Sunday, November 18, 2012

Adorable Thanksgiving Treat

Knock the socks off your Thanksgiving guests with this eye-catching hors d'oeuvre spectacular, an adorable Thanksgiving treat for your table. It's a plater that flatters your culinary talent.
A recipe and food design by our friends at Eating with Food Allergies, this delightful treat is healthy and good for you. It reminds me of my pineapple man decked out... but that's another recipe for another day. You can probably make this just looking at the picture, but here's the so-cute recipe:

Mr. Turkey Platter

Ingredients:

Romaine or leaf lettuce
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
Baby carrots
2 black beans or black olives
1/3 celery stalk
Toothpicks

Directions:

1) Slice the bell peppers crosswise and then cut each circle in half. Cut one 1/2" piece off of one of the red pepper slices and set aside (this will be used for the face). Set aside the bottom part of the peppers for the turkey's body.

2) For the feathers: Cover a platter with the leaves of lettuce. To make the turkey's feathers, start with forming a circle with the cucumber slices towards the bottom of the platter. Above the cucumbers, form a semi-circle with the red peppers, then the yellow peppers, then the green peppers. Place the baby carrots vertically above the last row of peppers.

4) For the Legs: Cut the piece of celery in half lengthwise. On each piece, carefully slice lengthwise from the end of the celery piece to almost the center. Do this twice on each piece. Place the celery in ice water and place in the refrigerator until the ends curl. When curled, nestle the un-curled end under the cucumbers.

3) To make the turkey's body and face: Break two toothpicks in half. Put two of the toothpicks where the eyes will go. Push the black beans onto the toothpick making sure that the toothpick doesn't go all the way through. Cut a triangle out of the leftover bottom from the yellow pepper. 

Attach with a toothpick below the eyes. Attach the reserved red pepper piece to the left of the yellow pepper "beak".

Serve with hummus or other "allergy free" dip. It's yummy with Ranch and Creamy Peppercorn Salad Dressing.

Set three or four dipping options in little bowls. Get small bowls with a snap-on lip like these so it's easy to make ahead and store leftovers. Kitchen Supply Set of 4 6 Ounce Glass Custard Cups With Snap On Lids


Imagine serving a Santa Claus face, Wreath or Christmas Tree platter made with vegetables or fruits. It's a good way to get the big and little kids in the house to eat what's good for 'em.