A SQUASH MASTERPIECE

A SQUASH MASTERPIECE
A shower of roses on a bed of leaves. Here is the subject of a “painting” made with different types of squash carved with skill. An idea for refined catering

The colourful effect of this carving is achieved by choosing different qualities of squash, an “odd” vegetable with a hard skin that is excellent for modelling and shaping. Choose different types of squash like the Mini Kawaii Lady, Delica, and Iron Cup, with pulp and peel having different shades of colours. Avoid squash that has small holes that might allow bacteria to enter and make them get mouldy.

INSTRUCTIONS

First of all wash the squash very well with fresh running water, rubbing off any soil residues. It’s best to create flowers of different sizes. To make the little roses, cut the squash into wedges and with a smooth blade engrave a few discs of pulp of the desired diameter, sinking the blade at least 2 cm. For the corolla, use an appropriately sized corer and make four semicircular cuts around the disc. Continue with these types of cuts towards the inside of the circle and remove the excess part. Repeat the operation. The previously cut peels must be shaped like leaves, some with smooth edges and others with serrated edges. For this type of notch use a smooth knife and serrate the edge with V cuts, then remove the excess part. Continue in this way on the two sides of the leaf. Once the jagged cut is finished, slice it with a knife horizontal to the axis of the leaf to get more leaves with different colours. With a corer, first cut the central vein, then proceed with other small incisions from the outside to the inside. Once this procedure is completed you will have leaves complete with veins.

ASSEMBLY

Place a bed of leaves of Ficus benjamina on a platter that recalls the frame of a painting. Lay the carvings, carefully interweaving the different colours of the flowers. Complete the work with small sprigs of rosemary. Sprinkle with a solution of water and lemon to keep the squash fresh for a longer period of time.

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