Holiday Sparkling Fruit Centerpiece
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 3 minutes
Recipe Yield: 1 Centerpiece
Recipe Category: Low Protein
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Christmas, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 4083.5
- Fat Content: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 85.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 1057.9g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 1003.2g
- Protein Content: 0.4g
Ingredients:
- 1 red currant jelly
- 4 powdered sugar
- Mint sprig
- Parchment paper
- 1/2 – 1 fruit (quantity may vary depending on the size of your centerpiece)
- Whole walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Prepare Sugar Coating: Fill one mixing bowl with superfine sugar. Keep a second bowl nearby to catch excess sugar.
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Melt Jelly: Place the red currant jelly into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave for another minute or until melted, making sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning.
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Coat Fruit with Jelly and Sugar:
- Using a fork, pierce each piece of fruit securely from the bottom.
- With a pastry brush, paint the melted jelly onto each piece of fruit, reheating the jelly as needed to maintain a liquid consistency.
- Hold each freshly painted fruit over the bowl of superfine sugar, and using a spoon, sprinkle sugar over the fruit until it’s evenly coated.
- Use an empty mixing bowl to shake off excess sugar, ensuring the first bowl remains clean. Place the sugared fruit on parchment paper to dry for about 45 minutes.
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Prepare Nuts (Optional):
- If using whole walnuts, lightly coat them with the remaining melted jelly.
- Roll the nuts in the second bowl of sugar, adding more sugar if needed to ensure they’re evenly coated.
- Remove the nuts from the sugar bowl using a fork and allow them to dry alongside the fruit.
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Assemble Centerpiece: Arrange the sugared fruit and nuts on a cake stand or platter, building as high and creatively as desired. Place mint sprigs or other greenery in and around the centerpiece to add a festive touch.
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Add Final Touches: Lightly dust the tops of the fruit and greenery with powdered sugar, mimicking freshly fallen snow for a beautiful holiday presentation.
Recipe Notes:
- Safety Tip: If you have children, consider using a small standing night light set partially under the cake stand to illuminate the centerpiece safely.
- Customization: Get creative with your centerpiece by incorporating different types of fruit and greenery to suit your taste and holiday decor.
- Optional Decoration: For added visual appeal, you can also toast the whole walnuts and thread them onto the centerpiece to resemble pine cones, omitting the jelly and sugar coatings for a more natural look.
- Quantity: The quantity of fruit needed may vary depending on the size of your centerpiece, so adjust accordingly.
- Storage: This centerpiece is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be mindful that the sugar coating may soften over time.
