I'm afraid that surprise, shock, and regret is the fate of authors when they finally see themselves on the page.
The tomato hides its griefs. Internal damage is hard to spot.
I love root vegetables: carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
Everything can have drama if it's done right. Even a pancake.
I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food you make.... Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile...then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile.
I had my first French meal and I never got over it. It was just marvelous. We had oysters and a lovely dry white wine. And then we had one of those lovely scalloped dishes and the lovely, creamery buttery sauce. Then we had a roast duck and I don't know what else.