Spring is on its way! Time to lighten up and enjoy some of the fresh items that are available this time of year. Here are some great ways to add fresh appeal to your ordinary meals using the five elements of The Pretty Plate.
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#1 Decorating with Infused Oils
The first things that are usually available in the spring are fresh herbs. You can even grow them in your window at home. I love to make and use infused oils, not only for flavor, but also for decorating my plate. They are great for appetizers and entrées.
How to Make Infused Oils
Clean and completely dry a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid or cork stopper.
Choose your herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, basil, or any of your favorite combinations). Wash well and allow to dry completely. It is important that no water is present.
Combine oil and herbs in a saucepan and slowly heat to a simmer; then remove from heat.
Allow herbs to sit in the oil until they cool. You can choose to leave the herbs in or strain them out for a cleaner look. Funnel into a clean container.
If using items such as garlic, lemon or pepper, store the oil in the refrigerator as these items can spoil quickly.
#2 Add Interest to Vegetables
Spring is also a great time for fresh vegetables like spring green beans and asparagus, but who wants plain, dull vegetables? Adding vegetables to your diet using the elements of The Pretty Plate to add color, shape and texture to your next side dish will create an appealing, tasty and healthy meal. Try sautéing your vegetables with a little garlic and lemon zest, then sprinkling with some toasted nuts or sesame seeds. Add a sliced, grilled chicken breast for a complete, healthy meal.
#3 Salads – Tossed vs. Composed
Turn your everyday salads into stunning entrées. If you want to eat a little lighter, turn your side salad into a main meal. Instead of tossing the salad together, make a composed salad by laying all of the main ingredients nicely on top of the lettuce and then drizzling with dressing. This is an easy way to turn a messy side salad into an impressive entrée.
#4 No-Bake Dessert Shooters
As the weather heats up, you may want to leave your oven off and make some simple no-bake desserts. Instead of serving a traditional cheesecake, make it light and elegant by serving it as a mousse. Single-serve miniatures are very trendy right now.
This application of cheesecake mousse topped with graham cracker crumbs is perfect for any gathering. You could also use something simple like chocolate pudding or lemon curd for other variations.
Cheesecake Mousse Shooters
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup heavy cream
6 graham crackers, crushed (about 1 cup of crumbs)
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoon melted butter
To make graham cracker topping:
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle with melted butter and stir to coat crumbs.
Bake in 9×9” pan for 6-8 minutes until golden, stirring once in the middle.
Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
To make cheesecake mousse:
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla; mix until well-combined and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and pour into a zip-top bag.
Pipe mixture into desired serving vessels and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with toasted graham cracker crumbs before serving.