HealthBarn USA has had a VERY busy winter season preparing for its first book, “Appetite for Life:  The Thumbs Up, No Yucks Guide To Getting Your Kid to be a Great Eater,” being published September 2012 by HarperOne, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.  Our mission was to shoot 14 recipes for the color insert in one day (it actually took us two!) beginning on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Ted’s studio — and fabulous home, too!

The barn “kitchen” team lead by the well-organized Molly Fallon included two interns including Chiarra (William Patterson University/Public Health) and Dorothy (UMDNJ/dietetic internship).  Importantly, Coleen O’Shea, our literary agent, was on hand to style and keep everyone on time. We also had Gracie, our expert taste tester on hand, always waiting for the leftovers!

The delicious Coconut Shrimp appetizer never looked so good!  What was surprising to everyone was just how difficult our recipes were to photograph because our food is BROWN since we use whole grains — hilarious.  White stuff is definitely easier to photograph and looks good, but it’s not good for you.  The great news is that the food was styled well and Ted worked hard to get all of the recipes to look mouth-watering.  The big test was when everyone agreed that regardless of the “shade” of color — all the food was delish!

The real challenge was on day #2 when all of the “cheese” recipes for shot!  Who knew cheese could be so tough to make look good.  As soon as the warm cheese hit the cold air — it hardened and didn’t have the gooey effect we were going for…. so Ted broke at the blow torch and things really heated up.

Stacey was as patient and focused as she could be given her adult-ADHD!  We had a blast and HarperOne is happy with the photos – YIPEE!  We hope you will be too when you get to see the final book in September 2012.