Fresh Fruit Flower Cut Outs

 

This is almost more of a craft exercise than a recipe, but it's a fun idea for a special event and these are super easy to make.  Besides, hello, they are gorgeous!

So for most of the fruit flower shapes, I used a small flower cookie cutter set that I got online a few years ago.  The company who makes it is called Fox Run and I'm sure it could still be found online.  Those are about the size of a quarter, so they made perfect bite-sized pieces.

Here's a pic of the set.
 

 

The fruits I used were strawberries, honeydew melon, cantaloupe and pineapple, but this would work with most firm fruits and melons.  The pineapple was a bit more difficult to shape, but still came out pretty (well, I just ate the ugly pieces ; )

 

I got the colorful flower shaped bowls at Home Goods.

 
The strawberry hearts I cut out by hand, but it's super easy to do.  Simply remove the core by slicing a v shaped cut out of the top of the strawberry.  Then slice a very thin slice of the end of the strawberry on both sides, which will reveal the white inside.

Cut the strawberry in half, and voila, two strawberry hearts!  Some of the strawberries will be natural hearts, but if your cut is slightly off or the strawberry is misshapen, it's quite simple to correct with a bit more surgery with your paring knife.  Save the cut edges and use them to make a fruit puree or butter.

This is the display I did for a catering event with this fruit.  I scattered fresh flowers about and placed a few huge bunches of grapes in bowls.  The guests loved the fun presentation!

The fruit can be cut and stored in an airtight container up to 48 hours in advance.  Simply drain and pat dry before serving (to avoid mushiness).  Enjoy!