PHOTO CONTEST RECIPE ILLUSTRATIONS

Before a recipe ever gets its name, there’s a little magic happening behind the scenes.

I thought you all might like to get a sneek peek of how I develop my cookbook illustrations and recipes!!

When I look through your photo entries, I’m not just picking a winner — I’m waiting for that spark. The one that makes me say, “Well alright… this one’s got something cookin’.”

Sometimes it’s a cheeky grin.
Sometimes it’s a look that just won’t quit.
And sometimes — like Dobro our LOOK OF LOVE Artist Pick photo contest winner last month — they herd me straight into an idea I can’t ignore. The recipe name comes later.

The test kitchen? That starts the minute inspiration hits.

Once a dog lights that creative fire, I’m off and running — mixing, tasting, tweaking — until the right recipe comes home like a boomerang! Dobros recipe and final illustration is almost complete with a reveal coming this week!!!!


There are so many wonderful photo entries that I can have fun of doing random wheel spins to select more kitchen inspiration super models!!

Gus Gus was last weeks Wheel Spin winner owned by Kristen Denton has officially reported for kitchen duty.

He is already up on his paws at the counter, watching the sunrise over the kitchen window and patiently waiting for something delicious to appear.

The illustration is underway… but Gus Gus says something is missing.

THE RECIPE!!!!!.

He’s looking for a Sunrise Breakfast idea — something easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and worthy of starting the day off right. Nothing complicated… just the kind of breakfast that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing in the morning.

Right now Gus Gus is supervising the pantry and waiting for inspiration.

Of course, we all know SOOT will be nearby, quietly observing the SOOTuation… and ready to deliver the official taste review.

So Kitchen Crew — what should Gus Gus be making?

Drop your breakfast ideas at the link below and help us find the recipe that belongs in this sunrise kitchen scene.

About Sandra Miller

My name is Sandra Miller, and art is at the heart of everything I do. I create from my studio in beautiful Portland, Oregon, where life is shared with my husband Steve and our charming “Dog in the Kitchen,” Ihana—my constant muse and taste-tester behind the scenes of this creative journey.

Through my artwork and the Dog in the Kitchen project, I love blending creativity, storytelling, and a touch of everyday magic.

Some of the links I share are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This simply means that if you choose to purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission—at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use, love, and feel inspired by.

Thank you so much for being here and supporting my art—it truly means the world to me.

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