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Here is an easy and innovative idea using squash as bowls. Hollowed out squash are seen used as bowls in many places. However, using a hollowed raw squash limits what can be served inside. Nuts, candy or crackers would absolutely not work. A salsa might, as long as you do not mind the squash flavor. But why not carve out a squash to fit a plastic bowl inside? Squash come in all sorts of colors and sizes, and make lovely displays on a buffet table. With an idea of what you want the end product to look like, select pretty squashes. Things to watch for when selecting are: They be well balanced in shape, They will set level on a flat surface, They are wide and deep enough to hold the container selected. There are plenty of squash varieties to choose from. Keep in mind that if the squash is pretty, but has a point at the bottom like an acorn squash, it can be turned over so the top is now the bottom and it can be used this way. Grocery stores often have a condiment bar or other food to go and small plastic containers with lids, used to take home olives or pickled peppers and such. Some of these containers are perfect sizes for the squash. Some plastic containers have too high or thick a lip at the edge, so think what containers would best set inside the squash. The squash should be the star of the show. The idea is to make the plastic container relatively unnoticeable. Small glass or ceramic containers could also be used. What is best about plastic condiment containers is that lids can be placed on the container once the party is over, so leftovers are easy to remove and store. Begin by tracing around the top of the squash with a marker to define an opening that is smaller than the mouth of your bowl or container. Better to start out too small and widen gradually. Take out the top of the squash and with a large spoon, scrape out all the seeds and strings, leaving it relatively smooth inside. Widen the top edge little by little, using a sharp knife and the spoon to scrape away the flesh. Test the width continually, until the container starts to fit inside. Check which edges are the tightest and work on them. Once the top opening is large enough to slide the container in partway, begin to scrape away the inside flesh of the squash until the container slides snugly inside. If the squash will be kept for some days, use a very mild bleach solution to rinse out the squash to prevent mold from forming. Keep the bleach ratio very low and rinse thoroughly. A too strong bleach aroma will not make your holiday foods tempting. Set out your finished bowls for salsa, guacamole, dips, candies, nuts, or crackers. Keep in mind that with green oasis or Styrofoam, they can be used for flower or other fall or winter arrangements, elevating your presentation to a whole new level. Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope it was informative and helped you along your own culinary journey. Visit my Web site A Harmony of Flavors my Blog at A Harmony of Flavors Blog my Marketplace A Harmony of Flavors Marketplace or Facebook page, A Harmony of Flavors.
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