A Bedtime Snack

How To Dress Up Your Meals

27 July 2019 by Zoey Howell

When it comes to cooking, the way your food tastes is very important. However, taste alone isn't the only factor you need to consider. The appearance of food can affect people's enjoyment of the meal. When dishes are plated and presented well, the meal becomes a special event. Fortunately, it doesn't take much extra work or time to dress up your meals. Here are four easy things you can try:

1. Plate your meals with care.

When your food is done cooking and it's time to put it on a plate or in a bowl, take the time to do it carefully. Arrange all the parts of the meal artfully. If there is a sauce component to the meal, drizzle it across the food in an aesthetically pleasing way. Clean up any drips or spills around the rim of the plate before serving it. A neat plate is much more attractive than one that has smudged food along its rim.

2. Add garnishes.

Restaurant food looks expensive and beautiful, and this is largely due to the presence of garnishes. You can think of garnishes as a little extra decoration. Chopped parsley, cilantro, or another herb is a great addition to savory dishes. Simply sprinkle a small handful over the top of your meal. Edible flowers are a great garnish for salads and desserts. Experiment with different types of flowers to find the ones whose taste and colors you prefer. Orchids are beautiful tropical flowers that look excellent on many dishes. For more information on these types of flowers, check out places like Perfect Image Orchids, Inc.

3. Experiment with exotic ingredients.

The ingredients in your food also contribute to the meal's overall look. If you want to give your meal some extra visual interest, cook with some exotic ingredients. Instead of using plain orange carrots, find some heirloom carrots that come in purple, white, or yellow. Use unusual grains instead of rice. Amaranth, quinoa, and millet are all delicious and healthy grains that can make your next lunch or dinner look a little more unexpected.

4. Serve the meal fresh.

Try to time your food so it's finished just before you're ready to serve it. When food sits out, it gets cold. Grains can get soggy, sauces can congeal, and salads can wilt. Plate your food right before you bring it out to your guests, so they will get to experience their meal when it's at its best. If you need help, find a friend or family member who will help you assemble the plates.

Share