Make Your Own Edible Centerpieces Consumable art for your table

When you are planning a party or celebration, how important is the food?

 Most social gatherings include a meal or refreshments.  Holidays and celebrations are often closely associated with food traditions.  Can you name some holidays or special celebrations and their associated foods?

Valentine’s Day – chocolate Independence day – cookouts, picnics Halloween – candy Thanksgiving - turkey & dressing Birthdays - cake with frosting Christmas - cookies

An edible centerpiece can be a festive alternative to high fat, high sugar, high sodium treats. Getty Images, used with permission

MyPyramid.gov recommends that adults following a 2000 calorie reference diet consume 4 servings (2 cups) of fruit daily. U. S. Department of Agriculture, used with permission.

Most Americans consume less than half the recommended amount of fruit each day. You can obtain a personalized plan at MyPyramid.gov

A diet rich in fruit may reduce the risk of developing:  stroke  coronary heart disease  type II diabetes  kidney stones  certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum

The following slides will show the procedure for making an edible fruit centerpiece.

1. Select supplies and ingredients

Equipment List  sharp knives  wooden skewers  melon baller  kitchen shears  cutting boards  flower shaped metal cookie cutter Supplies and equipment, cont.

Choose firm fruit that does not turn brown when exposed to air Grapes Fresh pineapple Strawberries Cantaloupe Orange wedges

Which of these would not be a good choice for use in an edible arrangement? Supplies and equipment, cont.

Suitable containers should have deep sides and be:  Food safe  Waterproof  Opaque

Avoid using clear containers, as skewers will show through the glass. Supplies and equipment, cont.

Baskets should be lined with food grade plastic to waterproof. Supplies and equipment, cont.

2. Wash produce

Wash fruit, lettuce, and kale under cool running water and gently pat dry. Scrub cantaloupe with a clean, firm brush under running water. Prepare produce, cont.

3. Prepare the base

 Place a chunk of iceberg lettuce in the bottom of the container  Cover with kale to create a leafy background Prepare Base, cont.

4. Prepare cantaloupe balls and wedges

Prepare Cantaloupe, cont. Insert melon baller into cantaloupe and rotate 360 degrees to make melon balls.

Prepare Cantaloupe, cont.

5. Prepare Pineapple flowers

Pineapple Flower Procedure

6. Prepare grape and strawberry skewers

Place strawberries on short skewers or toothpicks Place several grapes on skewers Prepare Skewers, cont.

7. Assemble centerpiece

Push skewers through kale and into iceberg lettuce base below in circular rows. Assemble, cont.

Add pineapple flowers and grape skewers. Assemble, cont.

8. Cover and refrigerate

Wrap finished arrangement in food grade plastic and refrigerate until serving.

9. Serve

Just two or three skewers from the arrangement will equal one ½ cup serving of fruit.

It is simple and fun to encourage more fruit consumption with a pretty fruit display. Make one for your next celebration. Getty Images, used with permission.

The End This program has been supported by the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education Support Fund, 2010 References:  MyPyramid.gov, U. S. Department of Agriculture  The Health Value of Fruits and Vegetables, Iowa State University Extension, July 2000 Make Your Own Edible Centerpieces was developed by Robin Fisch M.S.