I can imagine it would be a fraught situation! Try big pyramids of the stuff, like they show in recipe books and the like! You might be interested in Tim Clinch's food photos: http://www.timclinchphotography.com/food/
Mmmmm, these things are all so yummy. Love the colours and shapes in this shot. The use of a tea-towel (or whatever) is very effective. Do hope you didn't get chilli in your eyes or nose.
Love your still lifes. My daughter's friend has just finished her photography degree and is working for Gareth Morgans (worth googling!) I would be insanely jealous except that she's currently commuting and the hours would kill me - she says they are always well fed though!