A few years ago at my grandpas house I saw this photo sitting in a frame holder on a table. He had grown these massive tomatoes and gifted them to his neighbour, who, amazed by their size, sliced and plopped one on a piece of toast, photographed it, then plaque'd it. Drawn to such an odd photo, I asked my grandpa if I could have it, he laughed and undoubtedly said sure. I don't think he understood what he was giving up!
At first glance the photo comes across as odd and funny, which is partly why I love it so much. But it holds so much more meaning than that. It captures the appreciation for the small, odd things in life, that old-fashioned hospitality between two neighbours where what's shared is reciprocated, its the fruit of my grandpas labour and its the unconscious decision to take this photo that represents looking inside and outside of the box at the same time.
To do something with my thoughts, I took a series of photos of some twisted, all- American classic dishes served on a slice of WonderBread, accompanied by some simple recipes I used to make them.
Cashew butter:
2 cups raw cashews 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp vanilla powder 2 tsp maple syrup 1/2 tsp salt 4 tsp veg oil 2 tsp salted butter
Anchovy butter:
2 tbsp butter 3 capers 1 anchovy fillet 1 squeeze of lemon
Breadcrumbs:
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs 1/8 cup minced dill 1/3 tsp yellow mustard powder 1/8 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp salt
Braised pear:
water, butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt
American cheese:
1 tbsp water1.5 tsp powdered gelatin1 lbs. old orange cheddar
1/2 tsp salt1 tsp cream of tartar3/4 cup milk
