Presentation is all about making a treat for the eyes in order to create anticipation and a desire to taste the prepared dish. Here are four simple techniques you’ll find yourself using A LOT once you've tried them! All very easy to pull off, will enhance the presentation of your dish, and really pop that food off the plate visually.

Balsamic Reduction

Just an easy syrup you simmer on the stove. Crazy simple but enhances your dish in a big, big way. Drizzling tangy–sweet streaks on the plate creates an awesome base for the food.

2 cups balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup red wine

Stir together all ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer, and simmer until a spoon inserted into the liquid holds an even coating on the back when removed.

Green Oil

With it’s gorgeous color, all it really takes is just a few tiny drops or pools here and there to really bring a dish to life.

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch parsley
1 cup fresh baby spinach
pinch of kosher salt

Place ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well blended. Strain mixture through a very fine strainer of cheese cloth.

Ring Mold

Ring molds are great for presenting salads and seafood, and will also work with all kinds of small grains as well as finely chopped vegetables. Best thing about it is you don't really need to go out and purchase a ring mold. If you have a biscuit cutter, your'e already in business.

Shaving Garlic

You don't need to break out a razor blade here, but you do want to use a very sharp chef’s knife and carefully slice off extremely thin pieces lengthwise from each clove. the size and shape isnt only important for flavor but for appearance and texture as well. And there you have it! For a visual reference check out my Lump Crab & Shrimp with Avocado recipe, or my Baked Georgia Catfish recipe