Dec 08 2008
Don’t be afraid to fake it
I recently was invited to a Birthday party where the host asked our family to bring an item. If you’re trying to create restaurant quality food at home, don’t be afraid to fake it.
These days’ grocery stores offer plenty of items that can turn a simple homemade item into something from an American food restaurant.
Sandra Lee is an amazing example of making the best eats out of 70% store bought. I’m just going to use the same idea and apply it to catered food.
O.K. back to our dilemma of having to bring something to a pot luck Birthday party. Not having any time to cook, I decided to grab pre-made sandwiches that were on sell at the grocery store. I decided to add fancier mustard, extra Boar’s Head sliced meat, and baby greens.
Don’t forget about garnishes. You can make your platter look like it came out of an American food restaurant by adding garnishes. Things like radishes, grapes, and a selection of different olives work wonders on a sandwich display.
Remember if you want your guests and friends to be crying “Best Eats” then learn how to jazz up pre-made store items, jazz up store items, and just remember the jazz Chefs put on their restaurant items.
Photograph by Kris El
