Keep it Simple!

It doesn't take a gourmet chef to prepare nutritious meals that look as good as they taste. Even novice cooks can practice the art of a spectacular food presentation with a few simple tricks:

Keep it simple, but interesting. "Presentation is about simplicity, while providing as much contrast in color and texture as possible," says David Hale, an instructor at The New England Culinary Institute and the chef at Chef's Table in Montpelier, Vermont. A meal of plain baked sole, steamed cauliflower and potatoes may be nutritious, but the bland colors blend together and aren't likely to inspire a healthy appetite. Imagine instead a plate of poached or grilled fish seasoned with paprika and freshly ground black pepper, colorful steamed carrots, red potatoes and spinach topped with sautéed onions and garlic.