Ingredients:
Base and Star:
- 1 Pineapple
- 1 Pear (slightly underripe)
Tree Decorations:
- 1 lb Strawberries
- 1 ½ cups Red Grapes
- 1 ½ cups Green Grapes
- ½ Cantaloupe
- 1 Mandarin Orange
- 6 oz Blueberries
- 11 oz Blackberries (optional)
- Fresh Mint Sprigs
Tools:
- Bamboo Skewer
- Toothpicks
- Knife
- Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional, for cantaloupe star)
Instructions:
Prepare the Base:
- Wash the pineapple and pear.
- Using a knife, carefully cut a thin slice off the bottom of the pineapple to make it sit flat. You can also trim the sides slightly at an angle to create a more conical shape.
- Push the bamboo skewer vertically through the center of the pineapple, from bottom to top.
- Push the pear onto the exposed top end of the skewer.
Assemble the Tree:
- Place the pineapple with the skewer on a serving platter.
- Using toothpicks, secure them into the pineapple and pear at an angle outwards, creating a base for the fruit “branches.” You can break the toothpicks slightly for better positioning.
Decorate the Tree:
Larger Fruits:
- Wash and hull the strawberries. If desired, cut them in half or thirds for easier placement.
- Start by placing the strawberries on the toothpicks, pointy ends facing outwards, around the base of the pear. Layer rows of strawberries upwards, filling in gaps on the “branches”
- Peel the clementine and separate the segments. Arrange them on the toothpicks.
- Cut the kiwi into slices or wedges and add them to the tree using toothpicks.
Smaller Fruits:
- Wash and pat dry the grapes. Add them to the tree by poking them individually onto toothpicks and attaching them to any remaining spaces on the “branches.”
- Wash the blueberries and scatter them around the base of the tree to cover the serving platter and hide the toothpick ends.
- You can also add blackberries for a more colorful mix, following the same method as the grapes.
Star on Top:
- Cut a star shape out of the top part of the pineapple you sliced earlier. You can use a star-shaped cookie cutter for a perfect design.
- Slide the pineapple star onto the top exposed end of the bamboo skewer.
Finishing Touches:
- Wash the mint sprigs and arrange them around the base of the tree to add a festive touch and freshness.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious and healthy Fruit Christmas Tree!
Tips:
- Use a variety of colorful fruits to make your tree visually appealing.
- Choose fruits that are in season and ripe for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have a bamboo skewer, you can use a long wooden dowel or a sturdy stick.
- Get creative! You can use other fruits like kiwi, mango, or even starfruit slices for decoration.
- For a dipping option, serve your fruit tree with chocolate or yogurt sauce.
