Cooking a meal for a special occasion can be a great way to show someone or a group of people that you care, but there are a few pointers you should probably stick to if you want it to go right. Below, you’ll find some foolproof tips and tricks for cooking the perfect meal for a special occasion.

A Guide To Cooking The Perfect Meal For A Special Occasion

Prepare What You Can In Advance

Try preparing what you can in advance so you’re not pressed for time. For example, side dishes can probably be prepared in advance, and some things can likely be made and frozen for later. Even if you simply chop all of the vegetables in advance, it’ll help.

Don't Cook Anything Too Complicated

Cooking something too complicated will leave you frazzled. Unless you’re 100% confident, it’s usually better to cook something simple using the freshest ingredients and quality seasonings.

Try To Stick To A Meal You've Cooked Before

Cooking something you’ve cooked before will ensure you know your way around the recipe enough. You want to impress people with this dish - don’t make a huge effort to cook something you’ve never cooked before if you’re not sure how it’ll turn out.

Pick The Right Drinks To Go With The Food

The right beverages to go with the food will make a huge difference. Everything should work in harmony on the palate. You don’t want things to contrast too much, as it’ll ruin the taste of your food. You should look at wine pairing with chicken if that’s going to be your main dish, for example. Just make sure you have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.

Take Dietary Restrictions Into Consideration

It might seem like common sense, but this is something that is easily forgotten. Don’t forget to enquire about dietary requirements if you haven’t cooked for this person before. They might have an allergy that you don’t know about, such as a nut or a mustard allergy.

Cook With High Quality Ingredients

You don’t have to cook a complicated meal; just use high quality ingredients. Buying the best cuts you can and the freshest herbs/vegetables really will make a huge difference to how your food looks and tastes, so don’t be afraid to splash out.

Invest In A Few Fancy Gadgets

Although you definitely don’t need fancy gadgets to cook a lovely meal, having a few of them can help you. Even just a digital scale and measuring cups could make your life easier and the cooking faster.

Remember: People Eat With Their Eyes Just As Much As Their Mouths

It’s a fact that people eat with their eyes just as much as their mouths. A meal should look delicious, and not just taste it. If it looks nasty on the plate, they aren't going to get that mouth watering sensation right before they take the first bite. Making the food look good will make it more memorable, too. In general, dishes should be colorful, and should be placed onto a plate carefully. White plates often work best.

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