My food philosophy is “everything in moderation… except oysters.” I decided to pick up a bunch of Kumamotos from Whole Foods and share two simple mignonettes that are easy to make and oh-so-refreshing. Grab the recipes below and while you’re at it, check out some of my food photography tips from the photo shoot.
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Food Photography Tips for Oysters with Two Simple Mignonettes
Play With Back Light
It’s very common to light food from the side in food photography. However, experimenting with back light can also be incredibly beautiful. In the first picture (above), I stood in front of the oysters with a window behind them. This created a soft back light that really enhanced the mood of the image.
Play With New Props
Sometimes when I get in a rut with food photography, all it takes is a new prop to bring my creative vision back to life. I recently partnered with Jenny from Cats Eye Pottery. I found her on Etsy and she creates some gorgeous pottery. The plate I used for the oysters was created by her. Isn’t it stunning!? She has a background in painting and drawing, but her craft evolved and she found herself shaping an ordinary ball of clay into something functional. Sure, you can scout out garage sales and antique shops for food photography props, but sometimes it’s fun to partner with someone else and help promote their craft. Be sure to check out her website and her Etsy shop.
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Read More About: Getting Started In Food Photography
Recipe Notes for Oysters with Two Simple Mignonettes
Chilled Cava Mignonette
The Chilled Cava Mignonette is a simple twist to a traditional mignonette. What’s the twist? Just add Cava (or the sparkling wine of your choice). Pretty simple!
Sweet and Spicy Lime Mignonette
The second mignonette recipe is a Sweet and Spicy Lime Mignonette. Yes, it tastes just as refreshing as it sounds. The kick comes from a deseeded serrano pepper. It’s a nice combination of sweet and spicy. But, if spice isn’t your thing, you can leave out the serrano. It’s flavorful without the spice too.
Happy Shucking!
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Read More About: Mike’s Grilled Oysters
Oysters on the Half Shell with Two Simple Mignonettes
Ingredients
Chilled Cava Mignonette
- 1/2 cup Cava, chilled
- 1/4 cup minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 12 Kumomoto oysters
Sweet and Spicy Lime Mignonette
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 serrano, finely diced and seeds removed
- 12 Kumomoto oysters
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients, except the oysters and mix well.
- Drizzle over the freshly shucked oysters.
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All images ©Regan Baroni 2017.
These mignonettes are like best friends to oysters – they amp up the flavor rather than overcoming them. SO delicious, and super beautiful as always!
It’s so fun finding good pairings with oysters! So glad you liked them both!