Explore the full Presentation Ideas Series:

#2 Crunch & Texture, Fresh & Green

#3 Serving Dishes

#4 Desserts

Drizzles & Oils:

Herb oils are an easy way to add colour and flavour to vegetable dishes and plated meals. Make chilli oil by infusing chilli flakes in olive oil for about a week, until lightly orange-red.

For chive oil, blanch chives for 30 seconds, refresh in ice water, then blend with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant green oil. The same method works with parsley or basil. Adjust with lemon zest or chilli flakes and balance any bitterness with a small pinch of sugar.

Herb oils are best used fresh but will keep for around a week in the fridge and can be frozen. Use to finish dishes, salads, or purées for contrast.

Heirloom Tomatoes with Parsley & Basil Oil

Balsamic Glaze 

Chimichurri

Herb Vinaigrette

Easy Purees & Flavoured Oils

Dipping oils:

A delicious butter alternative to pair with bread! Warm olive oil gently in a small frying pan and infuse with flavours of your choice—finely diced garlic, chilli flakes, balsamic glaze, spices or herbs that complement your meal. Serve warm in a shallow dipping bowl.

Sauces & Swirls:

These sauces double as a garnish and a flavour hit. Add dollops or swirls to roasted vegetables for extra colour and bold flavour. If your dish needs a little sweetness, choose a chutney or jam. If it needs a more savoury kick, choose a pesto or mustard. Yoghurt or creamy mayo sauces are also delicious to add colour contrast to dark or colourful dishes, and they go especially great with anything spicy! You can also add dollops of flavoured hummus to a dish or spread it underneath vegetables.

Basic Pesto

Spicy Red Pesto

Chilli Jam Thermomix

Peach Mustard

Lemony Chermoulah

Salsa Verde

Roast Beets with Dukkah Lemon Yoghurt Sauce

Kumara Carrot Mash with Spring Onion Pickle

Spread beetroot hummus on a platter and place your roasted vegetables on top (see image) – an easy and delicious way to make them pop! Beetroot Hummus

Butter:

Ideas of how to serve butter on the side of bread, meat or corn cobs.

Moulded Butter: If you have silicone moulds, soften the butter and press it into your chosen shape, then refrigerate overnight until set. Remove from the fridge and bring to room temperature at least two hours before serving. For an extra layer of flavour, lightly smoke the butter using a cocktail smoker.

Bread Rolls with Garlic Butter Candle

Whipped Butter: For a lighter texture, whip the butter until airy and smooth. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and top with fresh herbs or olives for added flavour and visual appeal. Or swish onto a platter and create a butter board!

A Basic Butter Board

Sweet Bun Ring with Spiced Honey Butter

Flavoured Butters: Enhance taste by adding herbs, spices or other flavours to butter

Garlic Herb Butter

Toasted Walnut Butter

Grilled Sweetcorn with Chermoulah Butter

Sweet Bun Ring with Spiced Honey Butter

Tips:

Use a squeeze bottle for clean drizzles.

Always taste before garnishing — balance first, beauty second.

Room temperature butter spreads better and looks glossier.