EDIBLE DECORATIONS

Here are some unusual, edible ideas for holiday decorations. Dried fruit slices offer a beautiful variety of texture and color. Edible decorations must be short-term decorations. They will draw moisture from the surrounding air. Some fruits may oxidize and discolor slightly after a week or so, but edible decorations are ideal for parties or other short term uses. Remember always have a good stock of decorations on hand, because they disappear quickly. Edible decorations can be used as tree or wreath decorations, or hung as mobiles. Here are some of our favorite edible decorations:

• Snowballs -- Coconut dipped banana slices. Make these with very ripe bananas. Mash and add coconut. Roll into a ball and dip in more coconut. When dry, use a needle to attach a thread for hanging.

• Pear slices are especially nice to use where light behind them will accentuate their translucency.

• Kumquats are jewels when dried in slices.

• Persimmon slices with the star center are probably the most beautiful of all dried fruits.

• Cranberry Cheese balls (use "Cream Cheese Delights" recipe -- 8 oz. cream cheese and 1/4 c. honey creamed together with 1 cup each chopped nuts and dates). Chill mixture, form into balls and roll in crushed cranberries. Dry until firm. Thread carefully and hang.
  NOTE: These must be handled delicately.

• Fruit leather scrolls, cones and rolls -- strips cut from leathers and formed into various shapes.