As all of us work our way through something akin to a Michael Crichton novel, my bet is that many are finding their kitchens again.  Along with the ingredients some had not purchased in years because they didn't have time, for instance, to bake bread, there are other simple and complex things in the back of the cabinet or on the counter, awaiting rediscovery.

When I muse about food, I constantly am awestruck by early humans who made incredible discoveries because they were hungry.  It is very understandable how grains started to ferment and someone liked the smell enough to taste it, complete at this point with enough airborne yeasts to make alcohol.  But why would the Mayans and Aztecs think that they could take such a bitter fruit as a cacao bean, and then roast and sweeten it to produce a beverage fit for the gods?

Which leads me to olive oil.  Another extremely bitter fruit is the olive.  How could a human being think that curing these things with salt or pressing them would produce such delights?  The oil can range from grassy and peppery to rich and buttery in flavor.  Simple and at the same time, extremely complex. As a photographer, it is a work of art - an instant photo shoot.

Snow fell last night over much of northern and central New Mexico, leaving the skies grey and with even light, a perfect combination for shooting reflections. Nothing like a beautifully blown bottle to showcase and reflect the olive oil.  Here are some of the results.  

food - olive oil 1

food - olive oil 2

food - olive oil 3

I sincerely hope that all of you are finding simple pleasures in your lives during the time of corona, and that we emerge stronger and smarter, and with a sense of what needs to be done to make our lovely Planet Earth a better place for all!  In the meantime, have fun in the kitchen!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@