Edible, attention-getting decor has never been so easy!
Our step-by-step guide shows you how to carve a beautiful swan out of an apple.
What you need: A large apple, a chef’s knife, two butter knives or two metal straws.
Lay a fresh fall apple on its side and cut the apple diagonally, directly through the core of the apple so you have two halves, one that has the top stem, and one that has the bottom.
Set aside two apple seeds for later.
Take the side of the apple with bottom present and lay it cut-side down flat on the cutting board.
Place two butter knives or metal straws on the top and bottom of the apple. These will be used as guides for cutting.
On one side of the apple core, using a sharp knife, carefully cut vertically down toward the two guides.
Using the guides, cut from the side horizontally to meet your vertical cut. This will create a wedge of apple that pops right out.
Do the steps again on the other side of the apple core. You will end up with two apple wedges and a piece that includes the core for the swan body. Set them aside for now.
Take one apple wedge and set a cut side down between your guides. Make a 1/4 inch thick vertical cut down to meet the guides. Flip the wedge to other cut side and cut down to meet first cut. Now you have one wing piece, and one smaller wedge.
Repeat this step with the resulting smaller wedge until you have 2-3 smaller wing sections (this will depend on the size of your apple).
To make the insert for the swan head, take the swan body piece set aside from step 2, cut a deep groove in the center of the swan body piece about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. This will allow space for the head to lock in. Don’t worry, this part is tricky and the piece removed can be discarded (or eaten).
Stagger wing pieces from step 3 together and place on body to create a layered wing.
Set aside and continue to step 6.
Take the half of the apple with the stem present from step 1 and place cut side down between two guides. Using these guides helps to create even slices.
Cut horizontally through the apple using guides. Make three to four slices through the apple for a variety of shapes and sizes for the swan head. Pick one of the pieces that looks like a heart that’s been slightly flattened on top. Snack on the other pieces.
With the heart shape facing away from you, make three cuts to create your swan head. The cut will look like a backwards “Z.” One angled cut to form the front of the head, one to define the front of the neck and one to form the base of the neck. This piece will go in the slot created in the body in step 4. The skin of the apple will be on top of the swan beak and down its neck.
Use apple seeds set aside from step 2 to use as eyes for your swan. Use the side of a butter knife to press them firmly into the apple piece.
Place the swan head in the groove in the middle of the swan body.
There you have it! A beautiful edible decoration for your holiday dinner guests!
Be sure to take a picture and share with your friends.
Tip: Spray your swan with lemon juice to keep the apple from browning too quickly.
Tip: Use a variety of apple colors for a colorful decorative display.
If you loved that, try this!
What you need: An English cucumber, a veggie peeler and a small paring knife.
Steps:
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Using the veggie peeler, take one cucumber and peel six thin slices. Slices will be round in shape.
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Using a paring knife, take one slice and make three cuts in the center of the cucumber slice to create an opening.
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Take the other five slices and make a tight roll. Offset the slices a little to mimic petals.
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Place roll in opening of sixth slice.
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Carefully spread “petals” to create a realistic rose shape.
It’s that easy! A quick garnish for any season!