Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Give Me S’more: A Gooey Test Kitchen Adventure

S’mores Test Day: From Classic Campfire to Marshmallow Stretch Pizza 🔥🍫

Some test days are about precision.
Some are about lighting.
And some… are about gooey, sticky, chocolate-covered joy.

This week in the studio, we dedicated a full test session to the ultimate comfort dessert: the s’more. But not just one version. We pushed flavor, texture, and motion — building four different variations and capturing everything from the perfect golden toast to an epic marshmallow stretch pull straight from the outdoor pizza oven.

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Date Night Vibe with Bondolio

There is something deeply therapeutic about slowing down to style a scene where the ingredients are allowed to speak for themselves. In the studio, we often work with complex setups, but tonight’s personal shoot was all about simplicity, light, and one very specific star: Bondolio Olive Oil.

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

California Pizza

This fun test shoot was inspired by California-style pizza, a genre known for its thin, crisp crust and inventive toppings. From BBQ chicken and spicy pepperoni to colorful vegetarian combinations, California pizza is all about creativity and breaking tradition. Our inspiration came from a deeper dive into foods born in California—and, admittedly, from the very practical excuse of bringing home a new outdoor pizza oven and putting it to work.

Test shoots like this also give my team a chance to jump in as models for both video and stills, experiment with new lighting ideas, and build fresh party-style scenes straight from our prop room. It’s creative play with purpose—and delicious results. 🍕

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Crisp Imagery: The Bacon Bits Package Photography

I’m thrilled to share this recent food photography project featuring Fresh Gourmet Bacon Pieces, a crave-worthy ingredient that instantly elevates everyday dishes. With their rich flavor and satisfying crunch, these bacon pieces are a dream to style and photograph, adding texture, warmth, and indulgence to any scene. They are perfect inspiration for true bacon lovers!

In the first image, the bacon pieces crown a comforting twice-baked potato, highlighting how a simple addition can transform a classic into something extra special. (Recipe linked here.)

The second shot showcases the bacon paired with roasted Brussels sprouts, where savory notes and golden caramelization create a bold, modern side dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. (Recipe linked here.)

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Creamiest Cheesecake

We whipped up this incredibly creamy cheesecake right in the Instant Pot—making holiday baking fast and easy! To get that perfect festive look, we topped it generously with a cascade of fresh red fruit. Serving smaller slices means you get that ideal, decadent treat without a lot of guilt. It's the perfect easy-bake dessert for your next holiday gathering!

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Reel’s In! White Chocolate Bark

Make the most delicious white chocolate bark in under a minute! Forget tempering—you only need two ingredients. Our secret? Melting Ghirardelli’s white dipping chocolate, spreading it thin, and instantly topping it with crushed peppermint candies. It's a super easy escape from holiday cookie stress, or a beautiful, quick addition to your seasonal treats!

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Winter Squash Galette

Olive oil pie crust, winter squash, goat cheese, herbs, garlic and go-mingled olive oil make this galette a table centerpiece. It was made and shot for Edible East Bay. Shown on the cover and inside!

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

Love pumpkin? We do! Here are the best pumpkin recipes from pasta to hummus to cheesecake and flan!

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Dirt and Worms Meet Kling: Dessert in Motion

A bowl of chocolate ice cream topped with gummy worms and cookies, placed on a yellow table with scattered gummy worms around it, with a yellow spoon inserted into the ice cream. The bowl is filled with chocolate ice cream, and various colorful gummy worms are scattered both inside and around the bowl. The scene is set against a vibrant pink background with a white striped wall on the left side. The composition centers the bowl of ice cream, with the scattered gummy worms creating a playful and chaotic effect. The style is photorealistic, capturing the vivid colors and textures of the candies and ice cream. Other detail additions include the bright and cheerful atmosphere, with the gummy worms adding a fun and whimsical touch to the scene.

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

Shakshuka

Here is how to make Shakshuka, a North African Tunisian dish with spicy broth, stewed fresh vegetables, and poached eggs.

Read More
Judy Doherty Judy Doherty

New Arrivals & A Cinematic Debut!

It's always a good day when we get to expand our creative toolkit! We've been busy collecting an exciting array of new props, surfaces, sets, and lighting styles, and the possibilities are already sparking some fun ideas.

Read More