The Japanese Art of Garnishing

From show 18

It's long been the custom in Japan to embrace the chef who is not only a superb cook, but who can present dinner fare with beautiful color, composition and design. This art is called "garnishing," which means adding edible accents to a dish. This composed salad is a good example of garnishing; flowers and small animals are carefully placed to create a fantasy salad garden.

To Make a Radish Mouse:

You'll need two radishes, preferably one with a root that can double as the mouse's tail. Cut a slice off the bottom radish so it will sit at eye level with the tail at the back. For the eyes, place 2 small cloves on either side and slightly above the stem. For the ears, cut off the end of the other radish, then cut two thin slices. Make a slit above the clove eyes and place the two slices in the opening.

To Make a Hard-Boiled Bunny:

Cut a 1/4-inch slice off the side of a hard-boiled egg to form a flat base for the body of the hard-boiled bunny. Cut this oval slice in half length-wise to make the ears. Make a small slit on top of the pointed end of the main body and squeeze gently to open. Carefully put the 2 "ears" into the opening. Use whole cloves to form the eyes and nose. If you like, use a cauliflower floret for the tail.

To Make a Tomato Rose:

With a sharp knife, cut a 1/2-inch strip of skin at the bottom of a tomato and continue to cut this strip with a sawing motion all the way to the top of the tomato. Roll this long strip into a coil and then let it open up like a rose.

To Make Green Onion Ferns:

Cut off most of the white of a green onion. With a scissors, cut the green part of the remaining onion into strips. Place these cut onions in ice cold water where the green strips will curl.

Important Note: Adult supervision and participation is required for this activity.



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