Create a centerpiece with carved fruit.
A carved fruit centerpiece or fruit bouquet makes an interesting, dramatic and colorful display on the dining room or buffet table. It's a creative way to serve fruit salad and an easy way for guests to eat it. It's suitable for all events and celebrations and, by switching to seasonal fruits, makes a festive holiday centerpiece. With a little know-how, some practice and a little time, even a beginner can create a fruit arrangement that is eye-catching, tasty and the highlight of the party.
Instructions
1. Browse magazines, books and the Internet for edible arrangement design ideas and patterns. The choices range from simple to elaborate, so be aware of your skill level when you choose. Select a design suitable for the event, space, season and weather conditions, if applicable.
2. Select fruit that's firm and ripe, without bruises and blemishes. Wash fruit thoroughly before carving.
3. Dye the skewers with green food coloring to look like flower stems or mix and match colors for a more festive fruit arrangement.
4. Choose a base. Large fruit, such as watermelon, pineapple, honeydew and cantaloupe, all make suitable and impressive containers for edible or carved fruit arrangements. Use a chef's knife to shave off the bottom of the fruit to give it a flat edge to stand on. Cut the top off the fruit at desired height, making sure the base is deep enough to hold carved fruit. Carve zigzags or your design of choice around the top of the fruit container. Dig out large chunks from the fruit and set aside to use later with a large spoon. Scoop out any remaining fruit and seeds.
5. Draw or outline a design on the fruit base with a washable marker. Cut out the design with a paring knife or other small knife. Use a pumpkin carving kit and a pattern if you're not comfortable with freehand drawing or omit this step altogether. Wipe off marker with a rag and warm water.
6. Cut watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and pineapple into 2-inch thick slices. Use a cookie cutter to cut out hearts, diamonds, stars, triangles, flowers and various other shapes. Use a hammer to tap the cookie cutter in dense fruit, if needed. With a paring knife, cut around the edge of the cookie cutter to remove excess fruit. If you decide to cut shapes freehand, cut in a slow, short sawing motion to ensure a smooth cut.
7. Attach grapes, blueberries, raspberries, cherries and other small fruits to carved and cut fruit with a toothpick. Use a melon baller to scoop out fruit balls from melon and other soft fruits. Slice lemons, limes, oranges and kiwi. Remove stems from strawberries.
8. Attach all carved fruit on wooden skewers in various designs and patterns. Insert skewers in the fruit base and arrange the remaining fruit around the skewers.
9. Set the carved fruit arrangement on a pedestal, platter or other base. Garnish the base with lettuce, Easter grass, candies, flowers, fruits, nuts, holiday décor and cookies. Surround the base with glass votive candles for extra drama.
10. Serve alone, or with fondue and other dipping sauces.
