My "Garnish Closet": Garnishing For Beginners
PLUS easy lunches that deserve garnishes, too.
You deserve a garnish. You deserve the subtle aroma, the perfect crunch, the hit of brightness. It’s more than just aesthetics, although that is certainly part of it: the right garnish adds to the experience, taste, texture of whatever dish its serving. The right garnish is like the right accessory: it completes the ensemble.
And, like accessories, you should have your daily-use, wear-all-the-time pieces in addition to your showstopping statements. As a lifelong fashion enthusiast (see image above), it helps me to think of building a meal like building an outfit. So in that vein, here’s what I like to keep on hand in my “Garnish Closet.”
MY GARNISH CLOSET
Fresh herbs are my gold hoop earrings. They can be worn at all times with everything.
Cilantro are my gold hoops. Dill is my favorite set of gold studs.
Citrus is my hair tie that really holds it all together.
You may not SEE the squeeze of lemon or lime, but you certainly miss it when it’s gone.
Maldon Flaked Sea Salt is my signature red lipstick.
Sophistication. Confidence. All in one (thank you, Russian Red by MAC)!
Toasted breadcrumbs are my high heeled shoes for when I’m feeling fancy.
If only I had the energy to wear them (make them) more!!
Graza Drizzle Olive Oil is the neckerchief that I always have on me for some reason.
You just never know when you might need to add a little polish.
Toasted sesame seeds are my hair clips.
Snappy little guys that go with everything, but I sometimes forget they are in my drawer (s/o to my friend Pam for this particular analogy).
WHERE TO BEGIN: GARNISHES FOR YOUR EASY LUNCHES
TUNA
THE TUNA SALAD (option to toast with cheddar cheese for a melt, as seen above):
Tinned tuna in olive oil (drained)
Chickpeas (smashed straight from the can)
Lemon
Salt + Pepper
Finely chopped cilantro
Green onion
Sesame oil
THE GARNISH:
Toasted sesame seeds
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN BOWL
IN THE BOWL:
Rotisserie chicken
White rice
Avocado
Dollop of greek yogurt
Soy sauce
THE GARNISH:
Fresh dill
Maldon Flaked Salt
Graza EVOO Drizzle
CHICKEN APPLE SAUSAGE TACOS
IN THE TACO:
Chicken Apple Sausage cut into long wedges + seared
Carrot ribbon slaw (make ribbons with a vegetable peeler, place in deli container with a place of apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and hot honey)
Jicama wraps
THE GARNISH
Fresh cilantro
Graza EVOO Drizzle
Lime
I hope these recipes prompt you to enjoy a garnish or two on top. Happy Eating!!
Mary