Ingredients

• 8 Navel oranges (tops sliced off and scooped out)
• 2 cups of assorted diced fruits (your choice)
• More filling suggestions:
• Ambrosia salad
• Canned fruit cocktail (drained) or your preferred canned fruit
• Garnish suggestions: Fresh mint, cinnamon sugar, toasted pumpkin seeds, maraschino cherries, whipped cream, a drizzle of fruit puree, or ice cream topping.
• For savory options, consider using colorful bell peppers in place of oranges.

Instructions

1. Begin by slicing off the tops of the navel oranges. This will create a lovely container for your fruit.
2. Choose any fresh fruits or canned items you prefer for the filling.
3. If using fresh fruits, dice them into small pieces to make them easy to scoop into the cups.
4. Tip: For fruits that brown easily, such as bananas and apples, brush each piece with orange or lemon juice to maintain their vibrant color.
5. Use a serrated knife to remove the pulp from inside the oranges, and then use the back of a teaspoon to scoop it out completely.
6. If you’re opting for savory fillings in bell peppers, slice off the tops and remove the seeds.
7. For your Jack-O-Lantern design, carefully carve out eyes, a nose, and a mouth with a sharp knife. If you’ve chosen larger oranges, feel free to add teeth!
8. Once your cups are carved, fill them with your choice of assorted fruits, and garnish if you like with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Creative Carvings for Fruits and Vegetables

One of the most exciting aspects of crafting these Jack-O-Lanterns is the freedom to fill them with whatever you and your family enjoy! The vibrant colors of fruits and veggies add a festive flair to your holiday gatherings and impress your guests.

Be sure to personalize your cups by choosing fruits and veggies that are favorites among your loved ones, making your table both beautiful and delicious!

Tips and Suggestions for Carving Fruits and Vegetables

• Utilize a serrated knife for carving the faces of your fruit cups.
• Explore carving colorful bell peppers and filling them with chicken, ham, tuna, or egg salad for a savory twist.
• Consider making an ambrosia salad to fill your pumpkin cups for a sweet treat.
• Pat your fruits dry with a paper towel before filling to prevent excess moisture.
• Avoid using frozen fruits as they tend to release too much water.
• Brush apples, pears, or bananas with orange or lemon juice to delay browning.
• Chop or finely dice fruits to ensure they fit comfortably within the size of your fruit cups.

Creative Holiday Food Art Ideas

1. Patriotic Carved Red Apples: Use red, white, and blue fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and watermelon.
2. Christmas: Carve snowflake patterns into a round watermelon and fill red or green pears with colorful fruits like kiwi and strawberries.
3. Easter Green Pears Fruit Cups: Use lighter colors like cantaloupe, peaches, and oranges for a cheerful display.
4. Thanksgiving: Decorate oranges and melons with playful designs, or carve bell peppers for savory salads.
5. Halloween Oranges: Mimic Jack-O-Lanterns using oranges or bell peppers filled with either fruit or savory fillings.
6. St. Patrick’s Day: Cut pears into shamrock shapes or fill green bell peppers with salad fillings.

Fruits and Vegetables Filling Suggestions

1. Green, red, or blue grapes
2. Sliced plums and peaches
3. Fresh pear slices and cherries (pits removed)
4. Firm bananas soaked in lemon juice
5. Watermelon or cantaloupe cubes
6. Pineapple chunks
7. Diced strawberries, mango, or papaya
8. Canned fruit cocktail (drained)
9. Ambrosia salad or pudding with mandarin oranges
10. Chicken salad, egg salad, or ham salad for savory options
11. Cheese cubes or dips served with assorted crackers
12. Bean dip in bell peppers for enjoyable and satisfying fare.