Filipino Desserts

Materials:
Carving knife
Medium to large sized ripe watermelon
Orange slices
Strawberry slices
Kiwi slices

Directions:
1. Almost any shape watermelon will work for this project.
2. Cut a thin slice from the bottom to provide a stable base.
3. Draw the outlines for the carriage as best you can to mirror the image.
4. Use a sharp knife to cut out the section to be used for the handle. Cut all the way through the rind.
5. Use a decorating tool or knife to cut the fancy edges of the carriage.
6. Remove the top section of rind.
7. Hollow the carriage and attach the handle with toothpicks.
8. Attach wheels made from orange slices and hubcaps made from strawberries and kiwis.
9. Fill the carriage with approx. 4 cups of fruit salad.

Technorati Tags: baby carriage, food carving, food decoration, Philippine Recipes, watermelon

Food presentation is an integral part of any cooked dish. You can consider adding flair to the buffet table with a touch of creativity known as food carving!

The world of food styling plays an important role on the pleasure of our eyes and tastebuds. We eat with our eyes to which explain why food presentation is an important detail, especially in professional event planning.

The art of carving foods is an Eastern custom that has been adopted and followed by creative food preparers around the world.

Countries such as Thailand and Japan consider food carving as part of the presentation of the meal. The stunning designs can be created as to make food the center of attention. It is a sight to behold for guests that dramatically make the dining table visually appealing.

There are two secrets to food carving which is so not a secret anymore after you read this: product and practice. The sharpest paring knives and best-looking produce to start the task will result in the best carvings. Like any other craft, practice makes perfect. Experiments and try out a few carvings so you will only get better with each try. What’s more is you get to eat the scraps regardless if you successfully or failed to carve a food.

It takes hours to create elaborate carvings but practice makes food carving no sweat. Soon you will find yourself designing your own patterns for watermelons, radishes, and any fruit and vegetable sturdy enough that can hold its form when carved.

Gain inspiration on a carved watermelon found below:

This popular melon basket is perfect for any summer occasion.

Having a baby shower or christening party this summer? Here’s your centerpiece!

Kids love melon! Having a birthday party for your favorite little guy? Here’s a pirate ship!

This spouting whale can hold melon salad at your next pool party! Need a punch bowl? You can cut away less rind for a deeper body

This pretty swan will require a bit more expertise.
It would be a perfect centerpiece for the food table at a wedding shower or garden reception.

General Tips for Better Carving

• When carving the watermelon, to prevent it from rolling around and to absorb the juice, lay a heavy towel on a counter top and place the watermelon on top.
• Use a non-toxic water-soluble marker to lightly draw an outline of the object you want to carve (basket with handle, carriage, etc.)
• Use a large sharp knife to carefully cut the melon along the drawn line.
• Use a scalloped, curved or zigzag pattern rather than a straight line for the cut edge, if desired.
• Use a melon baller to scoop out the flesh, then place it in a large bowl and set aside. Just before serving, carefully spoon the melon salad into the carved watermelon vessel.
• Use a vegetable peeler to shave and smooth the cut edges around your carved melon.
• Use a large metal spoon to scrape away any remaining melon on the inside of your “bowl”.

Technorati Tags: Filipino Desserts, food carving, food presentation, general tips, the art of food styling, watermelon