Tropical Fruit Party Skewers Recipes

SHOWY BUT SIMPLE FRUIT KABOBS - PERFECT FOR A PARTY

Steps:

• If you're starting with a whole watermelon, cut it in half. Cut tip to tip, so that if you turn your half upside down, the tips are barely noticeable at each end. Choose to work with the half that looks the best when you turn it over.
• Using a melon baller, scoop out all of the watermelon into nice bite sized balls, place them on a platter as you go. When you can't make any more balls, scrape the remainder of the watermelon out using a spoon until you have an empty shell (all white), and set the shell aside to let it dry out.
• Once the shell is dried out a bit you will turn the shell over onto a platter, so the cut side is down and you've got a nice half round base to work with. Using a paring knife, cut small X marks or poke holes in rows as you choose across the outside of the melon shell. Space the holes about 2" apart.
• Cut the rest of your fruit into bite sized pieces. You may also choose to use the melon baller on the cantaloupe.
• Once all the fruit is cut up, you can start assembling the fruit onto skewers following any pattern you like. The grapes and berries can act as cute stoppers in between larger pieces of fruit. You may also choose to place a piece of fresh mint here and there. Leave about 3" empty on the bottom of each skewer.
• As you finish each skewer poke the bottom into one of the pre-made holes or x's on your watermelon shell. Before long you'll have the entire melon filled up and looking a bit porcupine-ish. If you need to prepare a little in advance, make the skewers and base and then keep them chilled. Poke the skewers into place once you're ready to serve.

FRUITY FUN SKEWERS

Steps:

• Thread the strawberries, cantaloupe, banana and apple pieces alternately onto skewers, placing at least 2 pieces of fruit on each skewer. Arrange the fruit skewers decoratively on a serving platter.

TROPICAL FRUIT KEBABS

Steps:

• 1. Soak eight 8-inch bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Heat a grill to medium low.
• 2. Place butter in a small skillet. Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds onto butter and mash with back a spoon. Add scraped pod and melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and set aside to steep.
• 3. Heat cream of coconut and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in lime zest. Set aside.
• 4. Cut mango and papaya into 2-inch chunks and alternately thread onto skewers. Brush lightly with vanilla butter and grill until fruit is lightly charred, turning as needed, about 5 minutes per side. Serve with chocolate sauce.