A colourful garnish always makes a plate look more appetizing. Give these simple vegetable garnishes a try and impress everyone around the table.
JALAPENO/BELL PEPPER FLOWERS
1) Use gloves! THESE GUYS ARE HOT. 2) Slice thin strips up to the stem to form the "petals" of your pepper. 3) Snip the membrane that holds it together with scissors. You can leave the seeds at the base of the pepper because they will give your flower a "centre". 4) Immerse your pepper in ice water overnight (will last for 3 days in cold water in the fridge). 5) Dry well with paper towel 6) Garnish your plate of tacos or burritos
GREEN ONION BROOMS
1) Using scissors, cut the tops off of a green onion. Then snip the whites and greens into fine strips leaving a section in the middle that's whole. 2) Immerse your onions in ice water for a couple of hours 3) Dry well and use them to garnish Pad Thai, salads or veggie platters.
CUCUMBER TULIPS
1) Hold the cucumber on end and slice into the skin to form petals. 2) Snap off the excess end. 3) If your petals aren't perfect, use your knife to re-shape them. 4) Place your tulip in ice water for 20 minutes so that the petals spread out. 5) Put a skewer through bottom to forma stem. 6) Push the skewer up and place a raspberry or cherry tomato on the end to create a "centre" for your flower. 7) Garnish a tall glass of water with your flower. 7) Score your leftover cucumber lengthwise with a fork. 8) Slice into circles for your veggie tray, water pitcher or salad.
FANCY MUSHROOMS
1) Brush your mushroom to remove any excess dirt (do NOT wash!). 2) Slice off the rounded top and stem. 3) Use the tip of a knife to make a pattern on top or press down on the mushroom gently with a meat tenderizer to get a square pattern. 4) Use your mushrooms to garnish a veggie platter or fry them briefly in butter and garnish a plate of roast beef.
CHERRY TOMATO FLOWERS
1) Choose cherry tomatoes (because they're round, they work much better than grape tomatoes). 2) Turn it upside down so that the stem side is on the bottom. Slice into quarters not all the way to the bottom of the tomato. - snip off membrane inside and rinse out seeds in water. If it doesn't open all the way, snip your "petals" a little bit more. 3) Dry your flowers. 4) Slice a leaf of basil finely into strips and roll them in your palm to make it circular. Place it in the centre of your tomato. 5) Place small basil leaves on your plate (or on top of your cheese if you're doing a bocconcini stacks) and put your cherry tomato flower on top. If you don't get them perfect the first time remember.... practice makes perfect!
