Pretty Tastes Better

Buche de Noel

Valerie — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:58:55 +0000

Some recipes are easily made beautiful, but some are specifically intended to be that way. Such is the Buche de Noel. A Buche de Noel is usually a rolled cake, decorated to look like a yule log. Despite this fairly tight definition, there are a lot of different ways to do a buche de noel, ranging from very rustic to very modern. And, of course, there is an endless range of flavor combinations, as well. Although a buche de noel usually includes several components (cake, filling, frosting, etc.), many of them are not difficult recipes – just time-consuming. So, set aside some time to relax and play in the kitchen, and present your family with a festive Buche de Noel. Then sit back and listen to the compliments. Take a look at these beautiful examples. You can click through to the recipe via the link underneath each image. Have you ever made a buche de noel? Or do you have another go-to holiday “wow” recipe?

Pretty 4th of July Food

Valerie — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:55:39 +0000

Beautiful, patriotic dishes definitely have Wow! factor, and really, you only need a few. Too many crowded together and the Wow! gets lost in the crowd.

Garnishing 101

Valerie — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:24:52 +0000

Elaborate garnishes can be amazing and they do have their place, but there are many simple garnishes that are quick and easy enough for everyday use.

Plating 101

Valerie — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:05:38 +0000

Let's talk about some of the basic concepts of plating.

Shocking! A tip for vivid veggies

Valerie — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:01:20 +0000

Whether they are going into a crudite platter, a salad, or directly onto your plate, keep your green veggies vibrantly green by blanching and shocking them. The few extra minutes it takes will improve the look, taste and texture immensely. It's so worth it.

Warm up your table with earth tones

Valerie — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:30:26 +0000

Look for wooden, wicker, linen and other natural elements (maybe some things from your garden?) to combine with your everyday dishes for your own warm, earthy tabletop.

How to make a parchment piping cone

Valerie — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:16:24 +0000

Piping cones (aka pastry bags, piping bags, decorating bags) can be used in a lot of ways.