FRUITS CARVING

Watermelons, turnips, pineapples and including many other fruits and vegetables could be carved and combined into either stylishly simple or very dense center pieces or even accents for your picnic table or indoor party decorations.

The art of carving foods is actually an Eastern custom that has been adopted by many creative food preparers around the world. In Thailand and Japan fruits carving is considered part of the presentation of the meal. The stunning designs that could be created make the fruit a center of attention when you serve your guests. No need to worry about what else is available the table.

Some of the more complex carvings could take hours to get just right, but practice makes it go very faster and soon you'll find yourself designing your own creative patterns for watermelons, radishes and any fruit or vegetable that could hold it's form when carved.

When carving the watermelon, to secure it from rolling around and to absorb the juice, lay a heavy towel on a oppose top and place the watermelon on top. With a non-toxic water soluble marker, lightly sketch an outline of the object you want to carve. (Basket with handle, carriage, etc.) Use a scalloped, curved or even zigzag pattern rather than a straight line for the cut edge if desired.

Use a large sharp knife to carefully cut the melon along the haggard line. Remove the surplus pieces and set them aside. With a melon baler, scoop out the soft tissue and place it in a large bowl, then set aside. Use a vegetable peeler to shave and to smooth the cut edges around your carved melon. Use a large metal spoon to scrape away any outstanding melon on the inside of your "bowl".

Just before serving, cautiously spoon the melon salad into the carved watermelon vessel.