Festive Fruit Ladder Food

FESTIVE FRUIT GELATIN MOLD

Steps:

• Prepare the gelatin mix according to the package instructions, using the seltzer in place of the cold water. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a mandarin followed by a blackberry in the grooves of a 2.1-quart fluted bundt pan. Repeat to form a circle. Pour in just enough of the gelatin to cover the fruit (about 1 1/2 cups). Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours, leaving the remainder of the gelatin mix on the counter.
• Sprinkle the blueberries in an even layer over the firm gelatin. Cover with the remaining mandarin oranges. Top with the remaining blackberries. Pour the remaining gelatin mixture over the fruit. Chill until firm, at least 8 hours and up to overnight.
• When ready to serve, place the gelatin mold in a bowl of warm water for 2 minutes to loosen. Invert onto a circular serving platter. Fill the center of the mold with fresh berries to serve.

FESTIVE FRUIT PLATTER

Steps:

• Whisk limeade and honey until blended.
• Slowly whisk in oil until thick and smooth.
• Dip bananas, apples and pears in mixture.
• Line platter with leaves.
• Arrange red and green grapes, apricot and starfruit in alternating groups in a circle around outside edge of platter.
• Alternate orange slices and more star fruit with apple and pear slices in a smaller circle.
• In the next circle, arrange kiwi, pineapple, bananas and strawberries.
• Sprinkle raspberries over all.

FESTIVE FRUIT SALAD

Steps:

• Drain pineapple and reserve the juice and set the pineapple aside.
• Pour the pineapple juice into a small saucepan, add sugar and flour; then bring to a boil.
• Quickly stir in the lightly beaten egg and cook until thickened.
• Remove dressing from heat and let cool - then refrigerate till using.
• In a large bowl, combine all the fruit and the nuts.
• Pour the dressing over the fruit and blend well.
• Cover and chill for one hour so flavors blend.

FESTIVE FRUIT AND NUT SLICE (BARS)

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a 24cm square cake tin with baking paper.
• Press in the thawed pastry, lifting the edges to form a 1cm rim. Prick the pastry base with a fork all over.
• Scatter the cherries and the almonds evenly over the pastry, Then fill the gaps with sultanas. Set aside.
• Melt the butter and syrup together. Allow to cool.
• Beat in the eggs, vanilla and flouur into the cooled melted butter and syrup mixture.
• Pour this evenly over the pastry base and bake for approx 35 minutes, until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
• When cool, carefully slide onto a board & cut into rectangles.
• If desired decorate with melted chocolate by drizzling in lines over the top.

FESTIVE FRUIT PUNCH

Steps:

• In a punch bowl, mix lemonade, pineapple juice and orange juice and water. Blend well.
• Add ginger ale and ice cubes (and garnishes if you choose) before serving.