3 simple artisan food tricks

While staring at food photos on Pinterest tonight, it hit me. All these trending food photos are SO similar to each other! Yes, we've been obsessed with artisanal products (AKA, unique, high-quality, handmade, limited production, and local) for years. In food however, I honestly think "artisan" just means putting together weird combinations and adding unexpected, interesting toppings. It's so simple. And it works. (I know I spend a lot of money on food like this!) My top 3 favorite artisan food tricks, using basic pizza and bread as examples.

Trick #1: The Let's-Just-Throw-Fruit-On-It special

I wouldn't bat an eyelash at a regular old slice of pizza or toast. But who could say no to nectarine pizza or blueberry toast? Fruit adds instant sophistication and I just have to try the flavors together. (Think Pizza Hut should start re-working their menus?)

Trick #2: The Make-It-Breakfast option

Every time I have pizza brunch (like at San Marzano's), the pragmatist in me screams, "You're just having a normal Pizza with an EGG." But then the foodie in me says whatever, eggs are awesome. Also, the egg almost looks like a target. Now I psychologically can't help myself from consuming!

Trick #3: The Duh-Just-Add-One-Expensive-Topping trick

Mushrooms and asparagus are decidedly very unsexy vegetables. Bread is blah. But luscious toppings like truffle oil and riccota cheese are both delicious as well as more expensive. (They also are typically artisanal on their own.) Toast them up with bread and veggies, and the entire value of the meal goes up. Expensive toppings are like magic pixie dust!

Have you noticed any other "fancy" but simple tips that make your meals stand out? I think I should just get in the kitchen and mix up combinations... Bon appetit! (PS: New Yorkers, if you'd like to try the newest artisanal food, go hop around the food stands at the Hester Street Fair, Smorgasburg, and the Brooklyn Flea.)

(Food photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)