The core idea behind this project was to explore playfulness: we provided five chefs and one bartender with childhood cooking toys from the 1960s to the 2000s and challenged them to create dishes inspired by these toys. Ideally, we wanted them to use the toys in their cooking, though time and practicality often limited this.
As photographers, we created six scenes that echoed classic toy advertisements to showcase the chefs’ creations.
1992 Easy Bake Oven
Almond Sponge Cake Petit Fours with Raspberry Jam and Lemon Curd
Chef Lena Sareini, a James Beard recognized pastry chef, used a 1992 Easy Bake Oven for inspiration. She fondly remembered using this model before her mother discarded it. Lena’s nostalgic recounting of her childhood baking adventures influenced her career, and her creation mirrors the beautifully decorated cakes she dreamed of making as a child.
1994 Doctor Dreadful Food Lab
Malfatti Monster Skin (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings)
Shaved Purple Carrot Dirt with Squash Worms
Red Wine Vinegar Pickled Cauliflower Brains with Basil Foam
Petri Dish Tomatoes Preserved in Olive Oil with Smoked Paprika Spheres
Chef Mike Finsilver, who grew up exploring gardens and creating imaginative dishes, embraced the 1994 Doctor Dreadful Food Lab. His dishes evoke a sense of whimsy and creativity, featuring ingredients and presentations inspired by the toy’s experimental nature.
2002 Queasy Bake Cookerator
Chicken Galantine with Chanterelles and Summer Truffles
Chianti Reduction “Blood”
Fava Beans
Foie Gras Mousse “Dog Bone”
The 2002 Queasy Bake Cookerator, a more adventurous toy compared to its predecessors, inspired Chef Rece Hogerheide. With a background in pastry and a love for dark humor, Rece crafted an adult version of the toy’s gross-out treats, blending playful and sophisticated elements.
1966 Suzy Homemaker Grill
Stuffed Squab with Grilled Bird Bone Jus, Foraged Mushrooms, and a Touch of Sumac
Chef John Yelinek, using the 1969 Suzy Homemaker Grill, drew on his childhood experiences with outdoor cooking. His dish reflects a blend of nostalgia and innovation, showcasing his connection to nature and the joy of cooking over a fire.
1994 Doctor Dreadful Drink Lab
Mystic Morph Tequila Infused with Butterfly Pea Flowers, Ube Simple Syrup with Lime, Topped with Prosecco
Eerie Inked Elixir Rum, Lemon, Honey, Squid Ink, and Edible Glitter
Bartender Chris Allen, who once envied his sister’s Easy Bake Oven, now channels his creativity into cocktails. Using the 1994 Doctor Dreadful Drink Lab, Chris crafted imaginative drinks that echo the playful spirit of the toy.
1969 Betty Crocker Easy Bake Oven
Crusty Kraken Shortcake: Cocktail Shrimp Boat Encircled by Octopus Tentacles on Biscuits Layered with Lemon-Avocado Aioli, Caviar, and Sea Grapes
Although we lost a chef along the way, we decided to create a dish inspired by the 1969 Betty Crocker Easy Bake Oven ourselves. Revisiting a 1970s Betty Crocker recipe for salmon shortcakes, we adapted it to feature seafood and added a modern twist, capturing the essence of the retro oven and the mythical Kraken.
While we’re not chefs, we enjoyed experimenting with food and reliving the creativity and fun of our childhood through this project.