A technique for plating How to smear swirl, and make stencils for Instagram-worthy food creations

You might have perfected the art of Pannacotta or mastering the technique of the Charcuterie board however, when it is about food the presentation is key! Also having the prettiest plates available can provide significant social media content. You don’t have the skills of a chef in order to master the art of plating — Chef Shahir will share how to take your food from great to amazing with a bit of visual appeal. Here are four easy to master and stunning ideas to incorporate into your next foodie-worthy Instagram post.

The Smear

Here’s the information you’ll require:

• Bottles should be filled with the desired sauce
• Spoon
• Plate (and food items to place over it)

Here’s how to get it done:

1. Pour a large amount of sauce into a circular.
2. Dip the point in the middle, and spread it across the table. Don’t be afraid to do it and you’ll see a better outcome.

The swirl

Here’s the information you’ll require:

• Fill the bottle with desired sauce
• Cake spinner or Lazy Susan
• Plate (and food items to place over it)

Here’s how to get it done:

1. Set your plates on the Lazy Susan or cake spinner.
2. Use your squeeze bottle to move it downwards towards the middle on the table.
3. Start spinning the stand, and then slowly squeeze through the bottle to achieve the desired swirl.
4. Try it with different colors of sauces for an even more unique flavor.

The stencil

Here’s what you require:

• You can choose a wall stencil
• Spices that are powdered, like cocoa, cinnamon, or paprika
• A flat, no-lip serving dish

Here’s how to get it done:

1. Set a wall stencil on the plate. Sprinkle with a fine powder to create the stencil.
2. The stencil can be removed, and you’re done! It’s also possible to do this using a fork and knife, bowl, or even ferns. It’s all about making use of positive and negative space.

Graining

Here’s the information you’ll require:

• Chocolate sauce
• Dulce de leche
• Food-safe paintbrush
• Serving tile or flat plate
• The graining rocker (or grain comb) (optional)

Here’s how to get it done:

1. Pour a small amount of each sauce onto the plate, mixing the colors according to your preference.
2. Make use of a paintbrush for pulling the sauce down until it appears like wood grain.
3. To get even more details for even more detail, use a graining brush or graining rocker for an intricate wood grain patterns in the sauce.