How to Make Your Own Edible Bouquets

Have you ever seen the edible bouquets that are in florists shops and delivered as gifts around the country? They are so gorgeous and unique, and absolutely delicious! They are so beautiful that they are used for centerpieces on your table or for a party. Well now you can make them for parties, to give as gifts, or as table arrangements. They are super simple and can generally be made in an hour, if you have all the ingredients. I will give you the basics that you will need and then of course, you can use different fruit themes, colors and ribbons to match the occasion! Let's get started on making a beautiful edible centerpiece:

What you will need:

20 - 30 wooden skewers, usually found in the foreign foods section of your store, Chinese or Asian dept.
1 head lettuce
1 bunch of large leaf Kale
small box of straight pins.
brightly colored ribbon (if desired)

Cantaloupe
Honey Dew melon
1 jar of maraschino cherries
strawberries

To assemble:

Cut cantaloupe in half and take out seeds. Then cut in ½" slices and remove the rind. Set aside.
Do the same with the Honey Dew melon. Then cut all the melon slices in half.
Wash strawberries and cut off any green tops.

In a large decorative bowl, place the head of lettuce. Separate Kale leaves and cover the head of lettuce leaf by leaf. Use the straight pins to hold the leaves in place. Next, take a skewer and push the cantaloupe on skewer. Add a strawberry, Then add a slice of the Honey Dew melon. Alternate until skewer is filled. Add a cherry to the end. Lay aside on cutting board or cookie sheet. Continue assembling all the skewers in the same way.

When you have 20 - 30 skewers filled with fruit, begin to stick the opposite end of the skewer into the covered head of lettuce. Arrange the skewers around the head of lettuce as flower petals. When finished, add a bow around the outside of the bowl. Voile! A beautiful fruit bouquet! And one that was easy to make and assemble and that could be the centerpiece of any brunch or lunch!

Use the same technique with other fruit combinations that you might like..

Try apple slices, orange slices, star fruit slices, or whatever else you might like. You could also make a raw veggie bouquet with mushrooms, green, red, or yellow peppers slices, eggplant slices, zucchini and summer squash slices and then have your favorite dip right next to the bouquet when serving. The possibilities are almost endless and you will amaze your friends with your handmade uniqueness.

And the most important part is that they are delicious and nutritious, and so easy to make! Enjoy!