Cooking: It's in the Presentation

Cooking can be addictive. However, there are some people out there that have an aversion to it. It can be simple or extremely complex, and half the time it's both. But I'll give you a secret, if you follow a recipe you're going to make a fabulous meal. Now if you're going try something new, maybe to your family or to a group of friends you'll need to know a few things about presentation.

There is a great difference between how a meal taste and the perception of 'how a meal tastes.' Think of all those expensive restaurants that you have never been to, or maybe you have who am I to judge, it takes forever to get your meal. The longer you wait the better your food taste, or so you think. The next thing you will notice is how beautiful it will look when it comes out. Some would say sculptural foods taste better, but I've been to many restaurants that the food is not elaborate but still well presented that taste wonderful. I mean come on which would you rather eat a bag full of individually wrapped food or a perfect Eggplant Parmesan with a crisp, season batter laid on a bed of angel hair pasta with a garnish of fresh basil. (Can you tell I used to write menus?) The eggplant will win hands down every time. Even People who hate eggplant will try it, if it's presented correctly.

I look to my niece and nephew as the ultimate testers. Think about it kids in general hate to try anything new. However new presented to them properly they will try just about anything, even calamari. The key to proper presentation is to know who you are cooking for. Example, if you go into a French restaurant and have never had a French style meal more than likely you're not expecting much. However, the French chef will cook for anyone who thinks they are a culinary aficionado. In doing this the chef will get both acclaims, one from the layman who just got a beautiful meal and another from the aficionado whom knows how the food is supposed to taste. If the group you are cooking for has no clue how the food is supposed to taste the more professional you make it look the more likely they are to like it. The main thing is to know who you are cooking for. Kids are different than adults of course, and family can be different than your friends.

Here are 5 tips to make your cooking experience better:

1. Keep your choices down. Instead of making a grand five course meal the first time try only three. This limits your mistakes and allows for you to time manage more accurately. If you burn the hen more than likely you will not try to cook a hen again.

2. Start out small, if you feel that three courses are too many make one new dish and incorporate it into your meals. Thus once you feel you are ready to add another you will already have one fantastic dish under your belt.

3. Keep the rim of the plate clean. Nothing is worse than putting down a sloppy plate in front of people you have never cooked before. By keeping it clean you show your mastery of perception, even if you have to wipe it just before you bring it to the table.

4. Cook a bit less than how many guest you have invited. At the end of the meal if anyone wants seconds this will makes others think the meal is so great that there are no leftovers.

5. Start your cooking experiences with food you like. If you enjoy cooking it, more than likely your group will as well.

Remember the perception and preparation of a meal makes all the difference. Even the most amateur cook can make a meal more appealing with these simple tips. If you would like some new recipes head over to Cafemom.com or ichef.com. What type of meal are you going to try?