I have just re-read this thread from the beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful, atmospheric and almost aromatic photographs.
They are far richer in colour, texture and the arrangement of the different ingredients than most of the food photography which we see.
Your description of the ingredients and the preparation of the various dishes is also fascinating.
I have eaten Octopus and much enjoyed it but I too would have found it hard to cook those creatures once they had looked me in the eye like yours did!
But, at that stage, what else could you do but proceed with the cooking — but only
after you had taken their portraits?!!