A simple baked rice recipe and 10 reasons as to why my pictures do not turn out great

    Very often while reading a food blog, I'd noticed how bloggers actually "plan a photoshoot". Besides getting the props ready, pushing the table against a wall,setting the table...they also make sure that shoots are done 12-2pm as the sunlight is usually strongest at that time. I am embarrassed. I don't even do 10% of those. :( As much as I want my pictures to turn out fab, time doesnt permit me to do so.

  10 reasons why my pictures do not turn out great.

1. I don't own a DSLR.
2. Photo editing is an art in itself and i know nuts about Photoshop till recently.
3. Natural light is the best and I don't get to shoot in the daytime. I always snap pictures at 8pm aka dinner time, thus I rely on flash.
4. My cute niece loves the camera and everytime I want to shoot pictues of food, I would also end up shooting her. Yup, blame it on the distraction.
5. And yah, I don't own a DSLR
6. I am always in a hurry while taking pictures coz of my brother's straying eyes. He would usually be waiting to have his dinner, and most of the time, his dinner is the plate I am shooting. :P
7. I have limited "props"  to creates a great ambience but I am on my way to building more.
8. I am such a newbie with food styling.
9. I have never tried to shoot with the help of reflectors and I totally should even if its just a sheet of white cardboard.

10. Finally....have I already mention that, I don't own a DSLR?

So my dear readers, I am sorry if my pictures are nothing to rave about.
But I try my best to make up for it, with my mostly delivious recipes. Really! :D
On that note, here's another delicious recipe to share. Baked rice! Simple and delish! Oh ya, remember to top it with lotsa cheese! Pretend that you are feeding the poor, so be extra generous! :D

Ingredients A:
2 bowls cold long grain rice (Cooked)
Prawns - shelled and deveined
Sliced chicken or shredded chicken ham
4 gloves garlic - minced
Shredded cheddar
Shredded mozzarella
Parmesan.
Your favorite herb - a good fat pinch.
2 tbsp olive oil
Crushed black pepper
1/2 a small capsicum - cubed
A slice of fresh pineapple - cubed

Ingredients B
3/4 cup chicken stock (I used chicken cube)
1 tsp plain flour
3tbsp cream
1 tbsp butter
black pepper


Method:
In a non stick pan, melt butter, add flour and fry for 30 seconds. Add chicken stock and cream till it almost boil. Add black pepper and set aside.
In another frying pan, add olive oil and fry garlic till fragrant.
Add chicken slices and prawns. Cook for 2 minutes.
Throw in capsicum, pineapple and herbs.
Add rice, season with black pepper and salt.
Take off heat.
Place rice in a casserole dish. Pour creamy stock all over.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Top with generous layer or cheddar and mozzarella. Be very generous!
Bake in a pre-heated oven for about 10mins. at 180 degrees Celsius.
Eat hot!