This is a fun table decoration you can do in a few minutes to add some spark to a vegetable platter or seafood display.
You will need a VERY sharp small knife. Be extra careful while you are carving. The idea is to cut the cucumber, not yourself nor anyone else.
Pick a zucchini with a bit of curve to it and perhaps larger at the non-stem end. .
Cit off most of the green portion of the onion and the root end. Now make a series of cuts along the botton inch of the onion THE LONG WAYS of the onion. You're trying to create a series of "strands" or petals on one end. Then place the cut end of the onion in ice water while you finish the rest of the whale. In a few minutes the petals will start to curl up and spread. This will look like "spray" from the whale's spout.
Slice off a portion of the bottom to form a flat spot to let the "whale" stand up. Save the slice as it will become the "tail". Remember that whale's tails are horizontal while shark's tails are vertical.
Carve a wide "notch" in the flat tail to create the "flukes". Take the piece you carved out and make two smaller "fins" from it. Now cut a thin HORIZONTAL slice at the back (vine) end of the squash and wedge the tail into it. Make it a fairly tight fit so it will stay in as the vegetable dries out a bit.
Similarly cut two small slots on the sides, towards the "head" for the fins to go in.
Form the mouth by carving out a wedge from the lower part of the "face" Then position a couple of "eyes" by drilling in slightly with the tip of your knife (or a large toothpick). I added a "tongue" of red pepper because I had it handy on this pne.
A slightly deeper hole in the top portion of the head will need to be large enough to firmly hold the uncut end of the onion so the "spray" goes up. Finally fit the fins in on the side and you're ready to go.
If these (or other similar vegetable creatures) don't sit out too long they can be used after the event in a vegetable stock so they aren't wasted.
This is ONLY a guide to get you started on the idea. Play with this a bit and have fun seeing your own creations magically appear.
I dis this particular one at a family gathering along with a number of other "veggie-critters" The guest (young and old alike) enjoyed the frivolity of the buffet table.
View line-by-line Nutrition Insights™: Discover which ingredients contribute the calories/sodium/etc.
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Serving Size: 1 Serving (285g) | ||
Recipe Makes: 1 | ||
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Calories: 59 | ||
Calories from Fat: 5 (8%) | ||
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Amt Per Serving | % DV | |
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Total Fat 0.6g | 1 % | |
Saturated Fat 0.1g | 0 % | |
Monounsaturated Fat 0g | ||
Polyunsanturated Fat 0.2g | ||
Cholesterol 0mg | 0 % | |
Sodium 25mg | 1 % | |
Potassium 711.1mg | 19 % | |
Total Carbohydrate 12.1g | 4 % | |
Dietary Fiber 4.1g | 16 % | |
Sugars, other 8g | ||
Protein 3.4g | 5 % | |
Powered by: USDA Nutrition Database Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are derived from linked ingredients (shown at left in colored bullets) and may or may not be complete. Always consult a licensed nutritionist or doctor if you have a nutrition-related medical condition. |
Calories per serving: 59
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