**START EATING WITH YOUR EYES**

[Peterlock]

Hi Folks, :wave

Now before the Martha Stewart wise cracks start flying - you're eyes really do play a a major part in how you perceive and experience food and how much you enjoy it.

Especially being on Induction our meals can appear "boring and repetitive" there's a lot of information on here about how we can spice things up, use different foods, eat outside the box i.e.: roast chicken for breakfast etc. etc. etc

But the visual is equally important, any caterer will tell you "It's all in the presentation" here's a couple of suggestions that work for me

• * Buy really big white plates - I found wonderful dinner plates by Isac Mizrahi that measure a whopping 14 inches across - for 5 bucks apiece at Target. They're fabulous and yes, they fit in the dishwasher...barley.
  
  Why white? because it's like a canvass and the food the painting that's why every 3-5 star restaurant on the planet uses white plates, to frame and show case the food
  
  * Meat, spinach on the side salad on the other side - blah!
  
  Instead: Spinach in the center of the plate, meat on top at an angle so you build height, Salad on a separate plate - not a bowl. In restaurant lingo this is known as "plating up" it's easy..you can be creative, it's fun and it really does make your food taste better because it looks better.
  
  * Sauces try pouring them on the plate first, roll the plate around until there's a center circle of sauce, place your entree in the center and viola! instant Haute Couture cuisine!
  
  *Think tall, build height to the presentation with sprigs of chive, or rosemary you'll add some flavor and a whole lot to the presentation.

None of these ideas are time consuming - two seconds and your done. But I think it's worth it. It's an easy indulgence, it's fun and it brings out the artist in you.

Just a thought.

Peter ha

[Moochiecat]

I also love a nicely presented meal!
My plates are white as well, with a small spot in the center with a little bamboo pattern and have a slight curve to them. lol...I love nice dinnerware and flatware. I used to work in housewares in a big department store...omg..loved it.

Another nice thing we do, is warm the plates before dinner. Usually, when I take something out of the oven I let it rest for a while, so I'll pop the plates in the oven (which is now turned off, and some of the heat has escaped from me opening it) and let them sit in there for a while.

Since being on Atkins, I notice I don't wolf my food like I used to, and this is great because the warm plate keeps the food warmer longer.
When you have guests, it makes everyone feel special too!

[not2late]

Good tips. Also if you've cooked something with herbs, like parsley, rosemary, etc. Save some of the chopped herbs and right before serving, sprinkle the herbs on top. The heat from the food will release the oils of the herbs and give your nose a taste too.

[Dawn]

Well in my house, what mamma slops on the plate is what you eat! I try to make it as pretty as I can but my paper plates take away from the visual affect! LOL

I totally understand what you are saying though. It's just having four kids plus a hubby to feed takes away from my creativity. I'm just trying to get everybody fed while feeling like a waitress from Alice's Diner... Under paid and over worked!

BUT, I also love to entertain and when I do I use the big plates and try to make it look lovely. I never thought about using white plates though for having a "clean canvas". Great idea!

Thanks Peter. You always have interesting things to share!

Dawn

[spazzyhilo]

Wow these are grea ideas! I never really thought of presenting my food in a tasty, yet fashionable, manner. I'm definitely trying out the warm plate thing and decorating for dinner tonight!

[tabekat]

lucky to even put food on a plate

lol...I miss those days when I could plan out a meal and really enjoy it.

since i started this new motel job I am constantly grabbing food on the run. no time for presentation or enjoyment. when i do try to sit down with a meal, the phone rings, the guests come in the door. its an adjustment. it feels like i have 22 kids.

i've never had a job like this before. on the clock 24 hours a day, living where I work. I hope I can handle the stress of it all.

[**Nikki**]

I love your posts Peter :hug . This is great!! I will definitely take your wonderful ideas. Isn't Target just wonderful? And Issac is a dream for making his line readily available and affordable. I can't wait to get it started :yes .
**Nikki**

[spydergrl80]

As a former culinary arts student, I wholeheartedly agree! I will have to check out those plates. I'm holding out for my encredibly expensive Kate Spade set from Bloomies, but I need to get rid of these nasty, chipped peices of crap from Ikea........ like, NOW! I'm glad my dream set is open stock, otherwise I'd have to take out a loan to buy them, one day I hope to have a complete set....hey, a girl can dream!

[Peterlock]

Hi Nikki! :wave

Yes, I love Target!

Similar plates any place else would be a fortune, I think Isaac Mizrahi is really terrific and I love his designs, always simple clean lines, elegant and his entire kitchen and houseware line for Target is unbelievably reasonably priced.

Plus it's the same quality you would find in many of his higher priced lines and pieces sold in upscale department stores - let's go shopping!
Peter :hug