Have you ever heard the saying “presentation matters”? Can the way you present food really make a difference in how it tastes?

What would you rather eat?

Oatmeal #1 or oatmeal #2:

Oatmeal #1 image: Lynelle McLean

Oatmeal #2 image from Bing search

I find joy in arranging food so that it looks beautiful. It may not change the way the food tastes, but it does make a difference in your culinary experience! When I put these bowls together I was remembering the delicious acai bowls we had in Barcelona – food comes loaded with associations, good or bad, and this one was associated with a very privileged memory that I treasure.

One day I was at home and quickly made some grilled cheese with some leftover salad.

Wait…….. before you scroll down, what do you imagine that would look like?

Was it like this?

Image: homeade grilled cheese sandwich – gross looking – Search (bing.com)

Maybe this looks good to you – it’s not bad, but the recipe uses mayonnaise, which I really don’t like. But why not make it fun and feel like you’re going out for a fun lunch with a good friend even if you are working from home all day and eating by yourself? Here’s a picture I took of my lunch:

I felt special (my mom’s homemade bread helped) but the point I mean is how we arrange our food creates an experience that can add to our enjoyment of the simple pleasures (and necessities) of life. So, make it fancy; have fun; and enjoy whatever you create!

Thank you for reading my blog! It’s been a fun process. I learned that food planning is way more important for me that prepping; that new recipes light a fire of inspiration; batch cooking saves so much time and makes lunches healthier; and that presentation also brings me joy! My top recommendation is to have fun and find a grocer that you love – The Rootcellar and their weekly newsletter makes grocery shopping and food planning with new recipes that incorporate sale items fun! 🙂