Travel – Page 2 – Bill Swartwout Photography

April 2, 2023April 2, 2023

Blackened Tuna Sammy for Lunch and a Still Life

A recent trip introduced me to the best blackened tuna sandwich ever.

Visiting Murrells Inlet in South Carolina and an afternoon stop at Bubba’s Love Shack was a wonderful experience. Why? Because I discovered the beast blackened tuna sandwich (according to my taste preference) that I’ve ever had. Consequently I turned a photo of the sammy into a still life for my “Food As Art” collection for Bill Swartwout Photography. I also decided to post the following article – in case anyone is interested in trying to replicate this amazing blend of flavor and texture.

blackened tuna sandwich still life — Blackened Tuna Sammy Still Life – as it was presented for lunch.

A Classic Sandwich Reimagined

The classic sandwich has been reimagined with the blackened tuna sandwich on a grilled bun. This dish is a perfect example of how to take traditional sandwiches and give them an exciting update. The succulent, meaty texture of the blackened tuna pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors from the grill for an unforgettable taste experience.

The blackening seasoning brings out the natural sweetness of the fish while adding depth of flavor. It’s not overpowering but adds a subtle heat that balances well with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. The grilled bun gives it an extra layer of crunch and provides structure to prevent any fillings from spilling out.

Overall, this sandwich is a must-try for seafood lovers looking for something new or anyone wanting to mix up their lunch routine. Whether grilling at home or ordering out, don’t miss out on this delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients: Tuna, Butter, Spices

To make a delicious blackened tuna sandwich, you’ll need some key ingredients: tuna, butter, and spices. Start by seasoning your tuna with a blend of spices that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will give the fish its distinctive smoky flavor and slightly spicy kick.

Next up is the butter – this is what makes the sandwich moist and juicy while adding depth of flavor. Melt a generous amount of butter in a pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot before adding in your seasoned tuna fillets.

Cook each side of the tuna for about 2-3 minutes or until it’s nicely seared with crispy edges but still pink in the center. Serve on a grilled bun with some fresh lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and onions to create an irresistible lunch or dinner option that packs bold flavors in every bite!

Preparing the Fish: Marinating and Cooking

Before cooking any fish dish, it is essential to prepare the fish by marinating it properly. Marinating helps to tenderize the fish and enhance its flavor. For this blackened tuna sandwich recipe, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Coat your tuna steak with the marinade mixture and let it sit for at least an hour in the refrigerator.

Once marinated adequately, remove the tuna from the fridge and preheat your grill on high heat. Make sure to brush some oil on both sides of your tuna steak before placing it on the grill grates. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes or until cooked through depending on how thick your tuna is.

To assemble your blackened tuna sandwich on a grilled bun; slice a tomato into thin rounds and toss baby arugula with lemon juice and olive oil dressing. Toast buns lightly before adding mayonnaise as a base spread; then add tomato slices followed by arugula leaves stacked over one another till they’re roughly as thick as your piece of grilled Tuna Steak; finish with sliced red onions atop all of these ingredients before closing off with an additional bun half!

Making the Bun: Toasting and Grilling

Toasting and grilling a bun may seem like a simple task, but it can make all the difference in creating the perfect sandwich. For a blackened tuna sandwich, toasting the bun will help create a sturdy base that can hold up against the juicy tuna and any additional toppings. Start by slicing the bun in half and lightly buttering both sides. Place it face-down on a heated skillet or grill for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.

Grilling the bun takes it to another level by adding smoky flavor and texture. After toasting, move the buns over to direct heat on your grill, cut side down. Let them cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until they have distinct grill marks. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.

Overall, taking an extra minute or two to toast and grill your buns will elevate even the simplest of sandwiches into something truly special. The lightly crispy exterior and soft interior provide contrast in every bite while also preventing soggy bread from ruining your meal.

Assembling the Sandwich: Arranging and Plating

When it comes to assembling a sandwich, the presentation can make all the difference. For a blackened tuna sandwich on a grilled bun, arranging and plating can elevate the dish from a simple lunch to an impressive meal. Start by spreading mayonnaise or aioli on both sides of the bun to enhance flavor and texture. Then, place lettuce leaves on the bottom half of the bun followed by thick slices of ripe tomatoes.

Next, add your blackened tuna steak to the sandwich. The key here is to cut it into even pieces that will fit nicely between the slice of bread without falling out when picked up. Once you’ve placed your tuna steak onto your sandwich, garnish it with thinly sliced red onions and pickles for an extra crunch.

Finally, top off your masterpiece with some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with chips or fries for a complete meal that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite! With these tips in mind, you’ll have no trouble arranging and plating your next blackened tuna sandwich perfectly.

Serving Suggestions: Accompaniments

To make the perfect blackened tuna sandwich, it’s essential to pair it with the right accompaniments. One option is to top the sandwich off with some fresh and crunchy lettuce, which will add a nice contrast to the soft tuna. Adding creamy avocado slices or guacamole can also complement the spicy seasoning of the blackened fish.

Another great option for serving suggestions is to serve the blackened tuna sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. The sweetness from the fries enhances the spiciness of the fish even more, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. Additionally, sweet potato fries are healthier than regular fries as they contain fewer calories and more vitamins.

Lastly, if you’re looking for something lighter on your side dish menu, you could serve your blackened tuna sandwich with a crisp garden salad. This option provides an excellent balance between crunchy vegetables and protein-rich fish while keeping things light and refreshing. Add some citrusy dressing like lemon vinaigrette or orange-ginger sauce for added zestiness!

Conclusion: Savory and Satisfying

In conclusion, the blackened tuna sandwich on a grilled bun is both savory and satisfying. The combination of the perfectly seasoned tuna with the crispy texture of the grilled bun creates a delicious contrast that will leave you wanting more. The addition of fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and tangy mayo add brightness and depth to this already fantastic sandwich.

Not only is it delicious, but this sandwich is also a healthier option compared to other fast food sandwiches. Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for good heart health. Grilling the bun instead of using butter or oil creates a crunch without adding extra unwanted calories.

Overall, if you’re looking for a tasty yet healthy meal option that will fill you up without any guilt, look no further than the blackened tuna sandwich on a grilled bun. It’s perfect as a lunchtime treat or even as an easy dinner option when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and nourishing.

Of Course…

…the above image is available as wall art to decorate your kitchen. It is also available on a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Blackened Tuna Sammy Still Life

Link to the: Food as Art Collection

Link to the: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery

February 23, 2023February 23, 2023

Why Are Barns Painted Red?

One of the most iconic aspects of the classic American barn is its red paint job.

The classic red barn is a fixture of the American landscape, an iconic reminder of rural life and traditional values. But why were so many barns painted red in the first place? While there is no single answer to this question, the most common explanations point to practicality and/or symbolism.

There are a few different explanations for painting barns red…

1) The practice of painting barns red dates back to the early 19th century. At that time, most barns were made from wood, unlike today’s steel and concrete structures. Bare wood was weathered by the sun, rain, and snow and was attacked by fungi and mold. As a result, barns of that era looked quite shabby. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in (white barns). But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces. Since the red “paint” was inexpensive and easy to obtain, it was used to coat the barns in order to prevent a dilapidated condition.

2) Red paint also softened the hard lines of the barns and made them more pleasing to the eye.

3) One belief is that barns are red so a farmer’s cows can find their way home, but if so, that’s a failed strategy cattle are colorblind to the colors red and green .

4) Red is the color of barns because it symbolizes fertility, and paints containing red pigment have been used to paint barns for centuries.

5) The tradition of painting barns red is thought to be an ancient European one, and it likely started when the Celts began decorating their houses and temples with red clay.

6) Red is the most popular color in the world, with more shades than any other. It’s present in a number of different cultures, religions, and traditions. Some see it as a symbol of prosperity, while others associate it with love or death.

7) Red can be seen as a sign of danger. In many countries, it is the color of fire trucks and ambulances, as well as stop signs. It’s also associated with warning labels on dangerous products.

8) In many cultures, red represents happiness. It is the color of fire, and the color of blood. In India, it symbolizes prosperity and power.

Here’s a “story” that seems rather far-fetched – and why do we not believe this?

In addition to protecting the barns from the weather, another reason for painting barns red was that it protected them from fires. When dry barns were burned, the flames would not catch on the wood. This was because paint did not readily ignite, and the smoke from a burning barn was usually black because it absorbed heat from the flames rather than reflecting it back. In the summer of 1892, a dry barn was destroyed in Vermont by fire. The owner, Mr. Thomas B. Robinson, of Middlebury, stated that the paint saved his barn from destruction and that he was never sorry for having used it. In the winter of 1892, a barn in the town of Middlebury was struck by lightning, which started a fire at one corner. The dry paint helped to smother the flames and prevent their spreading. The fire was discovered and extinguished before it reached the hay loft. In a short time, the barn was ready to be painted again. Since no one could remember exactly what color it had been originally, a decision was made to paint it yellow. The theory was that it would be easier to determine when the paint was no longer yellow than to try to recollect what color it had been before.

Red Barn outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Which one do you believe? We happen to agree with the first one about a means of preserving the barn wood with materials at hand. Makes sense, right?

Yes, of course, these images are available as prints, wall art, framed, on canvas and on a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Iconic Red Barn at Greenwood

Link to: Plain Jane Red Barn

Link to: Gettysburg Red Barn

Link to the: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery

February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

Right Place Right Time Photo Tip

It is luck or is it preparation or a little of both – to capture that perfect photograph?

You never know when or where the perfect photo opportunity will present itself.

Capturing a moment with the perfect photo can be an elusive task. Being in the right place at the right time is essential for taking that perfect shot, but the equipment you have can also make or break your photo opportunity. Remember that the “best camera to have” is the one you have with you. That may not always be your professional rig. Fortunately, today, most of us always have a camera at hand because our phone cameras are highly capable devices. A 12 Megapixel image that you have is better than the 24MP (or larger) image sitting at home (or back in the car).

As an example, the image above was from our trip last fall – right in front out our Holiday Inn Express near Newton Falls, Ohio. We were leaving to go to dinner – the light was perfect, the autumn foliage was spectacular and the sky was a beautiful blue. My Olympus gear was packed away back upstairs and it would have taken 15 minutes or so to come back with the “right” gear. After 440 miles of driving, we were tired and hungry, so I grabbed a few shots with my iPhone 12. I also thought (planning ahead, right?) that the morning sun would provide wonderful light for that same tree, albeit from a different angle. However, the next morning it was very windy and raining and nearly all the leaves were gone. Right place at “exactly” the right time, right?

Rainbow Panorama Olivees Mountain St. Kitts — Rainbow Panorama over Olivees Mountain on St. Kitts Island. This rainbow appeared after a quick morning shower that happened while enjoying a late morning coffee on the deck of a cruise ship. The rainbow would not wait for a “better” camera than the old iPhone 6 I had at the time. Yes, this image has sold multiple times.

When you’re out and about looking for a great photo opportunity, it helps to have the right tools. Having the best camera on hand can make all the difference in capturing a stunning shot. However, if you’re caught without your professional setup, don’t worry – you likely have a fully-capable camera in your pocket or purse.

Here’s another example that arose just last night (seriously, the night before I wrote this article) while walking along the dunes line at Myrtle Beach, SC. We come here to escape the cold for a few weeks (snowbirds?) and I was out planning where I might get some nice sunset views/shots while we are here. The sky and setting sun were nothing special so I just went for a “planning” walk to set up for future sunsets. As I was heading back to the condo I looed away from the setting sun and saw a cloud with amazing light and color.

colorful cloud over atlantic ocean myrtle beach sc — Colorful Cloud over the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, SC

I’m sure you can guess what “camera” I used for that image. Remember, 12MP in your hand trumps 24MP back in the condo.

Yes, photographs by Bill Swartwout are for sale as wall art and on a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Leaf Peeping in Newton Falls

Link to: Rainbow Panorama over Olivees Mountain

Link to the: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery