The Art of Food Styling

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a food and culinary conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.  At this conference I learned about the art of food styling for photography and television.  The food artists shared many tips that can be easily translated into our everyday kitchens.  Below are examples of how to take ordinary food dishes and give them the wow factor.  Also, at the end of this article is the Elegant Orzo recipe that I mentioned last month that has been getting rave reviews from friends and family.

These pictures were developed and styled by Registered Dietitian Stephanie Green and the photos were taken by her husband Duane.  They are the owners of Nutrition Studio and one of their main clients is Mountain High Yoghurt in Colorado.  To view more of their work and to view their recipes visit mountainhighyoghurt.com.

Take traditional dishes to another level.  Use height to give interest and appeal.
    

Stack plates of different shapes, colors, and sizes to add contrast.  Use fresh herbs and sprinkle spice on plates to add pizzazz.
    

Simple garnishes go a long way.
    

Enhance the dish by placing it on lettuce leaves or sliced fruit.
    

Jazz up your next relish tray or chips and dip plate.
    

Now it is your turn to create your own food art with one of my favorite dishes, Elegant Orzo.  This dish is simple to make and sure to impress.  It can be served hot or cold and goes perfectly with shrimp or chicken.  If you are not familiar with orzo, it is a small rice shaped pasta.  It can be found in the spaghetti aisle in your grocery store.

Elegant Orzo

1 (16 ounce)    package uncooked orzo pasta
¼ cup               olive oil
½ teaspoon     minced garlic
½ teaspoon     dried basil
½ teaspoon     crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup                 pine nuts
1 (10 ounce)    bag baby spinach
1/8 cup             balsamic vinegar
1 (8 ounce)      package crumbled feta cheese
1                        tomato, chopped
black pepper to taste

1.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add orzo pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.  Drain, transfer to a mixing bowl and set aside.

2.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Stir in garlic, basil and red pepper flakes.

3.  Stir in pine nuts and cook until lightly browned.

4.  Add spinach and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.

5.  Toss spinach mixture with orzo pasta.

6.  Add balsamic vinegar, crumbled feta cheese, chopped tomato and black pepper.  Enjoy!