Out and About
Out and About
A Feast for the Eyes – Perfect Plates, Platters and Presentation
By Aly Wagonseller
The house is decorated, menu finalized and it’s time to enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Yet, with all the effort we put into making our home sparkle and shine this time of year, we sometimes forget about one of the most visual elements of the festivities…the food. Hors d”oeuvres tossed haphazardly onto mismatched platters or colorless potatoes next to a drab-looking turkey slice are the usual offenders. Throw in silverware displayed in plastic cups more appropriately used for poker night and you’ve got a table that shouts anything but holiday glam.
Still, with shopping, cooking and simply finding the time to take a shower before your guests arrive, how can you possibly gourmet-up the presentation of your meal without incurring a major meltdown? It’s easier than you might think. With a few simple rules, tools and creative ingenuity, you can make even the simplest of culinary offerings look like artful displays.
Elements of Style
When it comes to garnishing and plating food both individually and on platters, there’s no need to go overboard. The goal is to add color, dimension and symmetry to the plate, all within a timeframe that keeps food hot and appetizing when it reaches the table.
Color
Most proteins are lacking in the color department. Arranging at least one brightly colored vegetable between like colored meats will help liven up the plate, but there are other options. Consider making a colorful sauce that compliments the meat or fish you’re serving. A vivid cranberry coulis, for example, could work with poultry, while an orange ginger sauce might be perfect for ham or fish. Spoon the sauce onto the plate, nestle the meat overtop, and you’ve got something special.
Strategically placed sprigs of leafy herbs like parsley and cilantro, or chives and green onions crisscrossed atop or placed vertically within softer foods like mashed potatoes, are a simple way to add colorful impact and height to a plate. Thinly sliced julienne carrots and red bell peppers add a pop of color and texture when neatly piled atop main entrees; a mélange of finely chopped herbs, citrus fruit and cranberries, or brightly colored spices like paprika create a colorful frame when dusted on the outer rim of the plate. Serving food in edible fruit or vegetable “dishes” like hollowed out oranges or bell peppers is also a fun way to add interest, especially as a centerpiece. Whatever you choose, the garnish should compliment the flavors in the dish and always be edible.
Dimension
You’ll be amazed at how merely adding height to the food on your plate can make you look like a culinary superstar. One simple, yet effective method is to mound your starch to create a base for showing off proteins. Pile potatoes, rice pilaf or pasta onto the back third of the dinner plate (in the center if using a larger platter). Prop up whole cuts of meat like pork and lamb chops (bone up, and preferably crisscrossed) against the mound, or fan thinly sliced meats artistically at the base. A drizzle of sauce or a twist of thinly sliced lemon will give this display a “wow” factor.
Symmetry
Location of the food on a plate also matters. Avoid overcrowding your food by using the largest plate practical for your table setting. Plate the tallest item (starch) at the back of the plate, your focal point slightly off center, and sauces and smaller vegetables along the side or front of the plate, making sure to keep the rim free of stray food. Using the chef’s clock formation (starch at ten o”clock, meat at two o”clock, and vegetables at six o”clock) is always a safe bet.
For platters, create visual division by compartmentalizing the food. For example, if you want to plate three different kinds of appetizers on one platter, neatly arrange rows of like appetizers on one third of the platter, another kind of appetizer in the next segment and so on. On circular platters, arrange like items along the outside rim, another item inside of this, all spiraling around a centerpiece or container with dipping sauce.
Tools of the Trade
Having a few basic items at your disposal can go a long way in speeding up your food beautification mission. Many items can be found at discount retailers including Home Goods and Smart and Final.
Plates
In general, white or lightly colored plates and platters are optimal. Patterns tend to compete with the food, while brightly colored dishes make food appear muddy and lifeless. This doesn’t mean you should throw away grandma’s elaborate china. Instead, consider using fanciful tableware as a base for simple white dinnerware to be stacked upon. Choose interesting shapes and sizes of platters and bowls, and don’t discount the use of footed cake plates for added height at the table.
In the Kitchen
Sure, you can go overboard purchasing fancy gadgets at Williams-Sonoma, but some of the most valuable plating instruments cost just a few cents. A plastic squeeze bottle with a small opening or a simple pastry bag with varying styles of tips are perfect for strategically drizzling sauces onto plates, creating designs of crème fraiche or putting sour cream in soups. Metal egg rounds, cookie cutters with scalloped edges or ramekin cups make it easy to mound your starches. Simply place the cutter in the desired position, scoop in your filling, smoothing off the top if desired, then remove the round for a beautiful clean line. For taller mounds, use the ramekin as a mold, making sure to add a light coat of cooking spray for the easy removal of particularly sticky food items. A vegetable peeler is a kitchen staple equally adept at making Parmesan cheese and chocolate curls as it is at creating citrus peel spirals. And don’t discount the power of the fork. When placed with the tines against the peel of vegetables like squash or cucumbers, you can score the peel before slicing to create a professional-looking scalloped edge. For more ideas on garnishing food, check out Garnishing: A Feast for Your Eyes by Francis T. Lynch.
Table Dressing
Table cloths are, of course, a wonderful touch, but here again, you’ll want to keep things simple so as not to compete with your beautifully plated food. Table cloths with plain centers and colorful borders keep the room from feeling stark while also allowing a neutral place to display your food. Layering an opulent table runner over a solid colored cloth is another great idea. Elevate platters and plates by simply stacking a few books or sheets of cut Styrofoam underneath your table cloth. Create height randomly, with balance from one end of the table to the other, or elevate dishes in the middle of your table to the highest level, graduating downward as you near the edge. The resulting look is fantastic, keeps all the food easy to reach, and prevents Aunt Mary’s blouse sleeve from creeping into the cranberry sauce.
Creative Ingenuity
Creative ideas off the plate can also make your table, and the food that’s on it, look much more appealing. Instead of using tacky plastic cups for displaying silverware, glue filigree ribbon onto the outside top portion of a medium sized glass cylinder. Partially fill with cranberries and insert silverware in an upright position amongst the fruit. Decorate the table with pinecones, unscented votives, rosemary sprigs and more cranberries for understated, yet colorful glamour. Make large platters that hold smaller items like baked brie festive by adhering a ring of cranberries along the rim with corn syrup. Finish with a “bow” made of three or four green onions cinched in the middle with another onion. Create edible holly by bunching endive along the side of the plate and sprinkling with pomegranate seeds. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t leave your table in decorating doldrums this holiday season. With a tiny bit of effort and minimal planning, you can create a feast that’s as friendly to the eyes as it is to the stomach.
A Russian’s Dance in Vegas – The Nutcracker
By Chad Felix
Tchaikovsky’s holiday season: visions of sugarplums and the mouse king; the waltzing of flowers and snowflakes; that magic castle and the iconic Nutcracker come to life. Despite a lukewarm reception at its 1892 debut in St. Petersburg, “The Nutcracker” has become a holiday staple and, for an increasing number of families, a steadfast tradition. Contemporary ballet companies have been most kind to this time-honored event throughout the years, enthusiastically presenting prospective audiences with a variety of performances to consider. The result, however, is a cavalcade of new questions to consider: suite or full score? Big company or small? On or off the strip? Which performance is right for my child? To help make that decision a little easier for you, we present this guide to Vegas’ incarnations of December’s cultural acme.
Off the Boulevard
In the season of crack-of-dawn department store specials, jet-setting in-laws and monstrous lines, a casual night at the ballet with the family probably sounds pretty close to perfect. Speaking your language? Check out these off-the-strip performances.
Boulder City Ballet Company
Low-key and just out of town, BCBC’s community performance may be just what a busy Vegas family needs. Held at the historic Boulder Theater and featuring an all-inclusive cast, this production is a small, intimate affair that will appeal most to casual attendees and those looking for something out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, at $20 a head, it is one of the most affordable of the lot. Performance dates are December 10-12. For tickets and more information, call 293-1161.
Las Vegas Ballet Company
Las Vegas Ballet Company offers another local option hosted at the Summerlin Library. This performance of “Nutcracker Highlights 2010” presents a shortened, greatest-hits type score and an introductory story time that is perfect for children and young adults. Just an hour and twenty minutes in duration, the performance is shorter than a full performance, perfect for those hard-pressed for time and those with antsy youngsters who are eager to participate but may not last a full performance. Performance dates are December 20-23. Tickets are just $17. For more information, call 735-5422.
Anaheim Ballet
Want to check out a touring company and stay off the strip? This season, you’re in luck! The South Point Hotel & Resort in Henderson is pleased to host Anaheim Ballet’s contemporary presentation of the holiday classic. Performance dates are December 16-19. Ticket prices range from $20 to $30. For tickets and more information, call 797-8055.
Amidst the Glitz
Perhaps some family members have just flown in and you’re excited to show off all the glitz and glamour that Las Vegas has to offer. If so, then these grandiose, on-the-strip performances are likely more up your alley.
Nevada Ballet
Show your home spirit by attending the largest local offering of the season. Hosted at the Paris, Nevada Ballet’s production is both the longest running and most lauded of the homegrown performances. Performance dates are December 17-19, 22-24 and 26. Ticket prices range from $30 to $80. For tickets and more information, call 946-4567.
City Ballet of San Diego
On tour and performing at the Planet Hollywood Theater for one-night only is the world-renowned City Ballet of San Diego. This prestigious group brings together artists from around the world, and for this special performance, fifty of Nevada’s finest will join the company. Featuring choreography by Tommy Award winner Elizabeth Wistrich, this is a performance that connoisseurs shouldn’t miss. Performance date is December 4. Tickets prices range from $54 to $84. For tickets and more information, call 745-3000.
So, whether it’s a modest local performance or a traveling company of worldwide acclaim, Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is a time-tested, holiday event that reminds us what the holidays are all about: family, friends, giving and music.
Desert Oasis High School DECA Club
The DECA organization has a heavy task at hand: to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Desert Oasis High School’s DECA club, approximately 100 strong, are doing much more than preparing for their careers. They’re out in the community all year long on philanthropic detail, achieving their maximum potential through fundraising efforts, blood and food drives, desert clean up and so much more. For dedicating their time and abilities to the benefit of those in need during the holiday season and beyond, each member is – A Step Above.
Activities:
We R Community: In this year-long initiative, students determine what the needs are in the community and create a mission statement based on those needs. They then use that mission statement to solicit grants, review the financial needs of several nonprofits and, finally, award the chosen nonprofits with $5000 in grant funding.
Opportunity Village Magical Forest (11.20): Fifteen members donated eight hours to help set up and work at the Magical Forest, an event that benefits adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Food Drives (11.3-9 & 20): Students collected approximately 200 boxes of food to benefit the Salvation Army at two drives, one at school and the others at Smith’s and Albertsons.
Goodie Two Shoes (10.23): For National Make a Difference Day, students helped distribute new shoes donated by Zappos to approximately 2000 Clark County children that needed shoes to attend school.
DECA President Kazzandra Alvarado comments on the group’s success:
What is DECA’s greatest achievement so far this year? “Our greatest achievement is having the honor of being the high school group that does the greatest amount of community service in Clark County. We clock over 1000 hours of community service every year.”
What is it like working with DECA to organize and follow through with charitable endeavors? “It is a great feeling to know that we are helping other people that may not have the same opportunities that we do. All too often we forget how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads; a supportive family; a great school environment; and a DECA advisor that pushes us to be our best.”
How do you select the charities you work with? “We select our charitable opportunities based on need in the community. We hear about the charitable events through several sources, including We R Community, an initiative of the Public Education Foundation.”
What are some of the obstacles you face as a group, in terms of planning and executing, and how do you overcome them? “The biggest challenge we face is time management and the policies and procedures with CCSD. Any event that we attend, plan or implement requires a mountain of paperwork. The paperwork must be submitted six weeks prior to the event. In addition, we struggle with funding. We overcome these challenges by planning ahead and working with local businesses that help sponsor events.”
How does working with charitable organizations or for charity affect DECA’s dynamic? “Community service has helped us learn to work in teams and to understand that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. Having compassion for others plays a significant role in a successful future.”
Silverado High School Student Council
They say the holidays bring out the best in people, and based on what we’ve seen from Silverado High School’s Student Council, that rumor is true. And yet their efforts to improve both the school and the community extend far beyond the season of thankfulness and giving. Between welcoming fellow students to new experiences in a new school year and ending it with a bang, they’re busy collecting and preparing food for the hungry, providing gifts to needy children and sharing their leadership expertise with our city’s youth. For all this and more, these budding young philanthropists have most certainly made the “nice” list, and elevated themselves to – A Step Above.
Activities, as explained by Cody Johnson, Student Body President:
Trick-or-Treat-athon: “Students are put into groups and assigned to specific neighborhoods in the community. They go door to door leaving a flyer asking them to leave non-perishable food items on their doorstep for us to pick up a few days later. This year we collected over a 1000 items of non-perishable goods that were donated to the Three Square Foundation.”
Shadow Day: “Eighth grade students come to high school for a day, follow some of our students through their classes and learn what it is like to be in high school. Then, when it comes to our leadership class period, the rest of the day is filled with workshops, leadership lessons and establishing of friendships!”
PB&J-athon: “At this event, we invite a few other student councils to help us make 1000 sack lunches for a charity of our choice. It’s not only a great opportunity for service, but it is a great chance that we have to mix with other councils and become more bonded as a Nevada Association of Student Councils.”
Shade Tree Party: “One of our students dresses up as Santa and asks the kids at the Shade Tree Shelter what they would like for the holidays. We are always so excited for this event because the women and children at Shade Tree really appreciate us coming in.”
Bear Project: “We sponsor two underprivileged children by giving gifts for the holiday season.”
Quotes from the Council:
What is the group’s greatest achievement so far this year? “Our group’s greatest achievement so far this year is our smooth transition with a new advisor. We’ve been able to successfully carry out all of our events together.” –Erin Rochetto, Student Body Historian
How do you select the charities you work with? “There is no special recipe to which charities we choose to donate to or work with. We try to focus on the ones that are in the most need in our community. Sometimes we do not even donate to a charity; it might even be a teacher or student that is in great need for donations. Silverado’s Student Council just tries to help out wherever we can.” –Cody Johnson, Student Body President
What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced as a group, in terms of planning and executing drives, fundraising, etc. and how did you overcome them? “Some obstacles our council has faced as a group are trying to choose events that everyone can get involved in easily without spending much money. We have chosen events such as dodgeball, assembly activities and after school competitions so everyone can come and have fun at a cheap cost, all the while raising school spirit.” –Erin Rochetto
How does working for charity affect the group’s dynamic? “Working for charitable organizations really helps our group because it brings us a lot closer and really puts into perspective the great things we have. Also, whenever we are done with the event, we feel so accomplished and it makes us want to do more for other organizations.” –Erin Rochetto
A Step Above 89113 – Durango High School Student Council
It’s striking to see what happens when like-minded individuals and leaders come together to accomplish a goal. That’s why we’re honoring the Durango High School Student Council for their efforts in the community. They’ve been busy all year, sorting and repackaging food for the food bank, helping out at special events like “Backpacks for Kids”, helping various organizations with mailing and clerical duties and so much more. For devoting countless hours to volunteer and raise funds to help those in need, each and every member is – A Step Above.
Events/Activities:
DHS Coat Drive (Nov. 8-12): Students rallied the school to donate coats for the needy and homeless during this week-long effort.
Shop with a Cop (November 15-19): The Durango Student Council continued a school history of philanthropy by raising funds for the Shop with a Cop event held on December 4. For their efforts, many needy children from the community will get to “Shop with a Cop” for toys this holiday season.
Turkey Drop (November 24th): Utilizing money raised through normal fundraising efforts, the students purchased full Thanksgiving dinners for 22 families, packaged them in boxes, decorated them like huge presents and donated them to families in need.
Three Square Canned Food Drive (November): Throughout the month of November, student council collected, delivered and helped pack canned food at the Three Square facility.
Quotes from the Council:
“Our greatest achievement this year has been to create our school’s first food bank. It is a place where students in need can pick up a weekly care package for themselves and their families. Although the food bank will not be fully functional until the end of December, the recognition of its need and the movement we have made toward making it a reality is our greatest accomplishment.” – Todd C. Marshall, Advisor
“Working with our student council to organize and follow through with charitable endeavors is both challenging and satisfying. Everyone has their personal idea of which charities we should help and what exactly we should do to help them. However, as we come together to make those decisions, we keep in mind that we all have the same goal in the end: to serve others and make our community a better place to live.” –Mary Jean Freeman, Student Body President
“In the past we have worked with and for every charity that asked us for help. Last year we decided as a group to focus on five to six charities and give them our full attention and enthusiasm. By going with quality over quantity, we have seen ourselves making a bigger difference in the lives of those people we touch.” –Hunter Williams, Student Council Treasurer
“When we work for a charitable cause, it means many things to each and every member of student council. However, we all share one particular belief: that we are here to serve others. By doing so, we in turn benefit because our friends, family, and loved ones get to live in a happier, safer, and overall better community.” –Cindy Klinholm, Senior Class President
“Our toughest obstacle has been realizing how much more proactive we must be in today’s economic climate. But we have found that if we go further than a phone call or email, and meet with local businesses face to face to show them the work we are doing, they almost always choose to be involved in one form or another.” –Kathleen Snyder, Vice-Principal in charge of activities for DHS
Green Valley High School Student Council
Amidst hectic student schedules of a particularly hectic season, it’s nothing short of remarkable to see what Green Valley High School Student Council is up to. Not content with just maintaining grades and planning school events, these students are taking that extra stride to better the community and help those in need. Whether they are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for charity or creating care packages for troops overseas, these kids are staying busy this season and all year round. For making their extra-curricular time into something extra helpful and brightening up the most illuminated of seasons, each and every member is – A Step Above.
Activities:
Trick or Treat for Canned Goods: During this event, the students were able to donate five large boxes of canned goods and non-perishable items to Safe Nest.
PB&J-athon (November 22nd): Students gathered at Silverado High School in order to make and give away peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to those in need.
Gator”s Give (December 15th): Students will organize and execute a toy drive and clothing drive to benefit students in need at CT Sewell Elementary School.
Stocking Drive: Students will collect stocking stuffers for Green Valley students in need that are to be delivered between December 13th and the 17th.
Boxes for the Troops (November-December): Students buy and collect items with donated money to be sent to troops overseas. Additionally, council members are identifying alumni in active duty, as well as family members of students in order to send packages throughout the coming year.
Tree Decorating Contest (December 13th): The council will go holiday happy as they take part in the annual tree-decorating contest at the Valley Auto Mall. If they are victorious, their prize money will support charitable events throughout 2011.
Student Council Advisor Valerie Rutz comments on the group’s success:
What is the group’s greatest achievement so far this year? “The students pulled off an amazing 20th anniversary homecoming this year, complete with an outdoor assembly, parade and coronation, wherein alumni and members of the community were encouraged to take part. This was a huge celebration that the students seamlessly pulled off.”
What’s it like working with student council to organize and follow through with charitable endeavors? “Student council kids are very motivated to be active members of their community and are always ready, willing and able to take on the challenge of charitable endeavors regardless of the form they may come in. They are already very organized, so it takes very little effort to get things set in motion.”
How do you select the charities you work with? “We get many requests for charitable work, and students are able to participate as individuals to complete required community service hours; however, for big tasks we discuss them in class and decide which events or charities we can best help with our time and talent.”
How does working with charitable organizations or for charity affect the group’s dynamic? “For the most part, the student council kids are very fortunate. They come back from events and report how grateful they are for the experience, that it has given them a positive perspective. Additionally, they usually say that they really feel good about being able to help others, and that they want to continue this kind of volunteerism after graduation.”
Coronado High School Band and Color Guard
With a history of award-winning performances from San Diego to London, Coronado High School’s Band and Color Guard have a pretty amazing legacy to uphold. The 149 member ensemble is rockin’ round the globe and making a difference wherever they roam. When they aren’t brightening up festive events with spirited tunes, they’re collecting canned food, shopping for children in need and looking for more ways to give back. Directed by Danielle McCracken and Benjamin Franke, this disciplined, enthusiastic and animated bunch of budding musicians is – A Step Above.
Upcoming Performances/Activities:
Trick or Canned Food (October 29): Going door to door through neighborhoods, students dressed up in their Halloween best and gathered 400 pounds of canned food donations for the nonprofit Three Square Food Bank.
Music at Honeybaked Ham (November 22-24): Students provided background music to patrons waiting in line to pick up their Thanksgiving orders.
ACTE Jazz Performance (December 3): Regulars at nursing homes, small businesses and other organizations, this season the jazz band provides tunes for the ACTE convention at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Cougars Care (December 9): This year, the band has chosen to “adopt” three students through this program. Students collect donations up through December 9th and then use the following weekend to shop for the students in need.
Henderson Holiday Parade (December 11 at 10 a.m.): Marching band members will welcome Santa Clause to town in this parade down Water Street.
Danielle McCracken comments on the band’s success:
What is this group most proud of? “The band continues to be one of the top band programs in the Clark County School District, representing Coronado High School both locally and throughout the Southwest part of the country. Our Concert Bands, Jazz Bands and Marching Band are consistently among the best in the State of Nevada.”
How do/did you select the charities you work with? “The band officers select some of the charities, and the directors select performance opportunities and venues. They receive guidance/suggestions from parents, in addition to paying attention to current events.”
How does working with charitable organizations or for charity affect the group’s dynamic? “It creates a much more positive environment where the students are able to see that their efforts have helped or enhanced the lives of others.”
From Ho Ho Hum to Whoville Hootenanny – Holiday Entertaining with a Twist
From Ho Ho Hum to Whoville Hootenanny – Holiday Entertaining with a Twist
