I'm still new to the concept of food photoshoots but it's somewhat comforting to know that a professional like yourself still experiences meltdowns in the kitchen! I was being a bit adventurous lately as well and it just didn't go to plan at all so I can 100% relate to what you just tried to attempt with the onion!
Good news is, your cauliflower looks delicious and only a hint of fried cockroach ;)
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement @phamished. Sorry it took me 5 days to reply to you