When I hosted our little “island-themed” dinner party a few weeks ago, I created a palm tree out of a cucumber and a green pepper.  I used it on a platter of hors d’oeuvres.  (I would have used that picture, but it was terrible.  I really have to take some photography lessons.)

My only dilemma was how to make the cucumber stand up without falling over.  I could have put in on a florist frog – if only I had had one.  As I was rummaging through drawers for ideas, I came across some corn-on-the-cob holders, and…voila!  I stuck them around the bottom of the cucumber and then covered them up on the platter with some big hydrangea leaves.

Directions for making the palm tree:

With a sharp paring knife, cut small semi-circular gashes into the skin of the cucumber.  Make the cuts very thin and at least ½ inch long.  Cut both ends of the cucumber so that they’re flat.  Put the cucumber in ice water for a couple hours to allow the cuts to open.

Remove the bottom of the green pepper and remove the cores and seeds.  Cut up into the peppers from the bottom, leaving the tops intact.  Cut the sections to resemble leaves.  Make diagonal cuts along the sides of the leaves.  Put the pepper in ice water with the cucumber.

Attach the “leaves” to the “trunk” with whatever is handy.  I used a couple sewing needles.  Straight pins or toothpicks should work too.

When you’ve got it assembled, celebrate with a Mai Tai!  I did.  Actually two…but who’s counting?

Saucy Sis1