Cookbook Review: Garnishing & Decorating, Ideas for All Seasons

Fresh, pretty, and delicious!

I’ve always enjoyed making delicious food, but haven’t learned much about garnishing it.  Of course, I know simple things like using fresh herbs and fruit, but I longed to learn more.  So, when Schiffer Publishing offered to send me a review copy of Garnishing & Decorating, Ideas for All Seasons by Georg Hartung, I jumped at the chance.

Tools of the trade!

This fun book ranges from simple presentations to elegant recipes for special occasions.  The easy to follow recipes and descriptions are supplemented with beautifully clear photographs.  Georg’s book is entertaining for beginners and seasoned cooks, alike.  If you have kids who like to help in the kitchen, this book includes lots of ways to include them and engage their creativity.  When I was 7, my mom let me make a pear and cottage cheese salad in the shape of a bunny with almonds for ears and raisins for eyes.  I felt so special and important – and just look at me now!

So impressive, yet so simple to make with fresh basil from our garden!

With 87 full-color pages, you’re sure to find something to fuel your creativity in the kitchen.  Since the book is organized by seasons, now would be a great time to order it.  I think my favorite idea is cutting fish from citrus peel, skewering them with toothpicks and using them as garnish – this would work especially well if you used citrus juice in a recipe and had leftover peel.

We made the Mozzarella Skewers and I especially enjoyed learning to make the Spring Onion Grass because it was so easy & we always have green onions on-hand.  I’m looking forward to trying the Monkfish Medallions with Potato Flakes next – a simple, yet elegant way to prepare fish.  So, if you’re looking for ways to spruce up your holiday platters, I highly recommend Garnishing & Decorating, Ideas for All Seasons!

Enjoy!