Over the past 5 1/2 years I’ve taken countless photos. It would be quite exciting to know the exact number… or maybe not.
Out of all these, obviously I love all the photos I post, more or less. But there are some that are special. Those that have a little extra something.
This whole shoot is exactly like that for me.
What makes it even more special is that the house we shot this in is no longer what it used to be. Obviously, the house was pretty run down and in great need of renovation, but still.. look at that turquoise kitchen cabinet and that beautiful golden medallion wallpaper. The paintings, the marble table and the chair. I could spend a long time in there, just looking through the old newspapers lying around.
I had been in this house a few times prior to shooting in it, with permission from the owners of course. When I was working on my last published book “Sweet food & photography” I told my publisher about this house and I could see the excitement in her eyes.
I told her about the wallpaper, the newspapers (I had yet to discover the kitchen cabinet) and the light. There is definitely something special about the light in old houses. She said to me “you HAVE to take photos in this house”. So I took her advice.
First, we (and by we I mean me and my friend/assistant Emma) made a test shoot with some muffins and pies I had lying around at home. I remember it was so freezing in the house that day. Even colder than outside. I think this was in April 2014. I realized that it was a perfect location to shoot and that I had to come back and do it again.
About one month later we came back to shoot. Everything was exactly as we left it. What I also love about this shoot is that I didn’t even have to bring any props. We found everything we needed in the house (except for the cakes, flowers and plates, obviously). Now, all of that is gone. I’m a rather nostalgic person, so the fact that it’s all gone makes me think about it even more.
I try to remind myself that the house was in pretty bad shape and that it was just a matter of time before it had to be demolished or something. Now, the house has new owners, turning it into their dream house. I’m just happy I was able to take these photos before it was too late! Of course, I gave a copy of my book to the previous owners as a thank you for letting me shoot there.
Many of these photos are from my book Sweet food & photography, which is being translated into English, French, Dutch and German. Feeling very grateful! I also felt like I had to share this recipe from the book because it truly is one of the best cakes. The crunchy caramel popcorn on top.. well, all I can say is, try not to eat them all straight from the baking sheet…
Oh, and by the way, that framed photo to the right in the photo above is of a kitten sitting on a table next to a cactus. How great is that?
cynthia says
Such a fascinating and touchingly beautiful story behind this shoot, Linda! Thank you so much for sharing this with us 🙂 not to mention this incredible cake — the caramel popcorn on top is the crowning glory. Congratulations on your gorgeous book!
Desi van Waterschoot says
Oh.. I am so hungry now. That cake looks so good. I am definitely going to make this one. xo
Dogdays of Summer says
Oooh my god, this looks INCREDIBLE delicious!!! Yummy yummy yummy!
Clara Edvinsson says
Wow underbara foton! Och receptet ser riktigt gott ut det också!
Michelle Lopez says
These photos are just amazing. It's so wonderful that you were able to shoot them in that house; from what I can see, the house is gorgeous, made especially so by all that history. Love.
Steve says
Gorgeous ass always. I still wonder how, how, how you manage to stock all these props and furnitures at your place (or studio ?) ! It's amazing and I know it's so muc hworks behind. Bravo !
Anonymous says
You better read what she writes 😉
Bea says
You know,this is my favourite photo shoot out there too 🙂 Love going back to your images to get inspiration.I just love how much of 'you' you put into each photograph.Thank you dear Linda!And wishing you many more beautiful old houses to shoot in 🙂
Ronja says
That looks amanzing, i'm looking forward to the german version of your book! 🙂 But i'm curious who eats all this delicious stuff? you look so skinny 😉
Katy Noelle says
I have just loved the photos that I've seen from the house! Always thought they were just amazingly extra 'wow!' But the story makes it even more magic. And, isn't there something magic about an empty home? It's almost as if, in the quiet, one can finally here the house itself – speaking – it's own personality coming through. Yes! Magic! A magic story!! <3
xxo
Sanda says
Oh Linda, this looks amazing and you found a dream house for your session. I love those photos so much, breathtaking!!!
Fabiana Del Nero says
Oh mamma!!!
E' bastato un click e come Alice nel Paese delle meraviglie mi ritrovo catapultata all'improvviso in una dolcissima fiaba!
Non voglio uscire….voglio perdermi, per una notte almeno!;)))
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These images are beyond perfect – so much dessert!! I feel like dancing…and then having some of this cake. WOWZA!
Courtney C. says
This is beyond gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this stunning cake and these photographs! I need to try this recipe out! I'd love to shoot in a gorgeous old house someday. How did you come across this house before??
June Burns says
I just love your photos here…the house is absolutely beautiful! It sounds delicious too 🙂
redhotcentre says
Love the backstory! I love old things and get nostalgic over old things found, old houses, photos, anything really that speaks of a time gone by… 😉
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
JUST UTTERLY GORGEOUS!
Emily says
The house looks amazing. Desserts everywhere. And this cake. No words.
Anne-Marij says
Wow I'm in love with you're picutures. Really good inspiration!
Anne-Marij says
I was wondering do you also have the recipe of those buns on the newspaper?
Karen says
Beautiful, what talent you have! It's made all the more enduring with the background story.
cocoquilts says
A beautiful house forever captured in your beautiful photos! I'm looking forward to your book release here in the U.S. Thank you for sharing the recipe of this gorgeous cake!
Colette
Jade Sheldon-Burnsed says
Gosh, what a magical place! So perfect for your incredible creations…
rovinglights says
These are ridiculously beautiful photos. The cakes look so good but they're almost too beautiful to eat.
marcia says
holy cow. the styling on these photos is just so so so great.
absolutely amazing!
Kristin @ Tasty Joy says
I was just pondering the other day how I could utilize popcorn into a dessert! This is fabulous 🙂
peppermintdolly.com says
Beautiful photographs & food styling – that cake looks pheNOMenal!
Rxx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Tracy@bluridgevintage.com says
Thank you for the wonderful photos and mouth watering cake. I love to bake and even more I love to make cakes, but I have to say yours make anything I do look like kindergarten work. You are a true artist!!!!
emily villatoro says
Gah! Thanks for the recipe! :):)
Anonymous says
Thank you! I made this amazing cake over the weekend. It tastes as goods it looks, a perfect marriage of cake / icing! I am excited for your new book to come to Canada. Thanks again!!
wild nettle says
Wonderful pictures 🙂
Curso Cupcake says
Loved it! 😉
Clara says
Very Beautiful!
Anonymous says
Wow your pictures are very inspiring! I really love the house, it's so beautiful. Too bad that it's all gone now. You are so lucky that you had the opportunity to take those pictures before the house was renovated. I'm very keen on the walls and the furniture, they remind me of my grandmothers house. I have also seen your instagram, your pictures are so magical! I also like to make pictures with my big camera, but I can never find good locations, so most of the time it's just pictures of my cats in my garden. And your cakes look so delicious! I'm not generally a fan of cake, but I will definatly try your recipes because it looks so good… I'm so hungry now. I think I could eat them everyday. I would love to buy your book (the Dutch version) if I can find it.
Ali says
Your pictures are SO incredibly stunning!!
Sara Sifri says
Vad kul att du bloggade om just detta recept från din fantastiska nya bakbok! Var exakt denna tårta jag gjorde som min födelsedagstårta i år- (älskar att baka som du). Den är helt underbar och alla ville ha receptet för att själv göra ett försök. Tack, nu kan jag dela det och samtidigt uppmuntra dem att hitta till dig som så många andra! Keep up the good work!
Kathy Garner says
Your photography makes the desserts look most appealing. I can hardly wait to make the cake. Would you be able to provide the recipe for the delicious-looking buns on the top left shelf? I would love to try them too!
Kathy Garner says
Your photography is wonderful and makes the desserts look most appealing. I can hardly wait to make the cake. Would you be able to provide the recipe for the delicious-looking buns on the top left shelf? I would love to try those too!
aschenbrödel says
This cake looks stunning! I would love to try it but the recipe is asking for nearly 1 kg of sugar! Is it possible to reduce the amount somewhere along the steps?
Stylowo i Zdrowo says
Wonderful pictures. I love it!
VADEMECUM BLOGERA says
I love your photos. Beata
Maria fra En verden af kunst says
So beautyful, stylish and delicius 🙂
I should have been there 🙂
Must try some my self.
Have a great day.
Tilda says
Detta är min absoluta favorittårta, otroligt god!
Anonymous says
what a fantastic cake.
one question: do you mind translating the cups in mililters for the liquid ingredients? That would help me a lot as i use the metric system.
Thank you!
lizzy
PS: english is not my mother tongue. sorry 🙁
Tuva says
Tårtan smakade underbart – tack för att du delar med dig av din kunskap och begåvning!
linda says
Åh, så himla roligt! <3 Tack!
Jo says
I'm here for the first time and I'm impressed: beautiful, magnifique photos ! ! !
linda says
Welcome, Jo! So glad you're here! Thanks a lot for your kind comment!
malinseating says
I'll have to say it again, you're a fantastic photographer! These pictures are so inspiring, I might have to get your book and take notes.
linda says
Thank you so much! 😀
Brigadeiro says
Hi Linda! Clarice here (@brigadeirochoc on Instagram), hope you are well.! Not sure if you will read this comment as this is an old post, but I have been obsessing over this cake since you posted the first pic on Instagram. I hardly ever bake cakes (maximum once a year, for my kids birthday, if that), but really want to attempt this as I'm dying to try it, and I LOVE caramel popcorn. With their joint birthday party next Saturday I'm hoping to give this a try. Just wondering though if there are elements I can prepare beforehand and place in freezer or fridge (eg. the cake and/or icing or caramel sauce), or does it need to be assembled practically hours before it is served? (I can't see it surviving well in my fridge overnight, but the party is in the morning, so I know I will be frantic trying to get everything else ready). It is autumn/winter here, so not that warm overnight.
Kind regards xx CC
Ida Hallin says
This cake looks so amazing I have to try it, but can I make it the night before I serve it? Or does the cake get soggy over night?
linda says
You can definitely make the cake and the buttercream the day before, no problem! I actually find it to be the most delicious after a day or so. The caramel popcorn would probably be best if you make them before serving, or at least the same day, or they will get soft 🙂
Anonymous says
Hi Linda, just a quick question if you could answer please 🙂 ı have got bigger baking pans do I have to change anything while baking? Thanks 🙂
linda says
Sorry for the very late reply! You would need to change the baking time a bit, start checking a little earlier. 🙂
Inspire_new_one says
I made it for my birthday three days ago and … well that was fantastic! Everyone was fighting for the crunchy popcorn!
Thank you so much, Linda!=)
A year ago I was enchanted to a passionate baker by your amazing talent!
Спасибо))
linda says
So so glad you enjoyed it!! x Linda
pirola says
Hi Linda, this is quite out of the blue but I've been eyeing this recipe for a while and plan on making it for my younger sisters birthday. A quick question about the salted caramel? How do you go about cutting the cake? Do you take the caramel popcorn off first or brave it and cut through? I'm making this next weekend and would love to get your advice! Thanks x
linda says
Hi! I usually just cut trough, no need to remove the popcorn. Try working around the popcorn with the knife though and it'll be easier. Best of luck! x
Foodie says
Hi Linda, LOVE your blog! I'm planning to make this cake but can I please ask, how many grams is 1 bag of popcorn and do you use the whole bag? Also, I am trying to get my hands on an English copy of your book Sweet Food & Photography and can't find it anywhere!
Victoria Wee says
hi! im kind of in a dilemma as to which chocolate cake recipe i should choose from your blog! (They all just look so good!!) its either between this recipe or your triple chocolate cake recipe. These two recipes are really similar. Oh, and i was wondering what is the shelf life of the salted caramel. If you could help me out that would be so great. i love love love your pictures!
Rodrigo M. says
I'm really impressed with the way it looks. Must be delicious too.
Congrats, you're so talented! 🙂
Rebeca says
Wow.. I love this pictures! The colors make me different and happy, on same time.
Thanks for share this! 🙂
Joyce says
Hi Linda! Your cake looks great! Would like to give it a try one day! May I know for the oven temperature of 175DegC, it is in fan forced mode or conventional mode?
Thanks!
Butter and Stuff says
Amazing photos, really breathtaking<3
Ines Oliveira says
Hi Linda!
I don’t know if you’ll get to see and answer this but I am thinking about using your recipe as an inspiration for my birthday cake and I would like to know if you think the meringue buttercream can be prepared the previous day!
Thank you
Ines
linda says
Hi Ines! Happy early birthday! 🙂 Yes, you can prepare the buttercream the day before (but you can also put the cake together the day before, just make the caramel popcorn the same day or they will lose the crunch). Store it in an airtight container, then bring to room temperature again before beating it smooth. You can not use it straight from the fridge! If you’re having trouble getting it smooth again you can heat a small part of the frosting until basically liquid, then add it back to the buttercream and whip it until smooth. Hope that helps!
Edelzia Foresti says
This pictures are SO incredibly awsome!! Very professionals
Carmo Maria says
It seems to be delicious! I will try this out tonight! Thanks
linda says
Thanks 🙂 It’s one of my favorite cakes! Hope you like it too!
Our Lady Appeared says
Can I prepare the meringue buttercream the previous day?
linda says
You definitely can! Make sure to let it come to room temperature first, then beat until fluffy again before using 🙂
Patrícia Sanches says
Ótima receita adorei mesmo! muito bom.
Postem mais receitas assim
linda says
Thank you so much Patrícia! 🙂
Como ganhar dinheiro com doces says
I’ll try to do it at home. *-*
linda says
Yaay! It’s still one of my favorites!!
Marcela Carmona says
Wow, it should look really good.
linda says
Thank you Marcela! 🙂
Curso Doce Gourmet says
Maravilhosa sua receita. Achei bem bacana essa pipoca de caramelo, pois é bem diferente do que eu já comi.
vou tentar fazer, obrigado.
Mercia says
Sensitivity and beauty. Everything looks delicious. Congratulations !
Empreenda Gourmet says
God, what beautiful pictures you have!
Congratulations for the work you do. It is to fill our eyes with all these beautiful images and delicious recipes that you teach us!
Congratulations and success!
Kathryn says
This is a fabulous cake! I cheated a little! I skipped the popcorn and used the canned Dulce de Leche by Nestle as I made this in the week before we moved interstate for the birthday of a dear friend. It turned out beautifully! I decorated with buttercream rosettes and pearls. The cake is delicious and light. The buttercream is divine! Would highly recommend this “low intensity” version but I will go all out next time I give the popcorn version a go! Another amazing Lomelino cake!
linda says
Thank you so much Kathryn!! Not sure I would call that low intensity.. wow, sounds absolutely amazing!! Definitely try the popcorn too, they’re heavenly on their own too. So crunchy and good! Thank you again for your kind comment, so glad you liked the cake 🙂
Jucélia says
Perfect recipe. Congratulations
linda says
Thank you so much!!
Isabela says
Great recipe, made and loved it, congratulations on the excellent blog!
linda says
Thanks so much!! 🙂
Hugo Figueira says
I loved this recipe! My wife did it and it was delicious
linda says
Oh yay, glad to hear that!!