The Potato Book 101 Recipes from The Potato Queen by Poppy O'Toole a.k.a. Poppy Cooks

The Potato Book

It's always a pleasure to receive a cookbook at the door, but opening this package was pure delight!  Of course the fun, feminine and happy-coloured front cover made it even more delicious.  

I come from a long line of potato lovers. My oldest Son is a potato whisperer in any humble garden. In our household, a heaping plate of creamy, whipped mashed potatoes with lots of real butter and thick brown gravy is considered a full, balanced meal. 

(By the way is it potato or potatoe?)

Growing up my parents spoke to us in that endearing, down-home Ottawa Valley accent. Potato was pronounced clearly as 'puhdaydoh'. 

I quickly began to flip through the pages, knowing I had to select one recipe and try it out immediately.  Elements of the books jumped out at me with each flick. Several things were striking:

1. The graphic design. The fonts. Cheeky questions and observations.

2. Humor

3. Categories of recipes, broken down into tasty, organized sections.

Mashed, Roasted, French Fries, Wedges, Hash Browns, 15 Hour, Classics, Baked, Skins, Salads, Easy and Extra Crispies.

I loved the saucy photographs of Poppy herself scattered throughout the book!

I ended up landing on Dill + Pickle Potato Salad.  And boy, it did not disappoint. 

This cookbook is easy to understand and follow.  I gathered my ingredients, even though I didn't have exactly what the recipe called for.

The dressing was so easy and sensational. 

I'm in love with this potato salad.  I can see it on repeat in my kitchen.

I think every cookbook collection should include this book.  

About the Author

Michelin-trained internet sensation Poppy O’Toole created her social media profile, Poppy Cooks, after losing her kitchen job during the pandemic. Known for creating easy-to-follow recipe tutorials, Poppy currently has over 4M followers on TikTok.

Following almost a decade in professional kitchens, Poppy launched her debut cookbook The Food You Need in 2021, which received praise from the likes of Nigella Lawson, Rukmini Iyer and the Daily Mail, who called her the “millennials answer to Delia Smith”. Poppy has been featured across British media like The Times ("The poster girl for TikTok cooks"), The Telegraph ("A first class enabler"), Daily Mail, Observer and Guardian ("one of the ascendant stars of TikTok"). She's appeared on Saturday Kitchen and is the co-host of BBC Three's Young MasterChef.

From Amazon:

You asked, and she delivered—this is Poppy Cooks' all-potato cookbook. Whether you like them fried, baked, mashed, or roasted, TikTok's High Priestess of the Potato gives you the ultimate potato book.

The spud—the humblest of ingredients—can be made into more than just mashed potatoes (but if it is mash, make it the best mashed potatoes ever), and in this book Poppy O'Toole celebrates the range and variety from just this one mighty ingredient. In these pages, Poppy gives you all the tools you need to achieve the perfect potatoes every time—whether it's a trusted roasted potato, a melt-in-the-mouth fondant, moreish fries and wedges or the perfect bake. Poppy includes all the most-loved potato dishes alongside mouth-watering international classics (think latkes, dauphinoise and patatas bravas), and even some old-school favourites (hello, potato smiles), not to mention a whole chapter dedicated to her sensational 15-hour potatoes.

Across 101 recipes, Poppy shares her top tips and tricks for cooking with different methods and flavours to give you THE book you need to raise your spud game and cook like the Potato Queen herself.

Order here.

Appetite by Random House is the boutique lifestyle imprint of Penguin Random House of Canada, based in Vancouver and Toronto. Appetite publishes books into Canada, the US, and International markets, across a range of subjects, marrying books of regional, national, and international flavour in one unified lifestyle list. Whether it’s food, drink, health, or design, Appetite publishes books to celebrate and satisfy your appetite for life!

Note:  I received this book as a gift from 'Appetite by Random House'. I'm so grateful. 

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Top 5 Tips for Photographing Food

Here are five top tips for photographing food to make it look mouthwatering and professional:

1. Use Natural Light 

• Soft, diffused natural light (like from a window) enhances textures and colors.

• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows—use a white curtain to diffuse if needed.

2. Choose the Right Angles 

• Overhead shots (flat lay) work great for dishes with lots of elements (salads, pizza).

• A 45-degree angle mimics how we naturally see food on a table.

• A side view is perfect for layered foods like burgers or cakes.

3. Keep It Fresh & Styled 

• Use fresh ingredients; spritz food with water or oil for a just-prepared look.

• Add garnishes (herbs, seeds, sauces) to enhance visual appeal.

4. Mind the Background & Props 

• Use neutral or complementary backgrounds to make food pop.

• Props (plates, napkins, utensils) should enhance the scene without overwhelming it.

5. Edit for Perfection 

• Use apps like Lightroom or Snapseed to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.

• Sharpen details and add a slight vignette to draw focus to the food.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Spooning

How to Photograph Silverware & Sterling Silver Serveware in Black and White

Photographing silverware and sterling silver serveware in black and white requires careful control of light, contrast, and reflections to emphasize shape and texture.

1. Lighting for Contrast

Use soft, diffused lighting to prevent harsh reflections while enhancing highlights and shadows. Side lighting can create depth, while overhead lighting helps reduce glare.

2. Background & Composition

A high-contrast background—deep black for drama or light gray for subtlety—enhances the silver’s shape. Arrange pieces thoughtfully, using negative space and symmetry for balance.

3. Managing Reflections

Since silver is highly reflective, adjust angles to avoid unwanted reflections. A polarizing filter or matte surface nearby can help control glare and distractions.

4. Capturing Texture & Detail

Use a macro lens or close-up shots to highlight engravings, patina, or polished finishes. A shallow depth of field can isolate intricate details.

5. Post-Processing in Black & White

Convert images to black and white, adjusting contrast and brightness to enhance reflective qualities. Fine-tune shadows and highlights for depth and dimension.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Culinary Photographer: Documenting the People, Places, and Experiences Associated with Food

Culinary Photographer: Documenting the People, Places, and Experiences Associated with Food

A culinary photographer does far more than simply take pictures of food. They capture the essence of the culinary world, telling stories through their lens about the people who create, the places that inspire, and the experiences that unfold around food. This dynamic field combines elements of food photography, portraiture, travel, and lifestyle documentation to craft a rich narrative that goes beyond the plate.

The People

At the heart of culinary photography are the people who bring food to life. From chefs and farmers to artisans and servers, each individual has a story that adds depth to the culinary experience. A skilled culinary photographer captures these stories in action: a chef’s hands deftly plating a dish, a baker dusting flour across a countertop, or a farmer inspecting freshly harvested produce. These moments connect audiences to the human effort and passion behind every meal.

Portraiture is an essential aspect of this storytelling. Photographers often use natural light and authentic settings to portray their subjects in a way that feels intimate and real. Whether it’s a sommelier pouring wine or a street vendor preparing a beloved local dish, the focus is on showcasing the individual’s personality and their relationship with food.

The Places

Culinary photography often involves capturing the environments where food is grown, prepared, and enjoyed. These places, ranging from bustling urban markets to serene vineyards, are vital in contextualizing the food story. A photograph of a seafood market at sunrise, with its vibrant array of fresh catches, conveys the importance of local sourcing and traditions.

Travel is often an integral part of the job. Culinary photographers explore diverse settings, from Michelin-starred kitchens to rural villages, to showcase how geography and culture influence cuisine. This aspect of the craft often involves landscape photography techniques to highlight the beauty of agricultural fields, coastal fishing villages, or dynamic street food scenes. These images not only inform but also inspire curiosity and appreciation for culinary diversity.

The Experiences

Food is deeply tied to experiences, from the joy of sharing a meal to the sensory delight of tasting a new dish. Culinary photographers aim to evoke these emotions through their work. Capturing the steam rising from a bowl of pho, the vibrant colors of a summer picnic, or the laughter around a holiday dinner table invites viewers into the scene.

Moments of preparation and celebration are equally significant. The rhythm of chopping, the art of plating, or the lively energy of a food festival all tell stories about the cultural and communal aspects of food. These images serve as visual narratives that celebrate the rituals and relationships forged through eating.

Crafting the Narrative

Culinary photography requires technical skill and a creative vision. Photographers must master composition, lighting, and color to produce compelling images. Equally important is the ability to connect with subjects and adapt to various environments. A culinary photographer acts as both an artist and a documentarian, bridging the gap between viewers and the intricate world of food.

In documenting the people, places, and experiences associated with food, culinary photographers celebrate the universal language of cuisine. Their work not only preserves moments but also inspires appreciation for the artistry and culture that make food such an essential part of our lives.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2024 Patti Friday b.1959.