|
Use a cookie cutter to cut vegetables and fruits into hearts (photo © Boursin).
[2] Look for red or purple fruits and veggies (photo of red Belgian endive © Melissa’s Produce).
[3] Cauliflower florets in “passion” purple also belong on a Valentine cheese board. Also look for purple asparagus, bell peppers and green beans (photo © Sid Wainer | Facebook).
|
|
Here’s an easy and fun snack for Valentine’s Day.
While our go-to with cheese was Valley Lahvosh Cracker Hearts, they’ve become harder and harder to find.
An aha! moment came when we saw this crudités presentation from Boursin:
To spread soft cheeses like Boursin atop the vegetables and fruits.
As Valentine accents on a cheese plate.
Or, substitute your favorite dip for the cheese.
FRUITS & VEGGIES TO CARVE
If you have both small and large heart-shaped cookie cutters, so much the better. Cut up:
Apples (red skins)
Beets (orange, red, yellow)
Bell peppers (orange, red, yellow)
Cucumber
Daikon
Pears (especially red-skinned, like Anjou)
Purple potatoes, cooked to a slicing consistency
Watermelon
Watermelon radishes or other large radishes
What about the cores of pears and apples?
It’s easy to use a coring tool.
Or, like olive pits, simply eat around them and place the cores in a bowl.
NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO BE CUT INTO HEARTS
Some items can simply be scattered, such as:
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Purple cauliflower florets (photo #3)
Red berries
Red cerignola olives
Red endive (photo #2)
The leaves of red endive, by the way, are excellent “boats” to fill with:
Flavored cream cheese or pimento cheese.
Other spreadable cheeses.
Chicken, crab, egg or tuna salad.
BEYOND VALENTINE’S DAY
The idea also works for other “loving” occasions, such as anniversaries, bridal showers and Mother’s Day.
|
