Learning how to make simple food garnishes is not difficult.
When you plate your food like a professional your guests will be impressed.
Garnishes make a meal stand out as something special. Adding a few food garnishes is always a great conversation starter and it doesn’t have to be time consuming or complicated.
Here are a few that you can make ahead of time and add to your menu when you are ready.
Cucumber sake cups
I love this idea. It’s perfect to accompany your Japanese menu or take-home sushi. Invite a few friends over and serve them sushi and sake in these cute little homemade cups. All you need is a cucumber, sharp knife and a melon baller.
Clean your cucumber under cold, running water and pat dry. With a sharp knife, cut the cucumber in three-inch sections and discard the ends. Carefully slice the cucumber into square shapes leaving a little of the green skin on the corners.
Using a melon baller, scoop out the middle of the cucumber section leaving a one-centimetre bottom so the sake will not leak out. Cut the leftover cucumber pieces into small matchsticks and place inside the cup. Fill with your favorite sake and serve with fresh sushi.
Floral ice cubes
Edible flowers are in nurseries at the moment. Look for pansies, nasturtiums and impatiens among other edible varieties. Ask a salesperson at your local nursery for suggestions. Simply add an edible flower to individual ice cube compartments and freeze overnight. Add the ice cubes to your guests’ beverages for a pretty cocktail.
Strawberry rose
Place a washed strawberry with petals attached standing upright on a clean working surface.
Using a sharp paring knife begin to make small vertical slices into the strawberry working from the bottom upward. Carefully bend out the small incisions as you work your way up. The end result is a beautiful rose suitable for any cake or dessert.
Lemons
Fruit-peeling zesters are indispensable. I love them for so many reasons. Use a simple fruit peeler to make small stripes vertically down all sides of a lemon. Slice the lemon and add the slices to a water pitcher or use as a garnish on the dinner plate.
If you are interested in going further with food garnishes you may want to check out bhg.com for many other ideas.
Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. bludogstagingandredesign.com
