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Lana Mihajlović ha publicado una actualización
hace una semana (editado)
Level:
Scoolinar
Crust & Bloom
#PlatingChallenge
Profile: Amateur
Type: Main Dish
Ingredients: Salmon; Grated Parmesan cheese; Panko breadcrumbs; Fresh parsley; Garlic powder; Dried oregano; Dried thyme; Butter; Salt and black pepper, Cauliflower, Feta cheese; Radish and Red onion; Olive oil and Lemon Balsamic cream
Story about Crust & Bloom
Story about „Crust & Bloom“
Crust & Bloom is a dish I created from the desire to bring together two sides of my cooking – the one that loves intensity, structure, and a confident bite, and the one that seeks softness, lightness, and freshness.
The crispy parmesan and herb-crusted salmon is the heart of the plate – bold, flavorful, golden in texture. That’s the crust. But without the bloom – without the silky cauliflower purée and the refreshing salad – it would be too loud. It was the balance between the two that mattered most to me.
The hardest part was finding the right amount of parmesan and herbs so they wouldn’t overpower the salmon, but support it. Once that clicked, everything else followed – the crust sang, the purée melted alongside it, and the salad added crunch, freshness, and color.
My favorite moment was plating – when, through colors, shapes, and textures, I managed to create visual balance. Where on the plate, just like in flavor, opposites don’t appear as rivals, but as allies.
Crust & Bloom is not a dish that shouts – it’s a dish that speaks softly, but stays with you.
Valentina Gurau, Santa Guarneros y7 others17 Comentarios-
Level:
Stagier
Se ve muy lindo tu plato y tu propuesta suena deliciosa y equilibrada!
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Level:
Scoolinar
@dianavincescgmail-com Thank you! I’m so happy you think it looks great. 😊 Balancing flavors is always the goal, and I’m glad to hear it sounds delicious to you. Can’t wait to share more! ✨
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Level:
Scoolinar
Un plato muy equilibrado, con texturas unas crujientes otras suaves y deliciosas.
La presentación muy bonita y la narrativa te deja sin aliento
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Mercedes Minaya Palacios thank you my dear Mercedes ❤️
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
Lana, your dish felt like reading a short story with a happy ending. The idea of combining the crunchy “crust” with a soft “bloom” was incredibly original,it’s like a love story between textures! 😍
That salmon looks like it knows exactly what it’s doing,wearing its golden crust like its best coat for a big date. And the salad with radishes and red onion adds a zesty spark that brings everything into balance. Did it take you a few tries to get the parmesan just right so it wouldn’t overpower the salmon?
One tip: if you ever want to play more with the “bloom” side, you could try a purée with a citrusy twist (like cauliflower with a splash of lemon or yuzu) to brighten things up even more without losing that creamy texture you nailed.
Now, here’s something I’m really curious about: what did you enjoy most in the process,finding that perfect flavor balance or seeing the final plating come together so harmoniously?
Thanks for joining the challenge with such a beautiful and creative entry!🙌🏻
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Sussan Estela Olaya Dear Sussan, thank you so much for your warm and vivid comment – it truly made my day! I’m especially happy that you experienced the dish as a little story with a happy ending, because that’s exactly how it felt while I was creating it.
As for the parmesan balance – yes, I actually did a couple of test runs two days before, using smaller pieces of salmon to find that golden ratio where the crunch and flavor would complement, not overpower, the fish. It was a bit of an experiment, but totally worth it!
I really love your idea of adding a citrus twist to the purée, and I’ll definitely try it with lemon or even yuzu next time. In this version, I added a bit of feta cheese to the cauliflower purée – it gave it a subtle strength and character that nicely balanced the rest of the plate.
And regarding your final question – I honestly enjoyed the whole process, but the plating was a special kind of joy (and a small moment of pride). I’m not very confident when it comes to presentation, so this was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone – which made it all the more rewarding in the end.
Thank you again for everything – your words truly gave me a boost!
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
@lanamihajlovic Lana, what a delight to read your message!
I loved getting a glimpse into the process behind your dish. The care and dedication you put into your cooking really shine through, and I thought it was so brave of you to step out of your comfort zone with the plating,the result was absolutely beautiful!😍
I also truly admire how you experimented with the parmesan until you found that perfect balance. And that touch of feta in the purée… pure genius! It’s so inspiring to see how every detail in your dish is filled with intention and thoughtfulness.
Thank you for sharing your process with such honesty and passion.❤️
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
Crust & Bloom isn’t just a poetic name—it’s a full sensory experience! 🌸🧂 Thank you for joining the #PlatingChallenge with this harmony of crunch and silk, boldness and delicacy. It must be such a beautiful feeling to recognize that moment when everything *clicks*… It’s instinct, isn’t it? Something unconscious that happens only when you cook with full attention and soul.
Don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social and tag us: @scoolinary_en & @davidjrickett 💫
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Sol Damiani Dear Sol,
Thank you for such a beautifully worded comment – you captured the essence of what I was aiming for better than I ever could!
That moment when everything clicks really is something special – like a quiet spark that tells you this is it. And yes, it definitely felt instinctive, almost like the dish knew where it wanted to go before I did. I just had to listen closely and follow.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this challenge – it’s been inspiring on so many levels. Thank you again for your kind words and for creating such a space that celebrates creativity from the heart!
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
@lanamihajlovic Absolutely — when people feel at ease, they create better and more *happily*. ✨ There’s a freedom that comes from feeling safe to explore, to trust your instincts, and to let the dish speak without fear of judgment. That’s where the magic happens — in that calm, creative flow where joy leads the way. And you, with Crust & Bloom, are a perfect example of that. We’re so lucky to have your voice in this community! 💛
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Level:
Scoolinar
Qué ɓonito plato, Lana. Los colores son vibrantes y muy vivos, ese rábano, como si fueran escamas de pescado, el toque crujiente del panko y el parmesano. Estás disfrutando este reto, y logras transmitirlo 😍
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Beatriz Torija Beatriz, you’re like a spice that makes every dish better! Thank you for your lovely words. You always see more than just what’s on the plate. And yes, I’m enjoying the challenge like a kid in a candy store! 🍭I can’t wait to see what you have prepared for this challenge 🥰
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Level:
Scoolinar
@undefined jajaja te puedo imaginar en la cocina como los niños eligiendo chuches 🍬🍭. Paciencia… que yo a veces soy como los malos estudiantes que esperan al último momento para presentar el trabajo al profesor 😅😅
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Level:
Sous Chef
Qué bonito emplatado, pero sobre todo que plato tan bien pensado. Seguramente habrá sido un placer comerlo porque sólo con mirarlo se ve lo delicioso que es. Tu relato como siempre eleva el nivel😍
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Maloles Muñoz Maloles, your comment is a true compliment—it’s like the dish itself got an extra layer of flavor! I’m always happy when you notice all the details, and the story is there to complete the experience. Thank you for your support 🥰
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Level:
Scoolinar
Espectacular 😍👏
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Level:
Scoolinar
@Valentina Gurau Thank you dear 🥰
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