Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Large firm Strawberries
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup Water
  • 1 large bunch Fresh Mint Leaves
  • 15 Bamboo skewers
  • 0.25 cup Apricot preserves

Instructions:

  1. Wash the strawberries and mint in ice-cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the fruit is not slippery for carving.
  2. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1/2 cup water. Lightly brush or dip berries if needed to maintain color, though strawberries are naturally resistant to rapid browning.
  3. Hold the strawberry at the stem end. Starting about 1/2 inch from the base, make a 45-degree downward cut toward the stem, stopping before cutting through. Use the knife flat to flare the petal outward.
  4. Rotate the berry and repeat the base cuts 4 times. Create a second row of offset petals above the first row.
  5. Make a single vertical slit at the tip of the berry to create the bud center. Insert a bamboo skewer into the stem end.
  6. Melt apricot preserves and strain. Lightly brush the glaze over the carved petals for a high-shine finish.
  7. Slide fresh mint leaves onto the skewer below the strawberry head to mimic floral foliage.