You’ve seen Gwyneth Paltrow in many different realms:  Oscar winning actress, favorite guest star of Glee, showstopper at the Grammys, wife to Chris Martin and mother to two children.  You may even receive her weekly newsletter, GOOP, in your inbox each week.

GOOP is frequently about the importance of preparing and eating healthy, simple dishes – and creating memories with your family around the table.  Her first book, My Father’s Daughter, was released on April 13th.

I  had the pleasure of working in concert  with Gwyneth and her supremely knowledgeable and joyful assistant Julia Turshen.  We could not have completed the process without the talents of food stylist Susie Theodorou who as always went out very early each morning to source the freshest and most beautiful foods that the LA farmers markets had to offer, arriving at the shoot laden with glistening produce beautiful firm fish and whatever treasures the morning markets had to offer.

Sara Slavin completed our team by pulling together a beautiful collection of props for us to choose from. The highlight of this shoot was spending time with an incredibly talented, food loving crew of amazing and dynamic women.

Everyday our morning collaboration turned into our afternoon lunch.  Some of our favorites were the Duck broth with soba noodles, duck ragu, marinated gigantic bean salad with shrimp and watercress, fried sole sandwich, sweet rice bowl and seasonal crumble. . . I could keep going!  Pick up a book, invite family and friends and start cooking.