Fruit {Cake} for a Summer Birthday

Ever wondered what to make for someone on a diet for their birthday? Well, wonder no more; I have the answer for you here. One of the sweet ladies in my office (I call her Granny) is on the South Beach Diet and asked me to please not make a cake or cupcakes for her birthday. I'm sorry, what?? But, I'm a pastry chef. It's kinda what I do!

How gorgeous is that??

So, of course, I hit up Pinterest for ideas. Oh man. I was not let down. This idea is so great that I would make it for a summer barbecue, a brunch, or, well, to be an honest, an afternoon snack. If you know a fruit lover you have to make this. I mean it. If you don't, you're just plain mean. It's so easy. At first, I thought, "I don't carve fruit. How do I tackle this watermelon?" Don't even worry. Beginners, don't think it's not for you. If I can do this, you can too.

So sad I missed this white spot! 

You start with a large watermelon, as smooth as you can find, with minimal lumps and bumps. I literally moved every single watermelon that Walmart had in the bin to find the best one from the bunch. Sorry I don't have a step-by-step picture tutorial. I never think about that until after the fact so I'll do my best to explain in words.

First, I cut off each end of the watermelon. Then I turned it to stand up on one end and started carving down each side with a large, sharp knife, turning as I cut, making sure to get as much rind and white off as I could. Then I went back around, carving until I was satisfied with the "cake" shape. Next, I peeled and sliced kiwi and used it for the bottom border. I washed and dried the strawberries, cut them in half, then used them to decorate the top border, securing each one with a toothpick. I used one large, beautiful strawberry for the center of the top of the cake. Granny LOVES butterflies so, with the help of my sweet mama, I hand cut butterfly shapes out of cantaloupe and used a sliver of strawberry for the body, also using a toothpick to secure them to the sides of the cake. I hope that makes sense. I read it out loud to one of my sisters and another sister's boyfriend. :) If you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to ask!

There you have it, folks. A delicious, nutritious treat for a special (or just because) occasion. Hope all you mothers out there have a wonderful Mother's Day! My family and I are currently at the beach and loving life.  Family fun, relaxing at a vacation home on the water....oh yeah! Until next time, happy reading and, more importantly, happy cupcake-ing!

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