Whether you have cooked for your spouse thousands of times or you've never picked up a spatula in your life, here are a few tips that can help you present an amazing meal.

1. Use fresh ingredients

A sprinkling of fresh California olive oil will make a much better impression than budget olive oil. Fresh asparagus tastes noticeably different than frozen asparagus. Whatever you're cooking, you should remember that fresh ingredients are often the only difference between professional cooks and amateurs.

There are some dishes that call for canned or frozen ingredients. For instance, homemade pizzas are sometimes better with canned mushrooms, which hold their moisture better than fresh mushrooms when cooked. However, you should generally try to avoid non-fresh ingredients unless you have a good reason to do otherwise.

2. Plan out the timing of the meal

Timing is important when you are cooking for a spouse, so make a list of your courses and their preparation times. Make sure to start cooking all of your dishes at appropriate times, taking into account cooling times for dishes like bread and desserts.

Before you start cooking any of your dishes, double-check to make sure that you have enough ingredients to make the entire meal. You don't want to end up running to the store for another stick of butter halfway through the meal preparation.

3. Presentation is everything

Whether you are trying to cook a romantic dinner for a special occasion or you're simply cooking a basic three-course meal to welcome your spouse home from work, you should remember the importance of good presentation. Fill your spouse's plate with food to make the meal look full and inviting. If you are cutting back on portions, use smaller dinnerware to highlight the meal. Don't be afraid to use garnish to create an aesthetically pleasing dish.

You can easily impress your spouse by cooking a large meal. Remember to check over your menu with your spouse ahead of time and focus on good presentation. By planning your meal carefully, you can give your spouse a nutritious, cost-effective meal that he or she will remember.