Eating With Your Eyes | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Eating With Your Eyes

Plating matters and it can be easy and fun to add into your home cooking!

124
Eating With Your Eyes
Heather Harrison

I have always loved cooking. I love the look people get on their faces and the noises they make when they eat my food and enjoy it. Up until just a few years ago, I did not think much further on my food then making people full and happy. My boyfriend has worked in kitchens during different phases of his life and when he would cook or serve us dinner he would always plate it! This had never occurred to me before, yes when I eat out I always love the way food is presented to me and I know you eat with your eyes first, but I had never thought about taking that and using it in my home cooking.

I did a little thinking: why don’t we arrange our food at home to look nice? We eat at home over 90% of the month why not make it look more exciting? You spend time making it taste good why not put in the effort to make it look nice too? So that is exactly what I have been doing. I have found that it really doesn’t take a lot of time to do and I quite like the feeling of making a meal look and feel special on a daily basis. It looks more appetizing and gives me a smile even before I taste it. I am actually amazed by how much more appeal the food has just by making this little adjustment.

As you can see just by how the food is placed it gives it a look that is appealing and makes me feel fancy on a daily basis (and who could not use a little of that in your every day). I do not get very over the top with it but it is fun.

A few things that I have learned along the way:

Height is important. Height is what you want to go for. Think of it as Jenga with food. Layering the food in a way that it gets height on the plate. I tend to start with a starch like potatoes or rice. Then move on to the meat and top it off with the veggies.

Even with salads and pasta -- Aim to make foods look bigger, not smaller. Fluff up your salads, for example, instead of smoothing them down. Create a little cross-hatched stack of cooked asparagus instead of presenting it in one flat layer. Sauce can be a nice touch around the plate or in a pattern on the food. Use your creative touch and let it shine. The most important thing in cooking is color. You don’t want your food to all look the same. I always have a problem when making chicken and rice or potatoes. The colors are very close so I try to use a seasoning or sauce that will bring out a different color for you to look at.

I hope you try this little addition to your cooking and make every meal you make look just a bit more special!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

10197
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4527
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3319
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2950
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments