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Like us on Facebook
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April 15, 2011
Marian Cooper Cairns joins us as a guest editor straight from the Southern Living Test Kitchens. We're excited to have her insights and perspective on achieving a tranquil home life, connecting with family, and the beauty of using locally-farmed produce.
Her background in both photography and culinary arts led to a unique career as a food stylist. As a self-described chronic dinner party planner and aspiring beer nerd, Marian enjoys finding new and fresh ways to incorporate delicious food into both her work and home life. You can find her work in Cooking Light, Coastal Living, Design*Sponge, and the recently published cookbook Southern Plate. She is also a regular blog contributor for The Dish on Photography.
To learn more about Marian, we asked her a few questions about her work, home life, and passions
When did you first discover you wanted to combine your passion for art with your passion for cooking?
Ya know I have never really thought about it. I really believe I was born to cook and work with food. I inherited my enthusiasm from 3 generations of talented family members. I just had to find my own way.
What's your favorite part about being a food stylist?
Working with a passionate team. From editors, photographers, and prop stylists. It's a joy going to work each day producing beautiful images with people I truly love.
As someone who loves to find interesting and new ingredients, do you have a favorite fruit or vegetable that you always enjoy to cook with?
The seductive fig, only in season a short time makes the anticipation each year grow and grow. Paired simply with a great cheese, stuffed with almonds, tossed into a salad, on pizza, or topped with ice cream drizzled with warm caramel. I eat them practically everyday for the few weeks they are at their peak.
Are there any foods or ingredients that you naturally shy away from?
Baking a cake makes my blood pressure go up, I just don't feel as confident as standing in front of a grill or a hot sauté pan.
What's your favorite place on earth to shop for ingredients?
Pikes Place Market in Seattle or Jean Talon Market in Montreal. It is a treat simply walking among the perfection of ingredients dreaming what I can whip up.
What about Southern dishes do you enjoy the most?
Okra! Grilled, fried, boiled, pickled and everything in between.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
A hot fudge sundae with lots of salty peanuts from my Dad's Dairy Queen, It's been in the family for over 50 years, I was practically raised there.
What is your favorite healthy comfort food?
A pulled pork BBQ sandwich….it's protein right? No really, sliced tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, grilled corn, and a pile sautéed okra with garlic. Maybe splurge on a small wedge of corn bread.
Is there a special meal you find yourself always coming back to?
A great roasted chicken is hard to beat. So many ways you can flavor it. It can be dressed up for a dinner party and easy enough for during the week.
Could you recount your most memorable dining experience?
I don't think you have enough space in this questionnaire. Sorry kids!
Is there someone or something in particular that you draw inspiration from?
Yes, My mother who passed away before I went to culinary school. The older I get I realize how amazing she was. Plus she was the most gracious, giving and wonderful hostess I have every known. I hope to mix her heart with a mix of Donna Hay my international idle. Donna, call me….please!
If you had to pick, what would be the most important lifestyle change to make to achieve a work/life balance?
Have realistic expectations about what can be accomplished each day at home and at work. Staying on schedule helps too. Being late can have a domino effect on the entire day.
Describe what you would consider a balanced workday.
I generally work in a team of creative people. If we communicate well, stay truly focused on our task at hand, and most importantly have a little fun, we all end the day feeling accomplished. Plus wrapping up in a timely manner is really nice too, but it's hard to schedule creativity.
How do you handle unexpected stress?
Limit caffeine for sure! I can easily get too excited. Also, I take a few moments to myself. Walk outside for a few minutes in the sunshine or check out one of my favorite celebrity gossip websites for a mental break.
What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?
Don't over commit personally and professionally.
