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It's easy to make fruit and veg
more inviting for the kids
and you can get creative
at the same time.
Slice off the top and bottom of an orange.
Then cut around the curve of the orange
to remove most of the skin and pith.
Cut a small slice from the top
and then a bigger slice from the other end.
This will form a good shape to start building the cat's head.
Cucumbers are ideal for cutting small shapes to add features.
First, the ears.
Cut a thin slice from the end of the cucumber,
shape into a point,
pierce the orange and insert the cucumber.
Repeat this for the other ear.
For the mouth, cut a small wedge in the cucumber,
then another on either side.
The cat's nose is simply a thin slice from the end of the cucumber.
Eye shapes can be cut out easily with a small pointed knife.
Then add a couple of small dots cut from a red capsicum
to give the cat bright eyes.
Complete the face by cutting a thin strip of cucumber,
then slice along lengthways,
discarding the thin middle strip, to make whiskers.
Make slits in the orange and insert the whiskers.
Now for the body.
Peel another two oranges as before and slice into rounds.
Start to shape the cat,
adding some halved rounds for the tummy.
Cut another thin section from the cucumber
to make a tail shape.
Remember, any leftovers can be saved for salads and sandwiches.
The end of the cucumber
can be cut into a wedge shape for the cat's legs.
A melon baller is easy to use
and it's a great way to add additional colour and texture
to your creation.
The final touch is simple - a radish mouse.
Top and tail the radish,
then cut off a small section lengthways
just so the radish will sit flat.
With another radish, cut two small even rounds.
Make two slits at the narrower end of the radish
and insert the rounds to look like ears.
Finally, shape and cut a long thin strip from your cucumber.
Make a small hole at the end of the radish
and insert the cucumber tail.
What a fantastic healthy platter.
Your kids will love it.