM
yummm!! m already craving!! vat a perfect dessert!! yumm!!
Posted by: nora@ffr | August 25, 2009 at 01:09 PM
hahaha...I often find myself in a very awkward position with the whole camera thing too...
Posted by: pigpigscorner | August 25, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Great photo of the trashed top layer of crisped meringue. You'd never know the first round didn't work out. Smart thinking!
Posted by: Amy | August 25, 2009 at 02:31 PM
I love your candid reply! Very Bridget Jones, indeed :P
And thanks for letting us all know that you don't exactly need the 2 1/2 sticks of butter here. I've always drooled over the lime meringue, but steered away from Dorie's because of the amount of butter! Now I NEED to give this a go :)
Posted by: ovenhaven | August 25, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Funny post! Your tart looks perfect!
Posted by: isa | August 25, 2009 at 05:47 PM
LOL, well the photos look great so it was worth looking like a crazy person in your office!
Posted by: Lauryn | August 25, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Nice! And sometimes getting busted can be good for you...And Bridget Jones is a bad ass.
I almost did hte same thing, too, with the broiler. I was just so freaked out about the thing that I caught it in time...
Posted by: macduff | August 25, 2009 at 10:18 PM
What a great story! SO glad you were able to salvage your pie. It looks de-lish! A food bloggers got to do what a food bloggers got to do!
Posted by: Katrina | August 25, 2009 at 11:43 PM
I'm the same way! For some reason I haven't told that many IRL friends/family about my blog(s) either. It just never comes up. *shrugs* I totally agree about the ginger. I might have punch it up more next time. Maybe I should reduce the butter too. Makes it a little healthier right? That's my story!
Clara @ iheartfood4thought
Posted by: CB | August 26, 2009 at 12:28 AM
I'm sorry but you made me smile !!! Like all the stories it has a tragic middle part (I'm sorry about the burned meringue) but ends up well ! Bravissima !!!
Posted by: natalia | August 26, 2009 at 01:46 AM
I can just see you in there, taking pictures and your boss walking in LOL! I don't really tell people about my blog either, kinda weird huh? So glad this pie worked out for you, it's beautiful, even if you did have to do the meringue twice!
Posted by: Amanda | August 26, 2009 at 07:24 AM