For really great meals, think complementary flavors and textures. Elements that balance each other can take a dinner from ordinary to extra ordinary. For example, crispy, lemony Chicken Francese works beautifully well with creamy fettuccini Alfredo—the contrast between the bright, tart lemon and rich, luxurious cream provides a perfect balance in flavor and texture. Sautéed spinach with onions would be the perfect final element to this dinner. Add a touch of fresh squeezed lemon juice to echo the lemony chicken, and this perfect marriage of flavor and texture is complete.
Think complementary in other ways. If you’re serving meat with a rich sauce alongside a crispy salad, choose a bright, tangy vinaigrette instead of a creamy salad dressing for a nice balance. Pair mashed sweet potatoes with a spicy entrée to provide a perfect contrast.
