Other than the Lady Gaga sighting, my absolute favorite thing about Caroline’s birthday party was the edible art project that we did. This idea actually came to me while I was trying to decide what food to serve, and was thinking about artistic food presentations. Eventually I began pondering the ways that the highest of high end restaurants such as Alinea, The French Laundry and the like make unbelievable food that is simultaneously an incredible work of art. Specifically I started thinking about Alinea’s dessert course where the work of art is created for diners right at their table while they watch in fascination. I thought I might be able to provide the kids some similar materials to make art they could eat.
This worked out amazingly well! I filled squeeze bottles with a variety of sauces including chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, kiwi and mango. The chocolate was homemade chocolate syrup and the blueberry is pureed blueberry sauce. The rest are simply plain fruit, pureed. In addition to the sauces, I thought a powder element would be fun to play with so I bought freeze dried fruit and pulsed it in my food processor until it was ground into dust. This also worked wonderfully! Though not pictured here, another component I provided was an assortment of fresh berries and fruit including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and sliced kiwi. I would have loved to include starfruit slices but couldn’t find it in my stores the day of the party. The beauty of this project is that the possibilities are practically endless!
As an extra special touch, I provided an assortment of edible flowers. Though I sometimes see these in my grocery store near the fresh herbs, they are usually wilted and underwhelming to say the least. I ordered these online from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals and was extremely pleased with the quality and service.
I thought a plain white work surface was the best option, akin to a blank canvas. Paper plates seemed as though they might not be sturdy enough, or worthy of presenting these works of art, so I bought some plain white melamine plates and they worked perfectly.
I had three sets of the various supplies ready to go for the kids and as soon as we set them out, they were off! I was amazed at how into this they were. It was fascinating to watch them get creative with their works of art.
I wish so badly that I had been able to get a photo of every single one before they were consumed but of course, once they were finished, most kids wanted to eat theirs right away. I love the detail in this one. Seriously, future pastry chef right here!
Another favorite of mine. I love the colors and textures in this one. What a beautiful design! Definitely keep this project in mind for something a little different. I would love to do this again!
