What does the term finishing technique mean in cooking?

A finishing technique is a culinary method used at the end of the cooking process to enhance the flavour, appearance, or texture of a dish. Examples of finishing techniques include:

- Glazing: Brushing or coating a food item with a liquid or sauce to add colour, flavour, and shine.

- Saucing: Adding a sauce or gravy to the dish before or after cooking.

- Sprinkling: Adding herbs, spices, cheese, or other ingredients on top of the dish to enhance flavour and visual appeal.

- Carving: Cutting and slicing meat or poultry into desired shapes and sizes for presentation.

- Plating: Arranging the food attractively on a plate or platter for serving.

- Garnishing: Adding decorative elements such as herbs, vegetables, or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

- Reducing a sauce: Bringing a sauce to a boil and letting it simmer until it has thickened and concentrated in flavour.

Finishing techniques play an important role in enhancing the overall culinary experience and creating visually appealing and delicious dishes.