© Jennifer Choquette

5 meal appeal factors are… © Jennifer Choquette

Texture How a food is PREPARED affects the way it feels when you chew it. Give me some examples. To add crunch, serve carrots raw rather than cooked. Toast Italian bread slices to serve with a creamy tomato soup + © Jennifer Choquette

How can this texture be improved? Before After © Jennifer Choquette

Shape and Size A carrot can be cut into sticks, Diced, or circles. Tomatoes sliced vertically form wedges. Tomatoes sliced horizontally show a wagon wheel pattern. A whole ear of corn has a different impact from a scoop of corn kernels. Use knife skills to add variety and keep the same serving amount. © Jennifer Choquette

How can this shape & size be improved? Before After © Jennifer Choquette

The temperature of food affects it’s taste and texture, as well as its safety. Temperature Cold Cheese = Shredded or Sliced Hot Cheese = Melted and Stringy Cold Ice Cream = solid Warm Ice Cream = liquid vs. Same ingredients right? Think of one example in your group © Jennifer Choquette

+ = yummy + = delicious Also remember that the outside temperature affects what food people enjoy. Ice cream stores, after all, are busier in July than in January © Jennifer Choquette

Color Select food in a variety of colors. Colorful fruits and vegetables brighten a meal. If the foods you are serving aren’t naturally colorful, find ways to brighten them. © Jennifer Choquette

How can this color be improved? Before After © Jennifer Choquette

Flavor Food flavors should harmonize. Foods in the same meal should keep the taste buds interested, not overwhelmed. Appetizer + Meal + Strawberry Desert = Lack of Flavor

How could this flavor be improved? Before After © Jennifer Choquette

What meal appeal factor does this plate lack in? Texture © Jennifer Choquette

What meal appeal factor do these plates lack in? Shape & Size © Jennifer Choquette

What meal appeal factor does this plate lack in? Color © Jennifer Choquette

What meal appeal factor does this meal lack in? Flavor © Jennifer Choquette

Menu Planning Principles VarietyBalanceNutritionFlexibility © Jennifer Choquette

Meal Planning Steps 1. Choose the main dish. 2.Select the staple food. Ex. Potatoes, rice, noodles, or stuffing. 3. Select one or two vegetables or sides. 4. Choose a salad and a bread. 5. Select the dessert and appetizer. © Jennifer Choquette

Weekly Meal Planning Planning for the week: –Allows you to make sure you are meeting your nutrition needs –Makes grocery shopping easier –Is more economical –Helps in making meals interesting; actually consider our factors –Avoid in food waste © Jennifer Choquette

Plating Techniques Using Sauces Plate Painting Variety of Shapes Variety of Temperatures Complimenting Flavors GarnishingHeight Crunch Component © Jennifer Choquette

Bon Appétit! © Jennifer Choquette