Disregard what your mother taught you about how looks aren’t everything because when it comes to cooking, looks can mean everything. Thinking about cooking a special dinner for a special someone? Or want to try your hand at being a great chef for a night? Chances are you want too but have realized that it can be pretty pricey to cook like a gourmet chef, so here are a few way to fake it without breaking the bank:
Spice it up: It is amazing how much a little bit of salt and pepper can really change the flavor to your delicious dish. Salt and pepper are your best friends and are very inexpensive. Some dishes require expensive herbs and spices; depending on the spice you can find a less expensive alternative. Example Saffron is very pricey but you can try using a smaller dosage of Turmeric for a similar taste. Garlic is also a wonderful addition to most dishes!
All in the sauce: Dishes with rich sauces in pasta dishes or on the side of a protein tend to satisfy those with a more expensive pallet. A great thing about these sauces is they are simpler than you think. A really good sauce usually contains some spices, whipping cream and a dry wine of some sort. So next time you want your dish to be rich and creamy, make it saucy!
Smaller portions: Not only will making smaller portioned plates help your budget but your calories. Most people tend to overcook and over eat. A good rule of thumb to follow is the protein you choose me the size of your palm or a cassette tape. So if you are buying a nice piece of meat, chances are you can cut it in half and save yourself a buck or two.
Garnish and Present: Don’t be afraid to add a little garnish to your dish. Think about chopped parsley or to add some color and pizazz red pepper flakes or a lemon wedge. Adding that last splash of color and taste can really take your dish up a few notches. Place the cooked food on a nice dish and be sure to wipe away any messes. When plating your dish, don’t overdo it with too much but rather mimic food magazine covers. Simple and pretty is all you need to make your dish look like a hundred bucks.
Think smaller, richer, flavorful portions with a dash of garnish for color and your meal will look and taste like a 5 star restaurant. The key is to have fun and don’t worry about making mistakes in the kitchen, sometimes an extra dash of something could be the winning ingredient in your meal. Bon appetite!
Author Bio
This Guest post is by Christine Kane from internet service providers, she is a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00 @ gmail.com.
agreed! presentation means so much!