Expert: Christopher S. Connolly - 5/21/2001

Question
I want to cut my radishes into roses or something pretty like that but I'm not sure how.

Answer
    Making radish flowers is easy, but making them look like something other then a mauled radish is difficult!  The concept is simple:  Begin by making thin cuts into, though not through, the radish...make your cuts symmetric.  Do this as many times as possible until you reach the center.  Next, place the radish into ice water...it will "bloom" as it sits(overnight in the fridge works).  This principle of thin slicing followed by soaking works for many things; scallions, carrots, etc.  To be honest, though,  mine usually look terrible.
    Another thing to do with radishes is to make a mushroom.  For this, grab a thick straw(or tiny cookie cutter should you own such a thing) and jam it into the radish.  Next, cut around the shaft of your spear near the midpoint of the radish and remove the excess tissue...this will give you a mushroom like object to work with.
     To be honest, though, the art of such garnishes is difficult to master...just look at the Asian vegetable carvings!  In my experience, the less than perfect garnish tends to look silly.  But perfection comes in many forms!  Take the same radish, slice paper thin, and overlap around the plate.  Or dice it very finely and sprinkle over the dish.  Remember that garnish is about drawing the eye to the food and making the food appealing, it's not about overshadowing the food itself.  :-)
    If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact  me.
    -Chris