The One Thing You Need to Level Up Your Dishes Next Time You Host
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When it comes to hosting, the devil is in the details. It's the little things — like garnishes on hors d'oeuvres and handwritten place cards — that will make the biggest impression on your guests.
That means you're much better off picking recipes you know you can nail rather than trying to re-create some over-the-top dish you saw on Pinterest and falling flat. Still, you don't have to serve your old standby recipes over and over. Next time you host, add a little flair and finesse with an of-the-moment ingredient we can't get enough of: Morton® Himalayan Pink Salt. Sourced from the Himalayan Mountains, this all-natural salt gets its famous rose color from naturally occurring iron. It brings something extra to everything from roasts to salads to cocktails — signaling to your guests that you really know what you're doing.
Whether you're planning a simple cocktail hour or a multicourse meal, adding a sprinkle of pink salt here and there will really take your dishes to the next level. Here's how to put this powerhouse ingredient to use for your next party.
As a Sophisticated Finishing Touch
A harmonious balance of flavors is one of the trickiest things to get right. The easiest way to make sure you achieve the ideal balance? Salt to taste as you cook, then add a sprinkle of pink salt on top of the dish as the finishing touch. It works on everything from hors d'oeuvres, like mini caramelized onion tarts, to desserts, like decadent dark chocolate brownies.
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As a Crust on Meat and Fish
When you're considering crusting a protein with a spice blend, go for Morton® Coarse Himalayan Pink Salt. The larger grains add some welcome texture — plus, it holds up better during cooking. You can combine the salt with spices of your choice, but equally colorful options, like pink peppercorn or smoked paprika, will get the most oohs and aahs.
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As a Subtle Pop of Color
Sure, it's the flavor that really matters, but you also want your dishes to have enough visual interest to wow your guests. Pink salt is a particularly welcome addition for foods that can look a little one-note, like mashed potatoes or white chocolate confections. Trust us: Your guests will want to know what that pale pink accent on top of the dish is.
As a Cocktail Garnish
Even the addition of just one garnish can take a cocktail from regular to extraordinary. For sweeter or fruitier drinks, stir together pink salt with white sugar and complementary spices for a cocktail rim that walks the fine line between savory and sweet. Try rolling fresh cranberries or pomegranate arils in a mixture of equal parts white sugar and Morton® Fine Himalayan Pink Salt for a garnish that almost appears glittery. On its own, Morton® Coarse Himalayan Pink Salt works particularly well with tequila-based drinks, like the iconic margarita, as well as savory drinks, like Bloody Marys.
As a Decor Element
Whether you're hosting a family holiday dinner or a neighborhood cocktail party, pink salt deserves a spot on your tablescape. Fill a salt cellar with Morton® Coarse Himalayan Pink Salt and place it right on the table so your guests can easily add a sprinkle to whatever they're eating. The pale pink color makes a subtle yet sophisticated statement, whether it's next to a centerpiece made from fresh pine boughs or seasonal blooms.