
Days go by lately and they pretty much look the same. Write write write. Camera camera camera. Write write write. It's pretty intense. It's very insane and I would not change it for the world. Writing this book is the toughest thing I have ever done. Finding my authoring voice as well as my "manual-guideline" writing voice, as well as analyzing hundreds of my own pictures to make sure they are the best in the category they will be used for. I wondered the other day is 5pm was a decent time to finally brush my hair...
I am learning tons. About the world of editing and publishing, myself, others. About having someone busting your chop and being always one step ahead. I thought I did not sleep much, I think my editor got me beat. I often wonder if I am slow or it's just the subject matter that makes me slow down and double triple check how I put it down on paper. I have never pondered words and dissected pictures as much as I have been doing the past couple of months. And there is so much still left to do and so little time to do it in.

I do believe I'd feel different if I did not have to work my regular job at the same time. Yep. The bills still have to be paid, regardless of how long my behind is glued to the office chair or my eyes to the computer. This is by far the most challenging thing I have ever done in my career but it's looking to be a dance of two or three of anything at least until July. And for some insane reasons, it's not stressing me out one bit. It's gotta be because I am doing a job that makes me smile every morning I get up.
I equated it to kitchen work the other day to Bill as we were looking over the schedules. Last time I felt such a high and peace of mind all jumbled together was when I was working in a restaurant kitchen.

Talking about restaurant kitchens...I am starting the photography for Virginia Willis's cookbook this weekend and I am looking forward to working with a dedicated crew of women, from cook to food stylist to yours truly behind the camera. We have a packed schedule the coming 3 days so you won't see me pop around here much. Once the shoot is over for the day it's back to writing and editing my own material. Lots of recipes to be covered for her and we have for mission to find the cover! Ah...no pressure!!
I am ready! With the intensity of the last few weeks, it would be easy to forget proper nourishment. Except I am not one to forget to eat. When time is of the essence, soups and salads are my true staples. It's usually the same lentil or split pea soup but since my buddy Chris posted his French Onion Soup, I have been obsessed to make a big batch of it. Paired with my favorite salad of the moment and I am set. Perfect bite of comfort and TLC during quiet and studious days.
I am hoping to get plenty of "behind the scenes" shots for you guys. So stay tuned!

French Onion Soup: Click here for the recipe.
I'd never trust just anyone to make good onion soup like my mother used to make but his...wow! Make the time to put a batch on the stove. You won't regret it. Use gluten free bread and you are good to go!
For the salad, lately it's been rotating around these ingredients:
- greens, granny Smith apples, feta, pomegranate seeds, vinaigrette.
Perfect lunch...
59 comments:
soup looks too good,..;-)
soup looks too good,..;-)
oh, I need to try this soup!
have a great time,
Paula
I'm reading this at lunch time at it's absolute torture. I'd much rather have this deeply flavoured soup than the sandwich I've prepared. It definitely is culinary TLC. Your schedule sounds exhausting but it's fantastic if you've found the thing for you that brings so much satisfaction. Look forward to the behind the scenes shots.
Thanks for another great recipe! I love French onion soup but I've never made it before. Can't wait to try! Love the dishware as well.
I made French onion soup from Julia Child's cookbook during holidays, and although I am no great cook, it turned out just perfect! It's so uplifting to have a bowl of this when it's snowing outside :)
Love, Andrea
http://doortopemberley.blogspot.com/
Good luck with everything.
No matter how busy I get, I always find time to eat. It's so important! A soup like this I could never turn down.
I love french onion soup because it's the only thing with onions my husband will eat! I also have a weird fear of eating it out, mainly because I know how difficult it is to clean MY bowls, so I can only imagine how much baked on bread and cheese are on theirs! I'm definitely saving this one for a cold day!
i've been making soups a lot this week. maybe this will be for my lunch tomorrow.
I love love french onion soup. IT looks so so good.
Yum! I am totally going to try this recipe - have been looking for a good french onion soup recipe!
Good luck with the book, H! You will finish it and it will be beautiful and inspiring, just like your blog...
How I just dream about a warm, carmelized bowl of French Onion Soup on a chilly winter day... I recently had an unforgetable culinary experience of my own with this delicacy, and thought you might enjoy taking a peak! http://tutusandtea.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/palais-garnier-gratin/
French Onion is one of my favourites! Definitely a good one to make and have your house smelling of it and then enjoying consuming it!
PS - Hope your cookbook goes well. Writing is definitely a skill!
Your schedule sounds even more hectic than mine at the moment, even WITH the opening of a new restaurant. While I'm excited about it, I'm a little jealous I won't have as much camera time as you :-)
Thank you for the mention and kind words, it was a very nice surprise this morning.
On a side note, it was a Frenchman that taught me to make the French Onion Soup, Chef Fessy.
Best of luck on all your projects, looking forward to seeing all the work, and then take a vacation!!
C-
I love French onion soup, specially in winter time. I had been in Paris for Christmas and I enjoyed the French onion soup while was snowing outside, delicious!
look great! j'adore ton blog!
I can't believe you have time to cook at all! Personally, I think being busy like that can be invigorating - hope you do too! Soup looks delicious!
http://happensafterfive.wordpress.com
Soup and salad - the go together perfectly. Looks wonderful.
What a coincidence! I posted a french onion soup a few days ago (I love it)-tell me what you think..
http://tastearea.blogspot.com/
I'm sure all your hard work will pay off one day... =)
With the freezing temperatures here, I would love to wrap my hands around a bowl of this soup. Good luck with your shoot - I'm sure you will have a ball!
Good luck juggling everything. I'm glad you don't forget to eat something as rich and nourishing as this soup. Yumm...
Lately, it seems I cannot get enough French Onion Soup. Carmelized onions, bread, cheese...what's not to love? Christopher has made it even easier with his step by step instructions, can't wait to try my hand at this recipe, thanks!
Your enthusiasm is wonderful! Thank you for sharing it.
Everything looks so yummy! Such a fan of your blog...can't wait for your book to come out. Congrats!
http://www.kimberlyloc.com/
La soupe à l'oignon quel régal!
Vous devez avoir un job très intéressant!
So wonderful to hear you have a job that you love so much, despite the intensity of it all. There will be lots of people thanking you once the book is finally published. And when it's twenty degrees colder here, I just might make that lovely looking soup :)
I cannot wait to see this book you are writing. Such an exciting time in your life Helen. How fun to be so busy doing stuff you love. There is nothing like waking up each morning with a great big grin & a leap out of bed. xo
L'aspetto del suo cibo è sempre raffinato.Le cipolle così gustose....Vorrei tanto avere una sola lezione da lei sul modo di fotografate il cibo.Ma mi accontenterò di osservare i suoi capolavori sul sito.Dio la benedica Rut
Look forward to your book Helen, the online tips you have offered in the past really helped me improve my photos! Thanks, it's not easy to find food specific courses and books in NZ.
Ummm, delicious!
besos
this looks soooo good!!!
The soup looks delicious! I think the best cooking in the world is your own mom's. My mom makes the best fried chicken and skillet potatoes. She hasn't made the fried chicken in years, but just thinking about it can make my tummy grumble.
Your blog pictures are so inspiring. You can make the healthiest dishes look drool worthy.
adore that kind of soups!!! and the pictures are divine!!
Your stamina sounds just about as amazing as this soup looks! Cannot wait to see/read your book, congratulations!
What a sumptuous soup! French onion soup is so easily made, but certainly seems impressive :-D This photo encourages me to make this today.
Have fun with the cookbook. I cannot wait to see it. The French Onion Soup looks delicious.
French onion soup has always been a favorite, but that one looks especially rich. Thank you for dedicating so much of your busy life to creating such an inspiring, beautiful and delicious blog! Can't wait to check out Foodography! All the best to you in your busy week ahead.
What's the saying? "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life." As tough as your schedule is, it sounds like a dream to me! Best of luck to you - I can't wait for your book!
Wow, I don't know how you do it all! Especially with such grace! It's a good thing it makes you smile daily :)
I'm so excited for Virginia's book AND I'm so excited to possibly meet you at Food Blog South this weekend! At least I think you're going...
Have a good (and productive) day! :)
Congrats on finding a fulfilling job that makes you happy!!! This is definitely an uplifting post. I have been craving soups too, so the recipe is great as well ;)
Best of luck to you!!
This looks SO good! I am a sucker for a good batch of French Onion Soup. Congrats on happy chaos!
looks so delicious!
Dropped here googling for macarons and am glad to have found such a lovely sites with loads of baking goodies and info on baking.Following to keep in touch.
The onion soup looks just a right accompaniment to my garlic bread sitting in my refrigerator.
Thank you for sharing the information with us.
Love, love good onion soup and this one looks very good!
Well made onion soup is heavenly.
Mmmm! That French Onion Soup looks absolutely amazing! It's one of my favorite soups, and reminds me of when I was little. I'd always have such trouble with the cheese!
Jess : )
ive always wanted to try making french onion soups :)
even though i'm not a cook myself... and i can barely make any
this is sooo good to just take a look!
http://pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com
i was going to make onion soup soon, once the whether cools down, maybe i'll try my hand at the one.
Love onion soup, thanks for reminding me. Great pictures, congrats.
La soupe à l'oignon: un classique de la gastronomie française et une championne en matière de saveur!
This look perfect for a wintery day like today. Also, where did you get your soup crocks? They're just what I've been searching for!
i can only say ... Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Elle a l'air vraiment délicieux!
What type of vinaigrette do you recommend with the salad? Thank you!
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