Festive Sparkling Fruit and Nut Display
This striking centerpiece is the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Combining an array of vibrantly colored fruits and nuts, it is not only visually stunning but also a delightful treat for your guests. Reminiscing on the simpler days, we once illuminated our display with candlelight; however, now we play it safe with a small nightlight placed underneath the stand, ensuring a festive glow suitable for families with little ones. Notably, you can also toast whole walnuts, threading them with dark thread to mimic charming pine cones, elevating your arrangement to a whole new level. This centerpiece is a delicious conversation starter, offering a beautiful and safe experience for all ages.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red currant jelly
1 (10-ounce jar)
Superfine sugar
4 (cups)
Fresh fruit
varied (not peeled (i.e. apples, oranges, lemons, pears, grapes, cherries, limes))
Whole nuts
varied (walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc.)
Powdered sugar
0.5-1 (cup)
Fresh mint sprig
1 (for garnish)
Parchment paper
as needed (for lining baking sheets)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven at 350°F (175°C) if you plan to toast the nuts. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In one mixing bowl, pour the superfine sugar, while keeping the second bowl ready to catch any excess sugar.
3
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the red currant jelly. Heat it in the microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, then continue heating for another minute until it melts completely. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overheating.
4
Take each piece of fresh fruit and firmly pierce the bottom with a fork, ensuring it is secure. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat each piece of fruit with the melted jelly, reheating it as necessary to keep it liquid.
5
Hold the coated fruit over the bowl of superfine sugar, using a spoon to sprinkle more sugar over the surface until well coated. Transfer the sugared fruit to the parchment-lined baking sheets to dry, allowing them to set for about 45 minutes.
6
For the nuts, drizzle the remaining melted jelly over them and roll the nuts in the second bowl of sugar, shaking off any excess as necessary. Place these on the parchment paper to dry along with the fruit.
7
Once all elements are dried, carefully arrange the fruit and nuts on a pedestal cake stand or platter, creating a visually appealing display. Let your creativity shine as you stack and layer different fruits and nuts for height and variety.
8
Finish by placing fresh mint, parsley, or chosen greenery among the fruits for a pop of color. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the arrangement gives the illusion of freshly fallen snow, making this centerpiece a true holiday masterpiece.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Sparkling Fruit and Nut Display?
It is a striking holiday centerpiece that combines vibrantly colored sugar-coated fruits and nuts for a visually stunning and edible treat.
What fruits are best suited for this display?
You can use a variety of fresh, unpeeled fruits such as apples, oranges, lemons, pears, grapes, cherries, and limes.
How do you create the sparkling effect on the fruit?
The fruit is coated in melted red currant jelly and then rolled in or sprinkled with superfine sugar to create a sparkling appearance.
What type of sugar should be used for the coating?
Superfine sugar is used for the main coating, while powdered sugar is used for a light dusting at the end.
How long should the sugared fruit dry?
The sugared fruit needs to set and dry on parchment paper for approximately 45 minutes.
What is the purpose of the red currant jelly?
Melted red currant jelly acts as an adhesive to help the superfine sugar stick to the fruit and nuts.
How do you melt the red currant jelly?
Place the jelly in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2 minutes, stir, and then heat for another minute until completely melted.
Should the fruit be peeled before starting?
No, the fruit should be left fresh and unpeeled for this display.
How do you handle the fruit while coating it with jelly?
Firmly pierce the bottom of each piece of fruit with a fork to secure it while using a pastry brush to apply the melted jelly.
Can you include nuts in this display?
Yes, whole nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews can be sugar-coated and included in the arrangement.
How do you coat the nuts in sugar?
Drizzle the remaining melted jelly over the nuts and roll them in a bowl of sugar, shaking off any excess.
What is the recommended oven temperature for toasting nuts?
If you choose to toast the nuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How can I make the walnuts look like pine cones?
You can toast whole walnuts and thread them with dark thread to mimic the appearance of charming pine cones.
What should the fruit and nuts dry on?
They should dry on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
How should the finished display be arranged?
Carefully stack and layer the elements on a pedestal cake stand or platter for height and variety.
How do I create a snowy look on the centerpiece?
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the final arrangement gives the illusion of freshly fallen snow.
What greenery is recommended for garnish?
Fresh mint sprigs, parsley, or other chosen greenery can be tucked among the fruits for a pop of color.
How can I safely add a glow to the display?
Place a small nightlight underneath the stand to provide a festive glow that is safe for families with young children.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is noted as being a safe and beautiful experience for all ages, including families with little ones.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: red currant jelly, superfine sugar, fresh fruit, whole nuts, powdered sugar, fresh mint, and parchment paper.
How much superfine sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of superfine sugar.
What size jar of red currant jelly is needed?
A 10-ounce jar of red currant jelly is required.
Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh fruit to ensure the best results and structural integrity.
Is this recipe high in protein?
No, one of the tags identifies this as a low protein recipe.
What equipment is needed to apply the jelly?
A pastry brush is recommended for evenly coating each piece of fruit with the melted jelly.
How do you apply the sugar to the fruit?
Hold the jelly-coated fruit over a bowl and use a spoon to sprinkle superfine sugar over the surface until it is well coated.
What is the purpose of the second bowl during the sugaring process?
The second bowl is used to catch excess sugar while coating the fruit and nuts.
What type of stand is best for this centerpiece?
A pedestal cake stand or a decorative platter is ideal for creating a visually appealing arrangement.
Is the display edible?
Yes, it is described as a delicious conversation starter and a delightful treat for guests.
How much powdered sugar is needed?
You will need between 0.5 to 1 cup of powdered sugar for the final dusting.