FOOD+DRINK
Watermelon Basket
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb_vRwCHd40
As well as a flat(ish)-bottomed watermelon, you will need a
large knife, a smaller craft knife, a non-toxic marker pen, and
a melon baller or ice cream scoop. If you’ve ever carved a
pumpkin, you’re already halfway there when it comes to
creating a unique watermelon basket to present your dessert
in. The hardest part of this piece of art is cutting along your
pre-drawn lines, but even if the finished result is a little wonky,
don’t worry; that’s all part of its charm.
Chocolate Decorations
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxQ68EXGDLU
Using a piping bag to make gorgeous chocolate decorations
for your puds and cakes is a great idea, as long as you follow
a few simple rules (don’t make the hole in your bag too big
or too small, and make sure you temper the chocolate to
exactly the right temperature). This video will teach you how
to make swirls, points, the ‘alternating drizzle’, curls, and
wafers. Each one is simple, but will make all the difference
to your dinner table.
Cucumber Turtles
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oH_C4LsleQ
For something a little fun and a lot quirky, what about adding
a cucumber turtle to your table? Using just a craft knife you
can elevate any salad or side dish, and ensure this meal will
never be forgotten. This is especially useful if you find that
it’s the cucumber that always gets left behind… Now no one
will be able to ignore it!
Flower Sushi Art
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnuMJRANLw
This video – and the techniques behind it – is a bit more
involved than some of the others mentioned here, but when
you feel you are ready to try something a little more difficult,
beautifully constructed and designed sushi could be just
what you are looking for. It’s healthy and tasty, and once
you’ve learned the techniques shown in this video, you will
be able to make any kind of shape, pattern, or design. This
takes a bit of preparation, including making pink sushi rice
and cooking your rice in advance, but the beauty of sushi is
that it can be made ahead of time, so if you are giving a
dinner party, or you just want to surprise your family, you
can get it all done when you’ve got the space and time you
need.
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